Undergraduate students choose to get involved in research for various reasons.
The more serious students pursue a research project because they have been inspired by a professor who demonstrates exceptional teaching skill in the classroom. These students recognize the potential for further educational experiences with this professor on an individual basis in the re- search laboratory. Prior to beginning their research project, students often expect that doing research will be identical to a laboratory connected to a course. They become aware of new career paths, which tend to focus their career goals more clearly.