Mohammad Abdul Halim
Assistant Professor
Kennesaw State University
1. Read the papers of renowned researchers in the field you wish to work in.
Take notes and keep references while reading the papers. Reading without taking notes is like watering a field without building a dam to retain the water. If you’re unable to download a particular paper, politely write to the author requesting a copy. Also make sure to gain a deep understanding of topics relevant to your work. Read and reflect. Do one kilogram of reading but ten kilograms of thinking. Discuss research topics regularly with your supervisor.
2. Write your project proposal, including references, before you begin the actual work.
Use reference management software. Literature reviews and proposals will make your work easier. Show your proposal to your supervisor and seek their suggestions. Also discuss your work with any seniors in your lab.
3. Start your lab work on a limited scale at first.
Repeat your experiments. Spend adequate time in the lab. Think of simpler or alternative methods for your work. If your lab lacks chemicals or reagents, reach out to other labs. Discuss your problems with others. Don’t rush your research. Don’t focus on publishing a paper quickly with a small amount of data. Rushing increases the likelihood of making mistakes—this is proven. Enrich your work in various ways. Critique your own work. Continuously add new ideas. Complete your tasks yourself. Compare your work with papers published in reputable journals.
4. If all characterizations cannot be done in your department or lab,
contact the Atomic Energy Commission, BCSIR, the Advanced Research Center at the University of Dhaka, and the Wazed Miah Science Research Center at Jahangirnagar. Involve them in your project. If it’s not possible to conduct a particular characterization anywhere in the country, write to foreign researchers. You can start collaborating with them while still based in the country. In this case, consider reaching out to researchers in India, China, Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries.
5. After data collection, hold a seminar in your lab or department.
Present your work. Seek suggestions from colleagues. If you and your supervisor agree, begin writing the research paper. Present your work in simple and clear language, using short sentences. Revise 3-5 times before submitting to a journal. Give serious consideration to your supervisor’s comments and revisions. Try to publish your research in good quality journals. Present your work at various conferences.
6. Don’t just focus on your own work in the lab.
Continue to assist new researchers. You’ll notice your understanding will deepen in both familiar and unfamiliar areas. Wish for everyone’s well-being. Consider how research in the country can be advanced and improved.
7. Despite all obstacles, share the ways you’ve overcome challenges to continue your research in Bangladesh and thereby inspire our youth.
Note: Collected from Facebook:——–
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15fa7ccFbC
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