Creating and maintaining a research agenda

- At most colleges and universities, your single biggest…expected contribution will be in the area of research.…You'll be expected to conduct quality research projects…that bring money, prestige, and publications…to your institution.…It's in your best interest to establish a research agenda…early in your career and dedicate a large percentage…of your time to it.…Make sure you're passionate about what you're researching…because you'll be spending long hours…examining the topic, making changes to experiments,…and revising research protocols.…

If you aren't passionate, it's hard to put in those hours.…I recommend you establish a plan to ensure…the time you need to conduct your research…is not stolen by other activities.…You will have time scheduled for office hours,…departmental meetings, class, and other activities.…Schedule time for your research and vow…not to let that time get shifted or interrupted.…Your research plan can be one year or as long as five years.…Regardless of the plan's length, create a matrix, chart,…