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How should I go about joining a research group or project?

I'm about to go into my sophomore year at Penn State's main campus as a declared Computer Engineer and I really want to start researching; I also am obtaining a minor in Quantum Information Science and Engineering.
I am most interested in the hardware side of computer engineering and want to learn more about photonics and its applicability to circuitry. Seeing as there are no professors researching that here, how should I go about starting a project for that or finding someone else who is interested?

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Daniel’s Answer

Great question, and a great way to take advantage of your time in school to really dive into research. Definitely make your interests known to any and all of your professors. Large universities like Penn State have a "publish or perish" policy with their faculty - either you are researching and publishing articles or you're looking for a new job - so professors are always looking for a new research opportunity. There may be someone who wants to get involved in photonics and just doesn't have the time, or is looking for help with the basic "grunt work" to get started. Offering to help research or write a grant request may be just what you need to get in the door. You should check in with the Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering Dean's Office as well. They'll have insights into what's coming down the road and can point you in the right direction. There are branches of the Navy Research Lab, and Advanced Research Lab on campus as well. Much of their work is classified, so there will be less opportunities for undergrad research, but rolling the dice and asking never hurts. Lastly, Penn State has a very large alumni association, spread out across the country and around the world. If there are particular companies that are doing photonics, or related work, use the alumni association (or LinkedIn) to find PSU alumni there and reach out. Remote work, internships, and co-ops are always a possibility, and a great way to get started as well. Good luck on your quest! The world needs more engineers, and more research.
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Avinash’s Answer

Hey! It’s awesome that you’re starting research in your sophomore year. That major/minor combo is fantastic. >
Here is a quick strategy to find a group:

Look in the Electrical Engineering (EE) & Physics Departments: Photonics and advanced circuitry are usually housed under EE or Physics rather than Computer Engineering. Check out Penn State's Materials Research Institute (MRI)—they do heavy work in quantum materials and optics.

Send "Cold" Emails: Find 3–4 professors whose work looks interesting. Send them a short email introducing yourself, mentioning your major/minor, and asking for a 15-minute meeting to discuss their research and any open spots for undergraduate helpers.

Apply for Summer REUs: If you can't find your exact photonics niche on campus, search for NSF REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) programs. These are funded summer research internships at universities across the US.

Visit the URO: Drop by Penn State’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO) office. They can help connect you with faculty or guide you on how to pitch an independent project.

Start by looking at the Penn State EE faculty list this week—you'll definitely find some great overlap there!
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