1. Reach out to a faculty member that you have a good relationship with and whose research aligns with your proposed project (think about faculty you have had for Byrne Seminars, Honors Seminars, or a course for your major or minor). If you do not have a faculty member in mind, search through departmental websites for faculty whose research aligns with your project.
2. Write them a professional introductory email with specific details about your research project and ask them if they would be interested in meeting with you about your project.
3. Meet with your potential advisor and have a clear goal for the conversation. Plan to discuss the goals of your project, the size of your proposed team, the support you would like from them, and the time commitment. Provide them information on IRT including this link that details faculty participation in the program.
4. In the meeting, ask the faculty member for advice on the project proposal, if they have suggestions for further readings or additional resources to consult, if they have ideas about methods or ways to shape the research project, etc.
5. Ask if they are willing to meet with you again and if they have any interest in advising your project. If they are not, thank them for their time and reach out to
another faculty member. If they are, provide them with the draft of your proposal and let them know you will be submitting their name on your application.