Tutor:
Before we start, Jimmy and Kathy, thanks for coming in today to talk about your current research paper!
Tutor:
Well, I will also give you some suggestions for your future presentation later.
Tutor:
Okay, I have read the introductory chapter, and so far I like where you’re going with your research, you two.
Kathy:
Thanks! What did you think of the procedure section?
Tutor:
I haven’t gotten there yet. I will get to that and the results and discussion section in a bit.
Jimmy:
Oh. If you haven’t read the rest, are you just saying you like the introduction?
Tutor:
No - the layout is really well done. You have each section clearly marked and have the header and footer perfectly formatted, and your title page is right on the money.
Tutor:
A lot of students have trouble with that one.
Jimmy:
To be honest, we did refer a lot to the example we received in class.
Tutor:
That’s good to do for spacing and layout, as long as you’re not also copying the information.
Tutor:
The background information is a little spare, though. You may want to add it.
Kathy:
You think so? I was more worried about whether I had enough data.
Tutor:
You definitely need more background information. I would think about finding some more online articles or doing more research in the campus library.
Jimmy:
That’s a good idea - we can go tomorrow. I find it too tough finding the subject matter in the online journal database.
Tutor:
I also like being able to flip through the physical journal as opposed to trying to scroll down on a computer.
Kathy:
Me too. Oh, I almost forgot. I’ve included all of my citations in the abstract, but could you help me with the bibliography?
Kathy:
I should be using a bibliography, right? Not an appendix?
Tutor:
Sure, I can help with that. Yes - for this type of scientific research paper, list all sources that you cite in the body of your paper in a bibliography.
Tutor:
Go to the website I gave you last time to see the exact way to list each source.
Kathy:
Okay, thanks. I’ll do that. We still have a lot of things to fix up.
Tutor:
Yeah, but there’s a lot of good stuff here to work with. So enough about the paper, how is the presentation going?
Kathy:
Well, it’s alright. I am going to go try out the new presentation software while Jimmy’s working on the bibliography.
Jimmy:
Yeah, we are going to make an animation of an actual pump but still have a lot to learn about how to do that.
Kathy:
Who would have thought before we started this project that we would be able to recreate the motion of a pump? This stuff is just so interesting.
Tutor:
So glad to hear it!
Jimmy:
Yeah, I am glad I took engineering this semester. I would definitely like to keep up with it.
Tutor:
You know, there’s an organization called the Machine Engineering Society. You should look into joining it.
Tutor:
You would need to score well in your engineering class to qualify, but I think you can do it.
Kathy:
Hm, interesting. I will definitely check it out.
Kathy:
I would really like to get in contact with some professionals in the engineering field to find out more.
Kathy:
I don’t really know anyone in the field now, though.
Jimmy:
I think if you keep meeting people in your classes and professors you’ll be able to get in contact with some really helpful people.
Tutor:
Well said, Jimmy. If engineering pumps is something you both are specifically interested in, make sure you stay up to date on new developments.
Tutor:
In fact, you could visit the local water treatment facility periodically to see what new developments are going on.
Kathy:
Hm, that may be a good way to get some practical experience.
Tutor:
Well, I don’t think they would let you handle any equipment by just visiting the facility.
Tutor:
If you really want to get your hands dirty, so to speak, I would recommend instead seeking a summer internship.
Kathy:
Wow, you have so many helpful suggestions for getting a leg up.
Kathy:
Now if only you could tell me how to get my work published!
Jimmy:
Haha, wouldn’t that be nice.
Tutor:
Well, honestly, all you really need to do is once you have a dissertation, present it.
Tutor:
Present it often and to many audiences, and once you get feedback, adjust it. I’ll get published one day.
Kathy:
Wow, this meeting has been truly inspiring. Thanks for your help!
