A University of Michigan Professor Answers Your Questions About Research
Key Points:
Research is driven by strong questions and critical thinking, not by having a perfect topic from the start.
Artificial intelligence can support research when used thoughtfully, but it cannot replace human judgment or original insight.
Interdisciplinary learning strengthens research by helping students understand context, ethics, and real-world impact.
The strongest research projects begin with broad curiosity and are refined through exploration and focus.
Expert mentorship helps students turn early interests into structured, publication-ready academic work.
Research is often viewed as something reserved for graduate students or professional academics, but in reality, meaningful research begins much earlier. At its core, research is about curiosity, critical thinking, and learning how to explore questions in a structured and intentional way. For high school and early college students, research offers a powerful opportunity to move beyond coursework and begin engaging deeply with ideas that matter to them personally and academically.
In a past Scholar Launch webinar, Dr. Ekotto, a professor at the University of Michigan and Faculty Advisor at Scholar Launch, shared her perspective on how students can approach research thoughtfully and with purpose. Drawing on decades of experience as a researcher and mentor, she discussed how students develop strong research questions, how interdisciplinary thinking strengthens academic work, and how guided mentorship helps turn early interests into polished, publishable scholarship.
What do professors think about using AI in research?
Artificial intelligence is now a permanent part of the academic landscape, and Dr. Ekotto believes students should learn how to engage with it responsibly rather than avoid it altogether. She explains that AI can be useful during the early stages of research, particularly for gathering background information, exploring unfamiliar concepts, or helping students orient themselves within a new subject area. When used carefully, it can support learning and efficiency.
At the same time, Dr. Ekotto emphasizes that AI cannot replace the intellectual work that defines strong research. Research depends on asking meaningful questions, evaluating sources critically, and forming original interpretations. Without those skills, AI tends to produce surface level answers that lack insight or depth.
In her work with students, she focuses first on developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Students learn how to articulate questions clearly, assess the reliability of sources, and decide what information actually matters. Once those foundations are in place, AI becomes a tool that supports thinking rather than shortcuts it. In this sense, AI reinforces an essential lesson about research: the quality of the work depends on the quality of the thinking behind it.
Should STEM students study social science or humanities?
Dr. Ekotto strongly encourages STEM students to engage with social sciences and humanities as part of their academic development. She explains that many of today’s most complex challenges, from artificial intelligence to environmental sustainability, cannot be understood through technical expertise alone. These issues also require ethical reasoning, historical awareness, and an understanding of human behavior.
Courses in philosophy, literature, history, and social science teach students how to analyze ideas, consider broader implications, and question assumptions. These skills strengthen STEM research by helping students think more holistically about their work and its impact on society. Dr. Ekotto notes that interdisciplinary thinking also improves communication, enabling students to explain complex ideas more clearly and persuasively.
For students interested in fields like engineering, data science, medicine, or technology, exposure to the humanities and social sciences provides critical context. It helps them become researchers who not only solve technical problems, but also understand why those solutions matter and how they affect people and communities.
How should students decide what to research, especially if they feel unsure?
One of the most common misconceptions about research is that students need to begin with a fully formed topic. Dr. Ekotto reassures students that uncertainty is not a weakness, but a natural and productive part of the research process. Most strong research projects start with broad curiosity rather than a narrow question.
Her approach encourages students to explore widely at first. Reading across disciplines, engaging with real world issues, and examining primary sources help students understand the many dimensions of a topic. Over time, with guidance, those broad interests are refined into focused and researchable questions that can be explored in depth.
Dr. Ekotto emphasizes that good research is not about choosing what sounds impressive or advanced. It is about identifying a question the student genuinely wants to understand and learning how to investigate it rigorously. The process of narrowing and refining ideas is where students develop the critical thinking skills that define successful scholars.
How does Dr. Ekotto view her role as a Faculty Advisor at Scholar Launch?
Dr. Ekotto describes her role as a guide rather than a director. As a Faculty Advisor at Scholar Launch, she works closely with students to help them understand their interests, learn academic research methods, and develop original ideas. Rather than assigning topics, she helps students discover what truly fits them and how to approach their work with clarity and purpose.
With the right structure and resources, she believes students are capable of producing research that meets academic standards and, in many cases, is ready for publication. Her mentorship focuses on teaching students how to think like researchers by asking strong questions, evaluating evidence carefully, and communicating ideas clearly.
This approach mirrors how research functions at the university level. Students are not given answers. They are taught how to explore uncertainty, refine their thinking, and contribute original perspectives. Through guided mentorship, students learn how to move from curiosity to meaningful academic contribution.
How Scholar Launch Supports Student Researchers
Scholar Launch provides individualized research mentorship guided by experienced faculty advisors like Dr. Ekotto. Students receive structured support in developing research questions, conducting academic inquiry, and producing polished scholarly work. For students who are curious, motivated, and ready to explore their interests more deeply, Scholar Launch offers the guidance and resources needed to do so intentionally and rigorously.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your student.
