An introduction to the basic concepts and tools needed to evaluate and conduct research. It sets the stage for the research lifecycle and teaches students what they need to know and do before embarking on research endeavors. Students will engage in the early stages of the research process and navigate the consumption and analysis of primary literature while working on interdisciplinary teams. They will undergo the iterative process of identifying gaps in the literature and think creatively about how a team of undergraduates could contribute to solving the world's grand challenges while recognizing constraints such as feasibility, timelines, budgets, novelty, and more. Students will learn skills for collaboration and navigating interdisciplinary teams and together will author and communicate components of a preliminary research proposal.