Quote Originally Posted by Faulty View Post
I am romantically interested. She seems like a shy person so I don't want to just be like HEY LETS GO OUT after our first time spending time together... Maybe I'm wrong?
Find common interests and invite her to things not involving thesis papers. Compliment her in unexpected ways. Initiate some subtle touches to the shoulder/arm/hand region if she seems open enough.

If her friendliness increases, ask her out. If that fails, go for the old stand-by...

"Wow. I love your skirt. It'd look great dangling from the ceiling fan in my bedroom."

That line's always worked on me, after all.