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[deleted802724]

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[caffeinemia]

Hi all so I have been in a biology lab for a year by now, but im considering if I should just switch lab or confront(?) my lab professor. Basically, the story is that I have been doing only labeling tubes as well as cleaning equipments/lab room even though I have been in this lab for a year now. Everyone else has started on some kind of pindependent project or some project where they are mentored by the grad student. And I feel a little humiliated because I thought if I wait, I’ll be assigned a project in the end. Is it because I lack prior research experience? Should I ask my professor to give me a project? <- is that too pretentious? My time commitment to the lab isn’t an issue since I commit more time than any other undergrads. Should I switch into another lab? Thank you

There's a way to do this diplomatically and probably more productive... you shouldn't think of it as "confronting," but rather approach him/her for a chance to show more initiative and take on greater academic responsibility -- ie an independent project.

 

[Goro]

Right now you're just slave labor. Ask the PI for a project, and if that doesn't work, then it's OK for you to find a new lab.

Hi all so I have been in a biology lab for a year by now, but im considering if I should just switch lab or confront(?) my lab professor. Basically, the story is that I have been doing only labeling tubes as well as cleaning equipments/lab room even though I have been in this lab for a year now. Everyone else has started on some kind of pindependent project or some project where they are mentored by the grad student. And I feel a little humiliated because I thought if I wait, I’ll be assigned a project in the end. Is it because I lack prior research experience? Should I ask my professor to give me a project? <- is that too pretentious? My time commitment to the lab isn’t an issue since I commit more time than any other undergrads. Should I switch into another lab? Thank you

 

[PatchA]

Yeah- you need to ask for a project. Maybe your PI thinks all you want to do is label tubes and throw the research experience on your MS app. Sit down with them and let them know you want to be participating more actively and would like to have your own project. If this is a no-go, switch labs! This is not a big deal. I worked in 3 different labs, while in undergrad, until I found one where I was a good fit and interested enough to do my thesis there. Passion makes a big difference, both to your performance and to how engaging you are in discussing your research (**med school interviews**). Either way- learn to advocate for what you want, not just get quietly frustrated that your PI hasn't bestowed a project upon you.

 

[Nomtastic]

Just ask the PI for an independent project...maybe they're just waiting for you to take initiative. Maybe others in your lab got projects because they advocated for themselves.