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[kepler16b]

If you like the work and find the lab to be supportive and fruitful, I'd suggest staying. Not all PI's are so enthusiastic about supporting independent projects for young undergrads.

It doesn't matter at all that your research is in a different field from your major.

 

[Lucca]

PI relationship > enjoying the work >>>>>>> everything else

 

[nonamesleft]

Hi, I’m a 2nd year molecular biology major who is interested in pursuing an MD/PhD, likely in something related to molecular biology. I joined a synthetic chemistry lab about five months ago — at the time, I wasn’t sure if I liked chemistry or biology better. I genuinely like the work I do, but I know that my heart is probably more toward molecular biology than chemistry. That being said, I’m still interested in my project and have no reason to leave the lab.

Would the fact that my undergraduate research experience is in a different field from my major (chemistry vs molbio) be a detriment to my application? I’m just worried that this discrepancy would be a big red flag on my application.

My reasons for wanting so stay in the chemistry lab include the fact that my PI is really supportive and wants to give me more independent projects. I’ve also noticed that undergraduates from my lab tend to be successful, although most of them are chemistry majors. I’m also worried that if I switch labs, my new PI might put me to do menial work without the chance for independent projects.

If it matters, I have very high marks in my major (molbio) coursework. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

I was a biochem major in a materials chem lab. It actually helped for the PhD part of my MD/PhD ( and I think for MD/PhD interviews) because I had research experience in things non-bio.