Asking PI for Rec Letter for Summer Research Internship

[binderpaper]

I've been working in a research lab on campus for a little under a year (8 hrs a week). I plan on continuing to work there for 2 more years until I graduate, and I try to show the grad student/PI that I am appreciative of the opportunity. There is another summer research program I have been eyeing since I was in high school, as the topic of research is very near and dear to me. I need 2 rec letters for it. Should i ask my PI for one, as he would best be able to describe my work in a lab setting? I would only be doing this program for the summer and then committing fully to the on campus lab during the following school year. Is it weird to ask or no?? I don't want him to think I'm uncommitted or will do anything to add things to my resume.

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[Podstar]

Yes, ask him.

 

[21Rush12]

You're working in his lab, not marrying him.

Ask for the letter and if he asks explain to him what you said to us. Totally reasonable.


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[DameJulie]

You're working in his lab, not marrying him.

This reminds me of PIs who see his/her lab members more than his/her spouses.

 

[PurpleCow2016]

I've been working in a research lab on campus for a little under a year (8 hrs a week). I plan on continuing to work there for 2 more years until I graduate, and I try to show the grad student/PI that I am appreciative of the opportunity. There is another summer research program I have been eyeing since I was in high school, as the topic of research is very near and dear to me. I need 2 rec letters for it. Should i ask my PI for one, as he would best be able to describe my work in a lab setting? I would only be doing this program for the summer and then committing fully to the on campus lab during the following school year. Is it weird to ask or no?? I don't want him to think I'm uncommitted or will do anything to add things to my resume.

Yes, ask him! I also worked in the same lab all through undergrad but also applied for outside opportunities. I was a bit worried that my PI would want me to stay on campus for my summer, but he was super supportive by writing me a letter and said getting experience elsewhere would be valuable. I bet yours will be equally as supportive!