Asking to be published?

[TexasFight]

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This summer I landed a golden opportunity to volunteer in a clinical research lab that's been great at cranking out publications. I started working near the end of June but I will go back to school at the end of August. The thing is, when I started in the lab I explicitly stated I was not interested in getting published, and I just wanted to get some research experience (it's a pretty cool lab so it was worth it). However, since they publish something in what seems like every 3 - 4 months, would it be appropriate to ask to be an author on the project I've been helping out with? Here is why I am apprehensive about asking:

1. I stated I didn't want a publication.
2. I would be there for only half of the project.
3. I was working less than part time (~12-16 hours/week)
4. The work I was doing dealt with processing data, not actually writing anything or coming up with ideas

However I feel like I can't let this slip though my hands. In my defense, their publication would probably be pushed back a month if I didn't process their mountains of data.

I also don't know how I would even ask to be published. How does one go about doing something like that?

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[schrizto]

Why did you state you didn't want a publication? You clearly want one, and now you've made it harder for yourself and made yourself look like a big hypocrite.

 

[DendWrite]

I'd be like, hey...is there any additional work I could do on this project that might merit a co-authorship or an author's credit? You could take the whole line that "when I started this summer I didn't know how much I'd enjoy this job but now it's fascinating blah blah blah."

Here's the thing though...if you are just processing data, it might be problematic. If it's brought up in an interview, what are you going to say your contribution was to the project? I'm not trying to downplay data processing...it's an important part of any project. But it will be much less impressive to an adcom than actually participating in the study design / brainstorming / execution phase would. See if you can get more involved in the project. Also it would be helpful to find out if previous undergrads have gotten authorships for data processing.

Keep in mind that getting your name on a paper is only one part of the equation. Yeah, it looks good, but what did you learn from the experience? It looks much better if you can discuss it and it's clear that it's benefited you as a student and a scientist. Just being on the paper is only worth so much (in a lot of cases, a lot less than many people believe).

 

[TexasFight]

Why did you state you didn't want a publication? You clearly want one, and now you've made it harder for yourself and made yourself look like a big hypocrite.

I honestly didn't think I would be in a situation where I did as much work as I did. I thought I was going to just observe the trials.

I'd be like, hey...is there any additional work I could do on this project that might merit a co-authorship or an author's credit? You could take the whole line that "when I started this summer I didn't know how much I'd enjoy this job but now it's fascinating blah blah blah."

Here's the thing though...if you are just processing data, it might be problematic. If it's brought up in an interview, what are you going to say your contribution was to the project? I'm not trying to downplay data processing...it's an important part of any project. But it will be much less impressive to an adcom than actually participating in the study design / brainstorming / execution phase would. See if you can get more involved in the project. Also it would be helpful to find out if previous undergrads have gotten authorships for data processing.

I left out that I helped record data during the trials with the patients (it was in a brain imaging lab, so I would be running the computer under the supervision of doctor). I also know that most of the previous undergrads that rotated through have gotten published in this lab, but I'm not sure what they did (they could have designed something or just did processing). But I think the "can I do more work for credit" line would be great. Thanks!

 

[DendWrite]

That definitely sounds better than just crunching numbers (a task I am all too familiar with!) I'd definitely push for a publication then...and it sounds like you could also get a sweet LOR out of it too. Just be tactful, try not to come across as "I deserve this publication," but I think in most cases PI's will reward initiative and enthusiasm if you express your desire to get involved. Good luck.

 

[Disinence2]

If you didn't do the writing, and weren't involved in the design I don't think you deserve an authorship. Each Lab/School usually has some criteria to be listed as an author and they usually require that you actually wrote at least part of the paper. Doing some number crunching, or getting the results is a critical part of the research but doesn't warrant authorship.

If you do ask, and they say no, Then I'd be hesitant to ask this PI for a letter later on.

Just my opinion...

 

[TexasTriathlete]

For the project I'm on this summer, I asked the PI what it would take for me to get on the publication(s) that result from our data. He told me that I had to makeit where he couldn't do without me. So that's what I've done. I keep everything organized, I work many extra hours, I do my job well, and I handle all the little things that the PI doesn't really have time for. And I'm going to get my name on a publication or two that will be in a pretty big medical journal. Not sure which one yet, but I have my guesses.