Changing Research Labs/Focus?

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I've done some searching throughout the other threads on this forum and through Google but I can't quite seem to find a solid bit of advice on this one.

I've been conducting undergraduate research at my university in Bioinformatics (I'm a sophomore credit wise but a second semester freshman term wise) For those of you familiar with the field, it isn't really hands on lab experience (it's mostly writing code). I’ve participated in the research for a brief time (2 months, albeit over winter break not much was done in the way of research), and while it is a topic sufficiently interesting to me, and I have certainly learned a vast amount through it, Bioinformatics isn’t quite the research I am passionate about, although I do very much enjoy the various components that comprise it (Evolutionary biology, statistics, sequence analysis).

While I do truly love research and the resulting knowledge it contains therein, my present research is largely computer based. While this is not an issue, I’d love to get a more hands on view of research at an undergraduate level, even if that means I’m pipetting for what may be weeks on end. I recognise that leaving a lab shines negatively upon me, but I don't wish to be trapped in research I'm not truly 100% passionate about.

Presently, I'm at a loss for what to do. Any advice that can be shed on this topic is greatly appreciated.

 

[nemo123]

I think that's fine. I used to jump around labs a lot, and it didn't look like I had much of a focus. The reason I jumped around fields a lot is because they're all interdisciplinary, and I wanted to learn as much about a certain field as possible (and their techniques) so that I could have a comprehensive background. It has helped because I have been able to transfer some of the skills and techniques I've learned from different fields and use them in my newer research experiences.

 

[DrEnderW]

I don't think it's an issue if you leave in a respectable way. If the semester has started and you are expected to work there, I'd finish up this upcoming semester while looking for a new spot for the summer/next year. If you really want to get out and it won't leave the lab in a tough spot, you could consider doing it earlier. Just be respectful and grateful for the experience you did have when talking with the professor.

I worked in 3 different labs prior to med school and those experiences have been received very positively.

 

[Lucca]

I'm not speaking from a position of authority here but I think as a freshman no one expects you to commit to one field 100%. Considering your considering going into medicine where a lot of the research is more biologically based rather than computationally based I think it makes perfect sense. Also, remember that a lot of applicants will have no research experience whatsoever.

 

[Boolean]

I don't think it's an issue if you leave in a respectable way. If the semester has started and you are expected to work there, I'd finish up this upcoming semester while looking for a new spot for the summer/next year. If you really want to get out and it won't leave the lab in a tough spot, you could consider doing it earlier. Just be respectful and grateful for the experience you did have when talking with the professor.

I worked in 3 different labs prior to med school and those experiences have been received very positively.

It's the first week of the semester. I don't know if it would be too unreasonable or not to leave the current lab I'm in during this time.

I'm not speaking from a position of authority here but I think as a freshman no one expects you to commit to one field 100%. Considering your considering going into medicine where a lot of the research is more biologically based rather than computationally based I think it makes perfect sense. Also, remember that a lot of applicants will have no research experience whatsoever.

That's a good point. I'm still worried about making a negative impression, I suppose. But I feel it is for the best.

 

[DrEnderW]

It's the first week of the semester. I don't know if it would be too unreasonable or not to leave the current lab I'm in during this time.

If I were you, since you're so early in the game, I'd finish up my commitment this semester since it has already begun. It'll still be a great experience in a field that is taking off and will provide you with the experience and recommendation that will make finding a new spot easier. Once the semester gets going, I'd look for future positions in the basic sciences.

With that being said, it's just an outsider's opinion. If you really aren't enjoying the experience and can tactfully get out of it for another spot, give it a go.