Genetics Research or something else?

[Dr. Biology]

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So it has came to the point in my UG that I should start looking at research, and Ive narrowed it down to two options. 1. Genetics reseach starting summer/fall at my university or try to apply to programs through the local medical school? they usually only take Grad. students, and only 2 researchers accept undergrads (at a school as premed centric as mine I highly doubt I would be able to even get into the program. whats your opinions? what would you do in this situation? Thanks

 

[solitarius]

Hardly doubt it matters.

I did my tour of duty at a medical school because I wanted to do clinical research, not basic science stuff.

 

[Boolean]

No harm in trying.

 

[Frostbite22]

Well since you probably have to interview at either to ensure the gig I'd apply to both. I worked at two labs in undergrad, but went to probably 10 interviews. That way you can get a feel for the lab. Pick the one that is most interesting to you and gives you the best feel. In my situation I was offered a job on campus through the medical school but the hostility was horrible and no one was willing to help out and treated me poorly. I ended up going to a different lab that turned out to be very helpful and got me published.

 

[Dr. Biology]

okay thanks guys!

 

[Dr. Biology]

Well since you probably have to interview at either to ensure the gig I'd apply to both. I worked at two labs in undergrad, but went to probably 10 interviews. That way you can get a feel for the lab. Pick the one that is most interesting to you and gives you the best feel. In my situation I was offered a job on campus through the medical school but the hostility was horrible and no one was willing to help out and treated me poorly. I ended up going to a different lab that turned out to be very helpful and got me published.

how was it so hostile? I really like the genetics professor and I think I would enjoy the research practices (extracting RNA, testing to see which genes turn on and off in certain situations etc.) The only problem is that his research is typically not medically related, he typically does his research on fruit flies and various plants. should I go for more microbiology, cell biology, biochem research instead?

 

[Frostbite22]

how was it so hostile? I really like the genetics professor and I think I would enjoy the research practices (extracting RNA, testing to see which genes turn on and off in certain situations etc.) The only problem is that his research is typically not medically related, he typically does his research on fruit flies and various plants. should I go for more microbiology, cell biology, biochem research instead?

Well when I went in for a week to get a feel for it the PIs, Physicians and the one veterinarian flat out REFUSED to look me in the eyes. They talked to the grad student who relayed the information to me. It was very odd. Whereas I went to another lab and the PI was friendly and asked me about my goals. They didn't look down on me for being an undergraduate.

I don't think it matters what type of lab it is in my opinion. Just don't go in with preconceived notions. I got my publications through the horticulture department. I didn't necessarily want to work there at the time but I needed the money. It turned out to be a great experience, I did research on plants that prevent seizures and ended up with my publications, posters, and conferences with it. With this genetics professor it may turn out to be one of the best experiences you've ever done. What is most appealing does not always turn out to be the best experience.

 

[Dr. Biology]

Well when I went in for a week to get a feel for it the PIs, Physicians and the one veterinarian flat out REFUSED to look me in the eyes. They talked to the grad student who relayed the information to me. It was very odd. Whereas I went to another lab and the PI was friendly and asked me about my goals. They didn't look down on me for being an undergraduate.

I don't think it matters what type of lab it is in my opinion. Just don't go in with preconceived notions. I got my publications through the horticulture department. I didn't necessarily want to work there at the time but I needed the money. It turned out to be a great experience, I did research on plants that prevent seizures and ended up with my publications, posters, and conferences with it. With this genetics professor it may turn out to be one of the best experiences you've ever done. What is most appealing does not always turn out to be the best experience.

His experiments are really interesting in relation to organism metabolism. For Instance, the one he offered to let me help finish ( mostly data analysis, if it I fit in he would offer me a full position on his next project in the spring/fall) he took two plants and one was used as the control and the other was put in extremely hot/dry uncomfortable conditions and monitored for a few generations and the RNA was then extracted and reversed to give the DNA coding and he found that the one in uncomfortable heat and dryness down regulated its nutrient consumption, metabolism, and water usage and "shut off" genes that were not useful for survival.

 

[bauhinia123]

Productive research experiences in any field will help you in the med school admissions game. I did research in a genetics lab for 2 years in undergrad and have stayed for an extra year while applying to med school. In addition to graduating with the highest distinction in biology, I received a stellar recommendation from my P.I. Almost all of my interviewers asked me about this experience in detail and why I chose not to pursue a Ph.D. I have multiple acceptances and a pending first author basic science publication, which might help me in the match.

When I joined the lab, I never thought it would give me such a huge boost in med school admissions. I decided to do research to "check the box" and was fortunate enough to find a lab which focus matched my interest in Genetics and a P.I. who seemed like a great mentor. The entire experience turned out to be very intellectually stimulating (i.e. analyzing results, reading papers, giving talks, writing scientific papers, etc.) and fun (yes, staying in lab until 7pm and coming to lab on the weekends are considered fun). This experience has also improved my people skills as it involves bonding and collaborating with other lab mates.

If you are intrigued by the research topic and feel that the P.I. would be a great mentor, go ahead and join the lab. Even if it won't help you significantly, it won't hurt you at all. If you are interested in the top 25 research med schools, you should definitely do at least 1 year of research prior to submitting your amcas app.

 

[Frostbite22]

Well it sounds like you are interested in it so you might as well go for it 🙂