Getting more out of my research experience

[Neurodelic]

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I'm an undergrad that is currently in the application cycle (only 4 secondaries left to fill out!) and I've been doing experiments with my PI for almost a year now. I've read and discussed papers on the subjects of our experiments so far, but I haven't read nearly enough material to try to write my own paper on the experiments we're doing. What options do I have for trying to maximize the experience? Like posters, etc.

 

[JohnQuincyAdams]

I'm an undergrad that is currently in the application cycle (only 4 secondaries left to fill out!) and I've been doing experiments with my PI for almost a year now. I've read and discussed papers on the subjects of our experiments so far, but I haven't read nearly enough material to try to write my own paper on the experiments we're doing. What options do I have for trying to maximize the experience? Like posters, etc.

Ask your PI if there is any opportunity for you to be involved in making a poster for a conference or authoring on a paper. Find out if there are any undergrad research symposiums at your school or what your peers are doing. Rarely can you read your way into coming up with an idea for a paper. Anyone in your lab working on posters or abstracts?

 

[kdangg4]

I agree with John. If you really want to get more out of your research, as your PI. I'm sure the PI will help you out.

 

[Neurodelic]

Ask your PI if there is any opportunity for you to be involved in making a poster for a conference or authoring on a paper. Find out if there are any undergrad research symposiums at your school or what your peers are doing. Rarely can you read your way into coming up with an idea for a paper. Anyone in your lab working on posters or abstracts?

It's a small lab. Only working with 3 other undergrads and they're not working on anything. I'll ask my PI about opportunities this week.

 

[Arkaine]

You may also have the option to write (or begin writing) a research thesis for your school. In addition, I have always found that being proactive as possible and coming to your PI with solid ideas and suggestions, in addition to expressing interest and enthusiasm in asking for more responsibility proves to be successful. It's your prerogative to find opportunities for yourself.

Also, PIs often pass up opportunities to write review articles in their field due to lack of interest or time. This would be a great opportunity to review a lot of research in your field, have more personal interaction with your PI, and hopefully get a publication.