Good or Bad Lab?

[ditritium monoxide]

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So I'm doing research in an organic lab right now under a grad student. This has been my first semester, so it has understandably been mostly training. As such, I am mainly doing grunt work necessary to carry out reactions. I don't mind the work, because I find the entire process of the research done interesting, but one thing I'm concerned about is that all the reactions I have done this semester have been for the sole purpose of making materials for reactions for my grad student's thesis. I understand that I'll be used to some extent as an undergrad, and I'm fairly certain that my grad student knows that I want to become independent and make significant (perhaps publishable) contributions to the research. However, I'm concerned that I may just be just generating materials for more important reactions for the entire time I'm in this lab. Has anyone had a similar experience, thinking they would progress but not actually being able to do so?

Fwiw, I feel like I've been showing a strong interest in being part of the lab, and have not had issues with getting assigned tasks done/showing up on time.

 

[Petrichor1]

you are generating data. Your name will be under acknowledgements while the grad student take the cream. You're doing his/her grunt work while they focus on the real aspects of research. Yes, for a time being that is alright but you need to approach your PI about handling an independent project (not the grad student). Make sure that you have the time to do this; otherwise, it'll look like you are struggling to finish.

 

[ditritium monoxide]

Alright, I'll probably approach my PI then. Also, I did come into this lab towards the very end of this grad student's project of mine, and it seems like the grad student has put in an immense amount of work into it, so its understandable that I won't be able to make publishable contributions here. I'm just trying to increase my chances of doing research that is meaningful for the lab.

 

[ditritium monoxide]

Why doesn't anyone ever respond to my posts? Should I just give it time? Because I see all the other posts in pre-allo consistently getting responses. I'd appreciate it if someone could tell me what I am doing that is off-putting.

 

[ConfusedChemist]

This is literally what happens in 99% of undergrad research positions. It sucks. It's boring. Then, after few months, maybe you get to do something more.

FYI, its more about hours and committment than publications. Why? Hours how ability to balance work and school. Thats good for Doctors. Publications are 90% luck of what lab you're in at what time, and adcoms know this.

 

[Gibbward]

Relax! It's your first months in the lab. Everyone's probably trying to make sure you know what you're doing and that your hands are reliable enough. Organic synthesis especially is an extremely competitive field. Everyone's trying to be the first to synthesize a specific molecule in as high of a yield as possible, so it'll take some time for the PI to trust you with an independent project vs a grad student/post-doc who would most likely have a better chance of getting the reaction done.

 

[Shirafune]

You'll need to demonstrate (1) your knowledge and understanding of the field, (2) your commitment aka how much time can you put into driving the project, and (3) why the hell a PI should take the risk of funding your independent project. Don't suggest a project and draw up intended projects. You are much better off saying "I'm interested in topic X using techniques A, B, and C" or some variation on that and hope that your PI has a project for you. Your PI may give you a project he has been wanting to start, but might not have had the human resources to start.

 

[ditritium monoxide]

Thanks for all the feedback so far everyone!