help settle my nerves about researching

[dr.phoot]

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I was hoping for someone -- preferably an undergrad pre-pod--- who's doing research to offer some pointers.

Not only to boost my resume, but I've (actually) taken an interest to science of late and I've signed up to participate in research. In addition to practicing podiatric medicine, I wouldn't mind doing research as well.

I'm just a little nervous and intimidated. I had my tour today and I'm just waiting for some paperwork and safety training before I get into things. I'm intimidated because I have a weak background in science and I had very awful grades the first time I pursued a degree. Now as a 2nd degree student, I'm still haunted by my past a little. I don't want to look like an idiot in the lab, so what are some things I can do to feel more confident?

Can any of you offer some pointers / tips. I think this will really help me improve as a scientist and science student in the long-term.

 

[JDunc]

Hey Dr. Phoot,

I am not pre-pod but I am a graduate student pursuing an M.S. and PhD. I have done plenty of research and obviously I am making a career of it. My advice would be:

1) Ask the PI for past publications related to the project you will be working on. Knowing where the project started, and why it was started, will help you understand why you are doing the research you will be doing. If you just go and start doing what they say without any background on their research then you will feel lost and not enjoy what you are doing.

2) Take notes. You will want to take notes on things your PI says as well as the protocols you use in the experiments. You cannot do research with out making sure you write down the steps you take to get the results you have. Always make sure to be able to back up your results with the lab notebook. This will also allow your PI to have an easier time writing a manuscript for publication.

3) Breathe. A research lab is not as uptight as you may be thinking. We get our work done but we have fun still. My PI has an open door policy on any questions I have. If you do not understand something completely then ask. They will gladly help because it is not only going to save them time in the long run but it also saves them money. Lab equipment and supplies is expensive. I use a $600,000 microscope quite often. I asked A TON of questions before using it.

If you have any other questions in particular feel free to ask on this thread so others can reference or in a PM. I will gladly answer anything I can.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Weirdy]

I was hoping for someone -- preferably an undergrad pre-pod--- who's doing research to offer some pointers.

Not only to boost my resume, but I've (actually) taken an interest to science of late and I've signed up to participate in research. In addition to practicing podiatric medicine, I wouldn't mind doing research as well.

I'm just a little nervous and intimidated. I had my tour today and I'm just waiting for some paperwork and safety training before I get into things. I'm intimidated because I have a weak background in science and I had very awful grades the first time I pursued a degree. Now as a 2nd degree student, I'm still haunted by my past a little. I don't want to look like an idiot in the lab, so what are some things I can do to feel more confident?

Can any of you offer some pointers / tips. I think this will really help me improve as a scientist and science student in the long-term.

Working on my M.S. Also volunteering in a lab right now because I like it. Along with what Jdunc said, here's some more:

4) Weak science background does not equate to bad lab work. I did really poorly in undergrad science. This did not affect my work in the lab whatsoever. Its more about being meticulous, quick-thinking, and looking up background info if you don't understand.

5) Communication is EXTREMELY important. Can't make it to the lab on a day because of exams or personal reasons? Email your prof/PI beforehand. Trying to figure out where to go to refill that liquid NO2 tank? Email your prof/PI beforehand. Trying to schedule what days you can go help your prof with an assay or lab kit? Email your prof/PI beforehand. Point is, always keep a very good line of communication with them. They are human beings. No matter how busy they are, they will understand your situation if you're honest with them and communicate in a timely manner.

6) Show them that you're committed to their project. Its hard to get behind something when you're not interested in it. But if the stuff they're working on genuinely interests you, make sure you get the point across that you're there because you want to be there. Not because of grades or a rec letter or its your job. Those things will come when you need it. But pure interest in what you're doing will go a long way.

 

[air bud]

This research will help you if you are interested in MD/DO, but I can't imagine it having any impact on a podiatry application assuming your grades are fine. I remember when I did research, it paid well and I did minimal work, so it was great for me. But I hated "research" in an academic setting. If you are truly interested in research, then maybe podiatry isn't for you because that is just not how this field works. Before anybody disagrees with me, think about how "research" works at a large state university vs. any "research" done at a podiatry school. No killing of mice or DNA/PCR stuff.

 

[Sweatshirt]

This research will help you if you are interested in MD/DO, but I can't imagine it having any impact on a podiatry application assuming your grades are fine. I remember when I did research, it paid well and I did minimal work, so it was great for me. But I hated "research" in an academic setting. If you are truly interested in research, then maybe podiatry isn't for you because that is just not how this field works. Before anybody disagrees with me, think about how "research" works at a large state university vs. any "research" done at a podiatry school. No killing of mice or DNA/PCR stuff.

I agree with that, but I still think it can give you something unique to put on an application. It may help, it may not. I was asked a few questions about my research at my interviews

 

[dr.phoot]

This research will help you if you are interested in MD/DO, but I can't imagine it having any impact on a podiatry application assuming your grades are fine. I remember when I did research, it paid well and I did minimal work, so it was great for me. But I hated "research" in an academic setting. If you are truly interested in research, then maybe podiatry isn't for you because that is just not how this field works. Before anybody disagrees with me, think about how "research" works at a large state university vs. any "research" done at a podiatry school. No killing of mice or DNA/PCR stuff.

I see... I appreciate you looking out for me.

If it will help, let me put things into better perspective:

I absolutely must complete a masters before applying to pod school. Having already applied (to a MS Chem program) and being rejected once, I'm presently pursuing a second bachelors to improve my GPA and then re-apply again. I will not see the second bachelors out through to completion; in my rejection letter I was told to retake some specific classes mentioned, earn B- or better, and then re-apply again. When I applied, they asked for a copy of my resume also. I had absolutely zero science related experiences on there!

This is where the research experience comes in.

When I'm ready to re-apply again, it will swing in my favor to have a science related experience on my resume. I'll also ask the prof to write me a recommendation letter. It'll show the committee I have applied myself in the year since I was rejected. I have roughly two years before I actually apply for pod school. At the moment I'm working at a supermarket, and I absolutely hate my job! I cry a little each time I go to work. I'll prefer a job in a lab or a hospital. With no experience though, that'll be hard to come by. So I figured, a few months researching and I can put it on my resume and maybe find a lab job with while I'm getting my app ready for pod school. The research isn't to help me with pod apps but to help me with grad school which will in turn help me get into pod school. crawling before walking.

Regarding your (very) thoughtful points:
You mentioned podiatry isn't for me if "research" is my focus. I thought some physicians can do research on the side and also practice medicine (w/o the MD/PhD)? That applies to pods too, or? I wouldn't mind researching and practicing pod. I asked my pod about that and she said it's possible depending on the magnititude of research I'm interested in. And even said she could refer me to a pod colleague who is involved in research and she practices too. Care to further expand?

Overall, I have abysmal science grades even with repeats. This makes me really doubt my ability to handle the sciences sometimes. In fact, I hated the sciences at one point due to the bad grades. Now I'm being told by mentors and people with amazing grades that it's all about practice - and that applies to everyone! So I'm approaching it with a different attitude and that's what I meant by having a genuine interest in the sciences of late; just enjoying it more than before. Grades are still not amazing YET though....



Weirdly and Jdunc: will PM. Thanks for offering help

 

[HappyHobPod]

I'll prefer a job in a lab or a hospital.

You could pursue a job as a medical scribe. It's not the highest paying job there is but it would get you into the hospital and expose you to quite a bit.

 

[Weirdy]

I see... I appreciate you looking out for me.

If it will help, let me put things into better perspective:

I absolutely must complete a masters before applying to pod school. Having already applied (to a MS Chem program) and being rejected once, I'm presently pursuing a second bachelors to improve my GPA and then re-apply again. I will not see the second bachelors out through to completion; in my rejection letter I was told to retake some specific classes mentioned, earn B- or better, and then re-apply again. When I applied, they asked for a copy of my resume also. I had absolutely zero science related experiences on there!

This is where the research experience comes in.

When I'm ready to re-apply again, it will swing in my favor to have a science related experience on my resume. I'll also ask the prof to write me a recommendation letter. It'll show the committee I have applied myself in the year since I was rejected. I have roughly two years before I actually apply for pod school. At the moment I'm working at a supermarket, and I absolutely hate my job! I cry a little each time I go to work. I'll prefer a job in a lab or a hospital. With no experience though, that'll be hard to come by. So I figured, a few months researching and I can put it on my resume and maybe find a lab job with while I'm getting my app ready for pod school. The research isn't to help me with pod apps but to help me with grad school which will in turn help me get into pod school. crawling before walking.

Regarding your (very) thoughtful points:
You mentioned podiatry isn't for me if "research" is my focus. I thought some physicians can do research on the side and also practice medicine (w/o the MD/PhD)? That applies to pods too, or? I wouldn't mind researching and practicing pod. I asked my pod about that and she said it's possible depending on the magnititude of research I'm interested in. And even said she could refer me to a pod colleague who is involved in research and she practices too. Care to further expand?

Overall, I have abysmal science grades even with repeats. This makes me really doubt my ability to handle the sciences sometimes. In fact, I hated the sciences at one point due to the bad grades. Now I'm being told by mentors and people with amazing grades that it's all about practice - and that applies to everyone! So I'm approaching it with a different attitude and that's what I meant by having a genuine interest in the sciences of late; just enjoying it more than before. Grades are still not amazing YET though....



Weirdly and Jdunc: will PM. Thanks for offering help

No prob. Currently work as a part time tutor for undergrad atheletes at my university. Most common problems I see in bio is learning how to memorize material faster. Mainly organization of material to absorb it.

As for chem/ochem its primarily practice issues. Speeding through and making simple math mistakes, not understanding concepts before doing the math, not practicing the math in an orderly manner and using all aspects of info given in question to look for links between them. I sucked at science as well so I completely understand what you mean when you say you "hated the sciences" at one point. Having had to retake a lot of the physical sciences, I'm trying to make sure my students don't make the same mistakes.

I think there are more cost efficient ways to get into a Master's program without having to do a 2nd Bachelor's. If cost isn't a problem however, by all means do what suits you best.