How do you get involved with research?

[americanangel]

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Okay, this is something I have no clue about!
I'm a sophmore at a relatively small school and most of the school's focus is on marine science. They offer some research in other fields, but when I've spoken to the professors involved in reserch they say that I'm not qualified enough and really won't be until after biochemistry and things. Now, that really just sounds like they don't want me around and okay I'll respect that, but now I have to find outside sources! Right, now I'm taking o-chem, physics and cell bio, so I know I can handle research in the summer and thats what I'm really looking for!
Any ideas what to do or where to look!!!! 🙂

 

[dr.z]

Are there any major hospitals or research universities where you live? If so, I would find out who does what kind of research through their web. When you find one, you can try to contact them by e-mailing or calling. You could stop by the lab too. Take your C.V. if you can. Good luck!

 

[fever5]

Most students applying for research jobs, say for summer positions, have little experience. You will learn most of what you need to know on the job, reading books and journals. It comes down to work ethic. No one teaches you how to read journals in unversity! You learn on your own.

Second, just submit your CV to every possible research institution no matter how slight your chances. Believe it or not, I tried applying at a bunch of research labs, all very respected and no reply. I tried at a well known cancer lab, thinking I didn't have a chance, and I was offered a position 2 days later.

Bottom line, be persitant, apply everywhere, even to places you think are unlikely, and don't be phased by low life zoologists 😀

 

[americanangel]

hey thanks you guys!
I think I'll do a search right now on some options. Sounds like the best way to start!!

 

[riven5]

I know of a couple specific research summer positions. One of my friends did one at Baylor in Texas and I did one for two summers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital (which is affiliated with the University of Cincinnati). Good experiences (plus fun trips like canoeing and cookouts 🙂 and I've gotten to go to two conferences and present research. If you are interested visit the cincinnati children's website and search for summer research opportunities. I'm sure they also have similar programs at a lot of hospitals though...

 

[QofQuimica]

Okay, this is something I have no clue about!
I'm a sophmore at a relatively small school and most of the school's focus is on marine science. They offer some research in other fields, but when I've spoken to the professors involved in reserch they say that I'm not qualified enough and really won't be until after biochemistry and things. Now, that really just sounds like they don't want me around and okay I'll respect that, but now I have to find outside sources! Right, now I'm taking o-chem, physics and cell bio, so I know I can handle research in the summer and thats what I'm really looking for!
Any ideas what to do or where to look!!!! 🙂

You should apply for an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates). These are programs sponsored by the NSF and there are lots of different fields and labs that accept undergraduates. Plus they will even give you a stipend although it won't be a lot of money. The website link is http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/reu/start.htm You can search at the different participating universities to find a lab that meets your interests. Good luck!

 

[sidewalkman]

Second, just submit your CV to every possible research institution no matter how slight your chances. Believe it or not, I tried applying at a bunch of research labs, all very respected and no reply. I tried at a well known cancer lab, thinking I didn't have a chance, and I was offered a position 2 days later.

Bottom line, be persitant, apply everywhere, even to places you think are unlikely, and don't be phased by low life zoologists 😀

This is exactly correct. In my experience, it's been profs from the elite ugrad schools and medical schools who have given me interviews, while profs from state schools haven't given me the time of day. Funny, that. Send letters to any and all PIs that interest you, and hope for the best.

 

[americanangel]

hey thanks you guys. I'm going to give all that a try!

 

[45408]

don't look at only the stereotypical labs - I'm in a research lab in the psychology department, but we do a lot of neuroscience/fMRI work, and most of the lab is also pre-med. It's a lot more fun than bench work, as far as I'm concerned. Do what interests YOU.

 

[morganlefay]

Hey americanangel! Nice to see another Eckerdian on the boards. 😀
I have been able to work with Profs. Meylan and Hastings over the summers of my sophomore and junior years....and I really don't understand why our profs would be telling you you can't be involved with their work, that is so strange. I would talk to Hastings especially, being that I think he is continuing some research in marine sci. But if you want something medically related, the best bet might be internships like others have mentioned. Talk to Marti Newbold in Career Resources. She's a HUGE help with that kind of thing. PM me if you want, I might even know who you are, but don't realize it.

 

[Balle]

Okay, this is something I have no clue about!
I'm a sophmore at a relatively small school and most of the school's focus is on marine science. They offer some research in other fields, but when I've spoken to the professors involved in reserch they say that I'm not qualified enough and really won't be until after biochemistry and things. Now, that really just sounds like they don't want me around and okay I'll respect that, but now I have to find outside sources! Right, now I'm taking o-chem, physics and cell bio, so I know I can handle research in the summer and thats what I'm really looking for!
Any ideas what to do or where to look!!!! 🙂

Definately look into the hospitals and research centers around and follow the advice on the previous responses, but also approach your school's research profs. Make clear to them you just want to learn, initially at least, and will do whatever they want in the lab. They won't reject free work. Med-schools are not going to care whether your research was in marine science or biochemistry; they will only look at the quality of your work. Working at your school will be much easier and will set you up to receive good LORs, contacts, and an in-roads to medical school.

 

[jwtaylor]

im having a very difficult time finding research opportunities, im from wilkes-barre PA, i go to a community college now, so im not expecting any research till i transfer to my senior university...but there arent any research oriented schools around here, its pretty stagnant as far as research goes....which leaves me with nothing. im trying to find psych/neuro research....its rough.