How should I approach discussing my research experience?

[Schemp]

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I worked with a professor in a pretty limited capacity during this school year (less than 100 hours total probably, and a lot of it was non-research work), but was lucky enough to be part of a publication in Science. It was just a short publication, amounting to only one page (found here), but from what I understand Science is a good journal to be in, and my name is listed as one of the authors. I'm not sure if this means I'm considered a secondary author, co-author, or what, since I really don't know much about the whole research world.

I basically did work researching some very old publications from the 1800s and figuring out how to synthesize a certain type of crystal. One we synthesized it we figured out it's 3d structure since that had never been done and we thought it was important for such an old and important crystal.

Anyway, my role was very strongly directed by the professor, and I'm wondering how I should discuss it in my application. It just seems like there are a lot of possibilities, and I don't know anything about standard research terminology or anything since I kind of just fell into the job by chance rather than really going out and seeking out a specific research experience.

Sorry this is kind of poorly stated, but if anyone needs further clarification I can offer it. Thanks for any help.

 

[Schemp]

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[bashir]

Sorry, I don't have much in the way of concrete advice to offer. I just wanted to say congratulations, because whether or not you think you deserve it, being named as any kind of author in a journal like Science is a big deal.

That being said, I would try just try to be honest, without downplaying your role too much. You obviously don't want to overstate your involvement, but your PI must have thought enough of your contribution to list you as an author, so take that into consideration and give yourself some credit.

 

[LizzyM]

You are a co-author and you should certainly list this on AMCAS (there is a category within "Experiences" called "Publications").

Digging through old publications is research. So is figuring out how to synthesize crystals (did you use dog urine??).

Much of science (and life) is serendipity whether at the bench or in a job hunt. You fell into an opportunity but you worked at it and it paid off. Congratulations!