How should i prepare for volunteer research?

[Christopher Liang]

Hey everyone, after an interview at a research lab and 2 weeks later, I was told that they would love to have me for this volunteer opportunity. What I want to ask before i go in is if there is anything i can study before hand, like what it is we do in labs, what terminology i should know and also chances of getting something published<-(don't know much about this) ? If anyone could clarify or guide me towards the right direction, that would be awesome.

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[eteshoe]

It will really depend on how the lab defines the scope of a volunteer. You can read some papers the lab has published to get an idea of what types of questions they're pursing and read up on the techniques they describe in the methods section. Do not ask about publications. Other than that come in with an open mind and be willing to learn.

 

[Atomnicbomb]

First and foremost, congratulations! What kind of laboratory is it? It sounds like you are planning on asking great questions. The best way to prepare for a research laboratory position is to ask kindly for and read journal articles that have either been published or utilized by the principal investigator. Through that, you will not only learn more about the research conducted in the laboratory, but also about what to expect going forward. Regarding publications, it is very good that you are so ambitious - the best advice I have for that is to ask about the potential for poster presentations. As long as you are open and willing to expand your knowledge, the only real way to prepare is to take notes and experience the laboratory first-hand.

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