Lost and Confused about Undergrad Research

[The Re-Animator]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Recently finished year 2 of 5 of my degree, want to get started on undergraduate research but feel like I don't have the knowledge to present a compelling argument for why a PI should let me onto their project. First year was bumpy (4 W's and 3 AW's [administrative withdrawal] due to boyfriend's suicide that year, also why I'm doing 5 years instead of 4), but cGPA is 3.82. That being said, science classes I've taken that remain on my script include Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II +labs, Biology I +lab, Chem I +lab, all w/ A's. Not upper division and don't have solid enough knowledge on anything except probs Anatomy.

I'm not entirely sure how to go about this and my advisers were minimal help. No prior lab experience outside of class labs, no prior research experience. Should I just wait until I take upper division chemistry courses? Feeling lost :/

 

[deleted972488]

I don't have the knowledge to present a compelling argument for why a PI should let me onto their project.

You don’t need a compelling argument. Just say you’re interested in research.

Should I just wait until I take upper division chemistry courses?

Not necessary.

 

[The Re-Animator]

You don’t need a compelling argument. Just say you’re interested in research.

Not necessary.

I guess I was approaching this similar to a job application, just was concerned because I feel like I have nothing on my resume/CV.

 

[907914]

I guess I was approaching this similar to a job application, just was concerned because I feel like I have nothing on my resume/CV.

Nah, literally just go to a prof and be like “Yo dawg, I like what you do. Can I kick it at your place?” And then profit.

Do that in a more formal way

 

[The Re-Animator]

Nah, literally just go to a prof and be like “Yo dawg, I like what you do. Can I kick it at your place?” And then profit.

Do that in a more formal way

Too late, already drafting my email with the subject line "can I kick it at your place"

 

[lakertodoc]

If you want to be really impressive, send them a paper related to their line of research with your thoughts on future directions, get an A in their class, or ask a good question during any talks they might give at your school then go talk to them afterwards

or that kick it at your place thing, usually that's chill enough. If they need help, they'll probably schedule some office hours to kick it and talk to you about their 'search and tell you what's good about any opportunities

 

[Dr panda]

Do that in a more formal way

Screw this, I want him to remember me forever

 

[907914]

Screw this, I want him to remember me forever

I was close enough with all three of my PIs after the class I took that this sort of interaction may go over pretty well, actually. Wouldn't do it out of respect, but yah.

 

[Dr panda]

Back to the topic – is helping a prof with a research counted as research experience? I thought this only applies to research for credit classes or independent paid positions which kinda hard to get as undergrad

 

[907914]

Back to the topic – is helping a prof with a research counted as research experience? I thought this only applies to research for credit classes or independent paid positions which kinda hard to get as undergrad

It can be volunteer as well. If you aided in their research than this is research.

 

[Dr panda]

It can be volunteer as well. If you aided in their research than this is research.

This sounds facilitating. What exactly does this aid might include? I heard that many researchers just make you sort data for them especially if you tell them that you are a computer guy (SAS programming, etc), which I am not 🙁

 

[907914]

This sounds facilitating. What exactly does this aid might include? I heard that many researchers just make you sort data for them especially if you tell them that you are a computer guy (SAS programming, etc), which I am not 🙁

Sort data, design part of project, mindless pipetting where you barely know what you are doing until the poster is made, whatever you gotta do

 

[Hi_I'mPaul]

Recently finished year 2 of 5 of my degree, want to get started on undergraduate research but feel like I don't have the knowledge to present a compelling argument for why a PI should let me onto their project. First year was bumpy (4 W's and 3 AW's [administrative withdrawal] due to boyfriend's suicide that year, also why I'm doing 5 years instead of 4), but cGPA is 3.82. That being said, science classes I've taken that remain on my script include Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II +labs, Biology I +lab, Chem I +lab, all w/ A's. Not upper division and don't have solid enough knowledge on anything except probs Anatomy.

I'm not entirely sure how to go about this and my advisers were minimal help. No prior lab experience outside of class labs, no prior research experience. Should I just wait until I take upper division chemistry courses? Feeling lost :/

Any lab that accepts undergrads understands that you probably don't have experience and haven't taken upper-level classes regarding their specific research topics. All you need to do is reach out [via email], show interest [in their projects], and be dependable [probably 10-15 hours a week but depends on lab, of course]. I got lucky and found my lab in undergrad with one email to a PI. Some friends had to reach out to a handful of labs to find an opening. You're essentially "free labor" so as long as you're teachable, you'll be fine. Good luck!

 

[atm14834]

I joined a neuro lab my second year of undergrad with no experience. I had originally asked my mentor if I could joined as a freshman, and she told me to get through basic lower-level courses and observe her lab. I did that, and she let me join as a researcher later. My advice would be to just reach out to anyone your interested and just talk about it. I started by asking my mentor what she was researching and if she would be willing to take on another student.

 

[The Re-Animator]

OP Update: Just landed a position doing biosensor research under the chair of my university's Biochemistry department! Thank you guys for all your help and support! 🙂

 

[MyOdyssey]

OP Update: Just landed a position doing biosensor research under the chair of my university's Biochemistry department! Thank you guys for all your help and support! 🙂

Congrats. What is biosensor research?

 

[deleted972488]

Congrats. What is biosensor research?

Idk if this applies to OP’s research but look up “FRET sensors.”

 

[The Re-Animator]

Congrats. What is biosensor research?

The biosensors that I will be working with use a structure-changing DNA scaffold that contains an electrochemically active moiety and aptamer, attached to a highly conductive metal plate.
Basically, my PI creates different sensors w/ aptamers (part of sensor that has a strong affinity for the protein) that are super specific to the target proteins (like ricin), and when the protein binds to the sensor, it causes a change in the scaffold's structure, and consequently a shift in the electrochemically active part of the sensor, which affects the current of the observed metal plate.
The purpose is to provide more resource/ time efficient methods (like using a finger lancet and running it through a system using the biosensor vs a 2-5 day lab test or invasive procedure) to detect neurotoxins or antibodies indicative of diseases like Celiac, among other things.