Noob question about undergrad research

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Sup forum being a long time lurker I've read a lot about how people often recommend getting research experience. Where I'm lost is on how I go about getting this experience. I've been looking around for a while but I feel like I'm way in over my head not knowing what I'm doing. I'm currently entering my sophomore year as an undergrad Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major and I did not do too well the first year (2.9 GPA) but I'm very confident I can do significantly better here on out. Please any advice on getting this research experience will be a ton of help for me. Sorry if this belongs in the research forum I wasn't sure where to post it.

 

[ShenanigansMD]

Assuming you want biochem research, start reading recent biochem research publications from your school, and figure out what interests you.

Then start emailing and/or visiting offices of profs while SPECIFICALLY mentioning how cool you think their projects are, or start taking their classes. Work on this during your sophomore year with enough effort, and you'll probably get something.

Also, don't be discouraged if a professor doesn't answer an email. It's like going after a girl (or guy if that applies to you), be persistent.

 

[911 Turbo]

Sup forum being a long time lurker I've read a lot about how people often recommend getting research experience. Where I'm lost is on how I go about getting this experience. I've been looking around for a while but I feel like I'm way in over my head not knowing what I'm doing. I'm currently entering my sophomore year as an undergrad Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major and I did not do too well the first year (2.9 GPA) but I'm very confident I can do significantly better here on out. Please any advice on getting this research experience will be a ton of help for me.

There are two main ways to get undergraduate research.

1) By working in a PI's (primary investigator) lab at your school.
2) By doing research in a summer program. Summer programs are programs designed to give undergraduates a taste of research. They are often funded by the government, and any undergraduate from any college can apply to one.


I would suggest you to look into option 1 (which is what I'm going to write about) - remember, summer research will only last you 2-2.5 months and it is very hard to get a publication. A publication is the holy grail of undergraduate research and is a sign to adcoms that you are well versed in the area of research and scientific writing.

People on SDN have mentioned several ways of getting into a research lab throughout the years. One way is personal acquaintance (family member or friend). The second way is through classes - a good idea is to approach your professor after class one day, tell him you are interested in his research, and ask him for any available positions.

The third way (and the way I and almost everyone I know) got research is to blindly email professors. Go to the biochemistry (or biology, physics, math, etc) department's webpage and search for the faculty listing page. It should have a brief description of the professor (also known as the primary investigator in terms of research) and the scope of his research work. If his/her research appeals to you, then send him a short email (remember, these are busy people that don't have time to read emails that are 2+ paragraphs long) stating your interest in the research and the lab, as well as any qualifications you have. I emailed about 15 professors before I got a response. Don't be afraid to email more than 1 professor at a time, as you can always decline.

 

[Miss Terious]

The third way (and the way I and almost everyone I know) got research is to blindly email professors. Go to the biochemistry (or biology, physics, math, etc) department's webpage and search for the faculty listing page. It should have a brief description of the professor (also known as the primary investigator in terms of research) and the scope of his research work. If his/her research appeals to you, then send him a short email (remember, these are busy people that don't have time to read emails that are 2+ paragraphs long) stating your interest in the research and the lab, as well as any qualifications you have. I emailed about 15 professors before I got a response. Don't be afraid to email more than 1 professor at a time, as you can always decline.

I concur with this. Also do not be discouraged if you don't get a response from a professor/they decline. It took me 40+ emails to finally get a response/acceptance into a lab. Furthermore, if you're willing to wait, spring is the best time to apply to a lab as you can easily replace graduating seniors/discontinuing juniors for your junior year. If you're bent on research your sophomore year, it may be slightly more difficult (or at least it is at my school).

 

[911 Turbo]

I concur with this. Also do not be discouraged if you don't get a response from a professor/they decline. It took me 40+ emails to finally get a response/acceptance into a lab. Furthermore, if you're willing to wait, spring is the best time to apply to a lab as you can easily replace graduating seniors/discontinuing juniors for your junior year. If you're bent on research your sophomore year, it may be slightly more difficult (or at least it is at my school).

On the other hand, it might be an advantage to apply early.

I know some professors in my department who fight each other over freshman applicants, because if you think about it, its potentially 4 whole long years of unpaid (or low paid) labor and you are definitely worth many times over the time they spent training you.

 

[Bodysurfer]

Email email email. The place I research at, a local hospital, required just an an email. Additionally it's located near my school so hopefully I'll be able to continue researching during school.


All you got to do is look at the professors in your school or (perhaps even better as you'll be in contact with MDs local hospitals) and shoot an email

 

[3rdarmageddon]

If you or your family are friendly with a physician, this can be a great way to get a recommendation for a lab. Most doctors at least know someone in research, and at least have some idea of how good they are. Most doctors are eager to help motivated young students, so this can be a great way to get ahead of people that are frantically sending e-mails to every lab. Granted, not everyone is friends with a physician, but it's at least worth a shot. A friend in Hawaii recommended me to a great lab in Pittsburgh, so you can occasionally get help in unusual places.

Hope this helps.

 

[armybound]

I would hold off until you get your GPA up. A year of research experience isn't going to help if you continue to have a low GPA. I would focus on your grades right now and save research for junior year, if ever.