Question about research- need some advice!

[virtualmaster999]

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Hey everyone,

So I've been doing research in an ecotoxicology lab for the summer and by the end of this month, I should have around 220 hours. I have learned a lot doing research over the summer and it had been interesting to apply biological and chemical skills that you learn in labs and lecture into practice, as well as the whole critical thinking aspect as well. I've done a lot and it's been really interesting having this experience, but now I have a problem with continuing research:

This fall I will be taking:

Physics 1 with lab
Cell biology
Brian and behavior
Literature class

I will also be volunteering once a week and the big thing is that I will be studying for the 2015 mcat as well (yes I know it's early but it's an even harder exam and I'm not good with standardized exams so I wanna practice early since I don't have a full summer to study). I have some other EC going on as well.

The thing is, I'm not sure if I'll be able to continue research with how busy I'll be, especially with the 2015 mcat. If I was to stay and continue research, would it be fine if I helped out in the lab for like 4-5 hrs per week? Is this still continuing the research even though I'm not exactly there as long? I wanna try to see if I could for it in if possible, but let's just say I can't. Would a summer of research with 220 hours be fine to have as my research experience? I mean I could come back next summer too.

What do you guys think? Please help me with this dilemma and if I can have some advice I would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[virtualmaster999]

I have no publications by the way and i wouldn't be able to get one by doing research for only a couple hours per week.

 

[wwulf2k13]

I would talk to your PI about this, but I think if you could go for 4-5 hours at one time, it would be helpful. I know in a ochem lab, you can't really get anything done if you don't have 3+ hour blocks.
If your PI or you decide that is not enough time to do anything efficient, just ask if you would be welcome back after your schedule frees up (post-MCAT).

 

[virtualmaster999]

I would talk to your PI about this, but I think if you could go for 4-5 hours at one time, it would be helpful. I know in a ochem lab, you can't really get anything done if you don't have 3+ hour blocks.
If your PI or you decide that is not enough time to do anything efficient, just ask if you would be welcome back after your schedule frees up (post-MCAT).

Let's say I would have to stop the research. Would a summer of research with 220 hrs be good for research experience?

 

[wwulf2k13]

Let's say I would have to stop the research. Would a summer of research with 220 hrs be good for research experience?

It's better than nothing, even if nothing came of it!

 

[virtualmaster999]

It's better than nothing, even if nothing came of it!

Do you think that's decent: one summer of research? I know obviously many have more but how does it look? It's true that it is better than nothing but I want more than that of possible. I'll try to continue but it'll prob be a no.

 

[wwulf2k13]

Do you think that's decent: one summer of research? I know obviously many have more but how does it look? It's true that it is better than nothing but I want more than that of possible. I'll try to continue but it'll prob be a no.

I'm only an applicant, so I can't give an adcom's impression. In my opinion, it's probably a lower amount; speaking from personal experience I know people who have thousands of hours logged.

There will be applicants with less though. Trying to get some meaning milestones (posters, pubs, etc.) out of research shows that you did more than just show up, but again, are not required. Absolutely try to do more if you plan on applying to a research oriented school, but if you can't, be proud of what you do have.

 

[virtualmaster999]

I'm only an applicant, so I can't give an adcom's impression. In my opinion, it's probably a lower amount; speaking from personal experience I know people who have thousands of hours logged.

There will be applicants with less though. Trying to get some meaning milestones (posters, pubs, etc.) out of research shows that you did more than just show up, but again, are not required. Absolutely try to do more if you plan on applying to a research oriented school, but if you can't, be proud of what you do have.

My professor in charge of the lab said I'm more than welcome to come into the lab and help out with whatever whenever I have a chance. Even if I'm not directly working on experiments how I was, would this still be meaningful for me? That it shows that I continue what I started?

 

[wwulf2k13]

My professor in charge of the lab said I'm more than welcome to come into the lab and help out with whatever whenever I have a chance. Even if I'm not directly working on experiments how I was, would this still be meaningful for me? That it shows that I continue what I started?

Oh absolutely! I have been in the same lab for ~2 years and there have been times where I can't do as much due to other obligations, but I show up as much as I can. You build stronger relationships with the people you work with and with your PI.

 

[virtualmaster999]

Oh absolutely! I have been in the same lab for ~2 years and there have been times where I can't do as much due to other obligations, but I show up as much as I can. You build stronger relationships with the people you work with and with your PI.

Perfect, thanks!