Question about research

[rwsrws]

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I am a sophomore undergrad and contacted someone doing research that I'm very interested in at my university's medical school. So far, I have gone to the lab 2x and feel like what they're doing is way over my head and also I am worried that I won't get hands on experience...right now I'm just watching my postdoc do everything which I COMPLETELY understand that I'll have to watch and learn for a while and earn their trust that I will not mess up their work. But, I am just worried that I won't get a chance to do hands on work. How long do you think I will have to wait? I'm just wondering if I should start reaching out to other people.
Also, does any time spent in the lab count as research hours, even watching the postdoc having her explain everything?
And lastly, in my email to the PI, I told him that I was interested in gaining experience, so that implies that I would like to do some of my own, correct?

 

[efle]

I am a sophomore undergrad and contacted someone doing research that I'm very interested in at my university's medical school. So far, I have gone to the lab 2x and feel like what they're doing is way over my head and also I am worried that I won't get hands on experience...right now I'm just watching my postdoc do everything which I COMPLETELY understand that I'll have to watch and learn for a while and earn their trust that I will not mess up their work. But, I am just worried that I won't get a chance to do hands on work. How long do you think I will have to wait? I'm just wondering if I should start reaching out to other people.
Also, does any time spent in the lab count as research hours, even watching the postdoc having her explain everything?
And lastly, in my email to the PI, I told him that I was interested in gaining experience, so that implies that I would like to do some of my own, correct?

You went to lab twice so far, don't understand stuff, and are anxious about not running your own part of a project yet?

 

[Dagrimsta1]

So I've worked in two separate labs and know how you feel. Remember that you're working with masters of their trade. It's ok to feel overwhelmed at first. You get the hang of it and your specific role will become apparent. Your prof. will likley make sure you are properly trained and will give a project on your level. Just keep at it.

 

[MDProspect]

I am a sophomore undergrad and contacted someone doing research that I'm very interested in at my university's medical school. So far, I have gone to the lab 2x and feel like what they're doing is way over my head and also I am worried that I won't get hands on experience...right now I'm just watching my postdoc do everything which I COMPLETELY understand that I'll have to watch and learn for a while and earn their trust that I will not mess up their work. But, I am just worried that I won't get a chance to do hands on work. How long do you think I will have to wait? I'm just wondering if I should start reaching out to other people.
Also, does any time spent in the lab count as research hours, even watching the postdoc having her explain everything?
And lastly, in my email to the PI, I told him that I was interested in gaining experience, so that implies that I would like to do some of my own, correct?

This is a specific situation that really depends on the PI/ lab. Did he/she outline your responsibilities or what is going to be expected of you? If yes, then wait it out until your training is over. If not, don't be around the bush, and ask them directly about getting more involved. I spent one year (20+ hours each week) in my first research lab, and 90% of the time, I was either autoclaving or running gels. I hated every minute of it. During my second research experience, I was thrown into the deep end and I was given my own independent project (no grad students or any assistance from the PI) from the get-go.
I would say any time that you have spent in the lab counts as research hours.

 

[Bodysurfer]

In the 3 different labs I've worked in, after a few days usually you get your hands wet

 

[JustAPhD]

Patience grasshopper. You're still being trained. Some experiments can be quite expensive (in money and/or time) to run, it's logical that the postdoc would want to ensure that you understand the procedure before s/he lets you go hands on.

 

[rwsrws]

Patience grasshopper. You're still being trained. Some experiments can be quite expensive (in money and/or time) to run, it's logical that the postdoc would want to ensure that you understand the procedure before s/he lets you go hands on.

I am working on a lab with cancer research that was just given a grant from Susan G. Komen, and I am worried that I chose a lab that won't I be able to do anything in because they are dealing with such important stuff

 

[JustAPhD]

I am working on a lab with cancer research that was just given a grant from Susan G. Komen, and I am worried that I chose a lab that won't I be able to do anything in because they are dealing with such important stuff

While cancer research is certainly very important, everyone is dealing with important stuff. That shouldn't influence your postdoc or your PI to resort you to being a watch-only member of the lab.