Research at CC

[MrEbola]

Hey guys,

I am currently at a community college getting ready to transfer to a 4 year (well in 2 more semesters). I really want to get started with research. Not solely due to the fact that it's helpful to put on your application / resume, but also because I legitimately want to do it.

I've always loved research (small projects in hs, papers in college, etc). So I am just wondering whether or not it is "acceptable" and won't be looked at negatively to try and find a research opportunity? Is research at a CC something that is done?

Thanks for the help in advance.

Also: I searched Google and SDN and found almost nothing. I have read the SDN post about research and it briefly mentioned cc research if I remember correctly... So if a thread already exists on this topic I would appreciate a link instead of purely a "use the search button" comment. Thank you so much guys.

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[darkeon]

There are research opportunities at cc, though perhaps less than at a 4 year. Unless we are talking about top research med schools then I don't think it'll be a Hinderance. Point of research as a premed is to get exposure to the scientific method or how new things come into the light of science and medicine. You also have the option to look at summer programs hosted by other colleges. On a plus, doing research at a cc will give you some strong backbone when you look for research opportunities at your 4 year

 

[Shirafune]

You aren't likely to find any substantial research opportunities at your CC campus, but definitely check out neighboring research universities and cold-email professors for a research position.

I've always loved research (small projects in hs, papers in college, etc)

But when you do manage to find a research position, the disparity between what you think it's about and what it actually is might be a shocker. The important bit is to participate in the scientific method, or at least understand the principles of sound experimental design. Starting out will be a long arduous process, especially if you don't have solid upper division coursework as a foundation. It requires a lot of reading, a lot of googling, and mainly just trying to figure everything out yourself. Your mentors can and should help you get started, but a lot of this is for yourself. Check out some seminars on youtube to get a feel about how scientists think.

 

[MrEbola]

There are research opportunities at cc, though perhaps less than at a 4 year. Unless we are talking about top research med schools then I don't think it'll be a Hinderance. Point of research as a premed is to get exposure to the scientific method or how new things come into the light of science and medicine. You also have the option to look at summer programs hosted by other colleges. On a plus, doing research at a cc will give you some strong backbone when you look for research opportunities at your 4 year

Ah that makes sense. Thank you for the reply.

How would you suggest finding these limited research opportunities at the cc? Emailing a professor in a field I'm interested in and basically asking if they are doing any research?

Also my local 4 year isn't really that great but would it be acceptable to attempt to get on board with a research project going on there even if I don't plan on attending that University? And if so would I just email them?

Thanks again! 🙂

You aren't likely to find any substantial research opportunities at your CC campus, but definitely check out neighboring research universities and cold-email professors for a research position.



But when you do manage to find a research position, the disparity between what you think it's about and what it actually is might be a shocker. The important bit is to participate in the scientific method, or at least understand the principles of sound experimental design. Starting out will be a long arduous process, especially if you don't have solid upper division coursework as a foundation. It requires a lot of reading, a lot of googling, and mainly just trying to figure everything out yourself. Your mentors can and should help you get started, but a lot of this is for yourself. Check out some seminars on youtube to get a feel about how scientists think.

Yeah that is what I was worried about.

And I definitely anticipate being in over my head at first. I'm sure, like almost anything really, the idea is always better than the reality. Thank you for the reply! 🙂

 

[darkeon]

OP, you can try reaching the 4 yr but sometimes schools will only cater their research opportunities to their students or alumni so make notice of that. As for your cc, look up the bios of faculty members and see if anyone is doing something of interest to you and then just email them

 

[lmn]

I would honestly assume it will be very hard for you to get any research position in a 4 year university lab while you aren't part of their university. Most universities have an abundance of science majors/pre-meds looking for any research experience possible and PI's will have a much easier time taking someone they know is accountable to (and part of) their institution. It doesn't mean don't try, but I honestly wouldn't expect any luck, you aren't part of their school, you don't have lab experience, and you don't at least have a BS in a science field.

I haven't heard of really any CC's doing good research since generally those schools don't attract that kind of faculty/any necessary funding to do science research. But go ahead and check with your CC and see what they may have.

Personally I would focus on doing great in CC so you can transfer to a good 4 year university and use extra time to do other EC's that show your interest in the medical community, your local community/the underserved, and whatever else will help show who you are/how committed/successful you are at whatever it is/make you different from the pack. You do those things well and it will add to your application greatly and you will hopefully get into a good university where you can take on the research aspect.

 

[MrEbola]

Thank you guys. I have been doing very well these past 2 semesters been studying hard been doing a lot of volunteering at my local free clinic as well as working. Do I need anything else? Probably not until I transfer to a 4 year. But I'll take everyone's comments under advisement and see what opportunities there are (if any).

Again thank you every.