research concerns...

[phattestlewt]

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Hello all

I am a student at UCI, and I want to start some research at the university so i can start bulking up my ECs

i come here looking for tips and advice so please don't be mean. I will be starting my sophmore year iA

also have you guys heard the opinion: if you are not going to pursue a PhD or masters with the research you do in undergrad, if you are pre-med, then research is a waste of time???
my friend told me this, and i don't know if it had any validity to it?

i have been e-mail several doctors and professors for research positions and few have responded back...

how do i choose a research lab? is it by interest? i will honestly tell you that i really want to join a research lab for 2 reasons

1. to get a publication or co-authorship or some sort of manuscript out
2. to learn in an INTERESTING environment and work along side professionals

advice??

peace!

 

[tortuga87]

You shouldn't state that you are joining a research lab because you want to bulk up on ECs, get manuscript on CV, or to work with professionals ( you can do that elsewhere). You don't have to say you want to do a PhD. You can say how interested you are in that person's research, how you've read some of their papers, and you are strongly considering a PhD, and would love to get some research experience particularly in his/her lab

It is a numbers game, just like getting a job or getting into medical school. You apply to a lot, and a few accept you. That was my experience at least during my freshmen and sophomore years

You can also try going to the labs or office hours of the professors you emailed inquiring if they got your email and if there are any positions open. This one person I know does that.... and that's how she got all her lab positions

 

[Neuronix]

also have you guys heard the opinion: if you are not going to pursue a PhD or masters with the research you do in undergrad, if you are pre-med, then research is a waste of time???
my friend told me this, and i don't know if it had any validity to it?

I think this is true but then again most things you do in undergrad probably won't help you in medicine. Especially organic chemistry. What a waste of time that was.

i have been e-mail several doctors and professors for research positions and few have responded back...

Did you use better grammar than this? Haha. Just kidding. Not really. Your emails should be thoughtful, customized and well written.

how do i choose a research lab? is it by interest? i will honestly tell you that i really want to join a research lab for 2 reasons

1. to get a publication or co-authorship or some sort of manuscript out

That's a terrible reason to do research or choose a lab. Is this your primary reason for doing research since you don't plan to continue? Please don't even start in that case.

2. to learn in an INTERESTING environment and work along side professionals

Pick a lab with friendly labmates and a nice, understanding PI. That is priority number one.