Research Please Help!!!

[YourMD]

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I have found a Professor to approach about a research opportunity, My question is when and how should I ask to be a part of his lab? I realize there is a ton a information on this forum pertaining to this however, I have been unsuccessful in finding specific info. Thanks in advance! Plz give specific examples of when in the semester to bring this up and what type of info I should know.

 

[samsunimomo]

Unless you have other obligations, ask as soon as possible. If this is your first time in a research setting, then I guarantee that you won't understand much of what the lab members are doing for the first few weeks, even for the first few months, so you don't need to get into detail at all. Just send a letter of inquiry listing your (1) attributes, (2) the biology classes that you've taken thus far, (3) your GPA, (4) why you want to join his/her lab, and as an added touch, (5) express your enthusiasm to learn. The hard part is sticking it out and the goal is to be trusted with the protocols/methods that they'd allow you to run your own independent project, which will certainly take a lot of observations, questions, and mistakes.

 

[Remedies]

I have found a Professor to approach about a research opportunity, My question is when and how should I ask to be a part of his lab? I realize there is a ton a information on this forum pertaining to this however, I have been unsuccessful in finding specific info. Thanks in advance! Plz give specific examples of when in the semester to bring this up and what type of info I should know.

I think that when you ask your professor you should at least be somewhat familiar with what they are researching. This way it shows that you've done your homework and that you're interested. This is what I did with my professor, and I just walked up to him after class and said "hey I saw that you're researching this and it really interested me. I was wondering if you would be willing to take me in to work in your lab if you have an opening." Boom.

Good luck, and I hope you land a position. 😀

 

[johnisles2011]

I went to a pretty research focused school, so maybe it's different. But, where I went to school, the standard was to just shoot the guy an email. A pretty short email too, because odds are they get multiple requests and you don't want them to quit reading. Short and to the point.

Or if you know him pretty well, ask in person after class or at the office some day.

Make SURE you know all about his research and the projects and understand the relevant science so you don't sound like you're just doing it for your resume.

 

[plumhill]

All of the advice out there is good. Another added thing that'll make you seem more appealing is if you are willing to work as a volunteer/for credit.

 

[YourMD]

Sounds great guys, I'll approach him during the first week of classes, from what I gather this usually isn't a formal/serious meeting. I'll show my interest in his current project and ask for a position, There are a few backups I have sought out just in case this endeavor fails, However with the advice from you all Im feeling inspired and optimistic. Thanks again premys