research question MD only - Archaeology related

[Derpz]

I'm declared as a dual major one of them being Archaeology. I want to make sure I'm not setting myself up for failure on the research front to top end schools.

I'm taking an upper level class this fall cataloging pieces from an excavation conducted this past summer. There is a heavy emphasis on this component of the research process within the class. The professor and PhD student involved are open to me developing my own project with the collection, and so I am wondering if that type of work would appease the ADCOM gods at the top end schools on the research front. I'm a bit late to the research game at my current school (a top 10 & so tons of research going on) as I just transferred in as a junior...and so this seems like a great opportunity to walk into. They also have a summer dig that I can partake in and continue assisting with the greater project/site excavation.

I have a publication in a public health journal, work done at my former institution, as well as 5 months in a marine bio lab there...had a SURF grant awarded for the marine bio work but had to pull the plug when I decided I was transferring. Should I be concerned pursuing this opportunity rather than some type of wet lab or clinical research?

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[NYCNative]

I'm declared as a dual major one of them being Archaeology. I want to make sure I'm not setting myself up for failure on the research front to top end schools.

I'm taking an upper level class this fall cataloging pieces from an excavation conducted this past summer. There is a heavy emphasis on this component of the research process within the class. The professor and PhD student involved are open to me developing my own project with the collection, and so I am wondering if that type of work would appease the ADCOM gods at the top end schools on the research front. I'm a bit late to the research game at my current school (a top 10 & so tons of research going on) as I just transferred in as a junior...and so this seems like a great opportunity to walk into. They also have a summer dig that I can partake in and continue assisting with the greater project/site excavation.

I have a publication in a public health journal, work done at my former institution, as well as 5 months in a marine bio lab there...had a SURF grant awarded for the marine bio work but had to pull the plug when I decided I was transferring. Should I be concerned pursuing this opportunity rather than some type of wet lab or clinical research?

If you are going to get some publications out of this, then definitely. And even if you don't, as well. Some schools absolutely go gaga for interesting, well-rounded applicants. Try to tie the experience into your secondary essays, if not your primary.

 

[QuizzicalApe]

Yeah, do this because it sounds cool. You're going to stand out. The exception would be if you are going MD/PhD and you need more CV padding.

 

[eleveneleven]

I say definitely go for it! Sounds like an awesome opportunity and if it's something you're genuinely interested in than all the better. I had a similar concern going in to my application cycle (I did research in a non-biomedical science), and was worried that research-heavy schools might look at this skeptically. But it seems like most of my interviewers have looked at this research favorably and have been intrigued by it. Archaeology would be a great talking point and would definitely help you stand out!

 

[vagabondrunning]

When I was in undergrad, you could do archaeology digs and a lot of that involved osteology and physical anthropology. I think that would be a cool opportunity.