Research

[dentaldiver]

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How do you get into doing research? I'm a sophomore so I'd like to start getting some hours in but I don't know where to begin. Do I just randomly go up to one of my bio professors and ask or should I go to the dental school? any help would be much appreciated

 

[sjv]

Basically what you said, simply ask. You should first look into what topics the PI/lab actually does research in and find one you are interested in. If they say no, move on to another one, someone will give you a chance.

 

[Meat Gyver]

My TA for one of my lab courses actually approached me at the end of the semester and said there was an opening in his lab, and if I was interested, he could put in a good word (essentially get me the job).

 

[ILLchief]

yep, just ask one of your professors if he/someone they know is looking for an assistant. if not, shoot some emails out to different labs asking if they would like an assistant. usually can be found on your university's bio website, just search research, etc... make sure you specifically state why their lab is what youre interested tho, dont make it generic.

 

[Mediumrare]

I would honestly figure what your interested in, regardless if its involved in dentistry. I am interested in viruses....(because they are awesome!!!!!- In fact, I have never been asked why I didn't do research relevant to dentistry at any of my interviews albeit it was published in a fairly relevant journal- But I'm not accepted anywhere so take that into consideration). You should want to do it because its what you want to do. After that, do some research at your said university and figure out who is doing what your interested in and then ask for a meeting and express your interest in their research and ask if a position is available. Simple as that.

 

[HaverfoodsDDS]

How do you get into doing research? I'm a sophomore so I'd like to start getting some hours in but I don't know where to begin. Do I just randomly go up to one of my bio professors and ask or should I go to the dental school? any help would be much appreciated

I may be totally off-base here, but the bolded section leads me to believe that you're just interested in research for the sake of your application. Please, for your own sanity DO NOT DO RESEARCH IF YOU AREN'T GENUINELY INTERESTED IN IT FOR ITS OWN SAKE. If you love research, by all means go for it, as research is a vital part of science, and it can be very rewarding to some people; but remember you do not need research experience to be a competitive applicant for dental school.

 

[CleverThought]

Keep in mind you don't have to do hard science research. I've done psychology research for 4 years and because I really enjoyed it, I put the effort in to present at ~5 conferences a year (including national conferences) and getting published.

Do something you're interested in and you will be more willing to put in the hours.

As far as getting into research, I stumbled upon it by being in the psychology club at my university.

 

[Piepiesuperpie]

DO NOT DO RESEARCH IF YOU AREN'T GENUINELY INTERESTED IN IT FOR ITS OWN SAKE.

To be fair to OP, OP probably will not know how much he/she enjoys research until he/she gets into a lab. I never liked my lab courses, but research is different and I've really come to enjoy it.

As for how to find a lab, email professors and ask people (even other undergrads may know of openings).