Should I quit my research?

[georgecostanza720]

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Hello!

I'm currently a junior Neuroscience major at a rather large research institution, and need some advice about what I should do. The lab I currently work in, is frankly a disaster. The PI is almost never present, is very unresponsive to emails or attempts to contact him, but when he is there he's genuinely a very nice guy and seems helpful. I started in this lab in August, and the situation wasn't this bad at first, but it's quickly deteriorated. It's a small lab, so there are currently no post docs or grad students, just a lab manager who doesn't have too much background with working in a lab so he isn't very helpful. Due to all of this, the work I do suffers since I don't have the conceptual understanding or leadership to continue projects since I'm constantly in the dark. The worst part is that the research isn't even closely related to my major, so I do not find myself interested in the subject matter, on top of the environment.
During my sophomore year I did two semesters of research in a neuroscience lab, but left due to the lab not having enough funding to continue projects, so there was nothing for me to do. The only reason I took this research was because it is paid, and the PI told me I would be able to publish and he seemed like a very good mentor. I am planning on doing a fifth year because I need to repair my GPA more, but I can't see myself continuing in this lab for that long and retaining my sanity.

So basically have I shown that I have research experience, and say it isn't for me (because I do not like research much to begin with)? Or would it look bad if I quit and got a part time job that is less stressful? If I found research in a neuro lab that I enjoyed, would it look as though I can't commit to things if I've gone through three labs throughout my undergrad career. I just really need some advice, thanks in advance!

 

[Imperius]

While it is great to have a long, meaningful experience at a lab, that shouldn't be the only reason you stay. It sounds like you're not going far there, so switch labs, or find a different job if you need money. It doesn't sound like you're gaining anything from staying.

 

[eteshoe]

You have a couple of choices, each that has it's own consequences:

1. Continue in this lab, but don't focus on the negatives or getting a publication but instead on learning the ropes by yourself. This could be via googling techniques, etc. and building your own project. It would be a rough road but you would have one hell of a story to tell once you're finished. And who knows maybe you could end up getting that publication.

2. Find another neuro lab and start there asap. That will still give you 2 yrs in a lab according to your 5 yr plan which is a solid amount of experience. I don't know if it'll be looked at that negatively for 3 labs in your undergrad career since the first one was beyond your control and the second was not a conducive environment for your scientific development.

3. Quit research all together and get a part time job. This will alleviate the stress you're currently feeling which would translate into you doing better in your school work (probably), being able to build up more volunteering hrs, and having more time to study for the MCAT.

You got to evaluate each option but do whatever will make you a better applicant. Research isn't the end all be all for getting into med school - though it can be helpful.