Stick with old lab or try new one

[yjkimnada]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I've been with my current lab at Sloan-Kettering for almost four years now and it was a blast. I've learned so much and they have put me on major publications. Now that I'm entering the second half of my freshman year and thinking about summer plans, should I stick to the same lab or try out a new one at my university? I was considering to try out a physician's lab and engage in clinical research that is different from the basic research that I'm used to. Will medical schools prefer either type of research (although I do know that clinical research may entail more publications)? Also, for scholarships like the Goldwater, having multiple research scientists attest to my abilities may be beneficial. At the same time, I love the lab I'm with and I'm not sure I want to split time away from it. I know that my old lab will be of tremendous help in both learning and publication regardless. Any advice? Thanks!

 

[yjkimnada]

Bump


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[aldol16]

If you're only a freshman and have done four years of research, then that means that as a high school student, you were a part of major publications. You sound like you have a big role in the lab you're in now - why shake the boat?

 

[yjkimnada]

Precisely, that is one side of my thinking. I have something that I'm really grateful for, so why change it? I was just curious if I was missing out by not exploring other research areas and coming in contact with more scientist or research mentors.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[JustAPhD]

Could you ask your PI if it would be possible to take this summer off from the lab? That way you can explore clinical research and then have your old lab to come back to.

 

[Goro]

It is a pre-med delusion that med schools desire clinical research over bench research. Anything that teaches you about the scientific method is good, even if it's studying clams off of Baja CA.
If you like your current lab, stick with it.

And say hello to Dr Nancy Kernan while you're at it...old colleague of mine.

The wise DrMidlife on research: “you've preferably had some exposure to research so you can be convinced that Wakefield used malicious dirtbag methods and is not the savior of the world's children.”

The wise Crayola227 on research: So tired about the whining over the foundation of knowledge that is expected in a physician. We're applied scientists ffs. Own that. If you can't own it and take pride in it, gtfo.

I've been with my current lab at Sloan-Kettering for almost four years now and it was a blast. I've learned so much and they have put me on major publications. Now that I'm entering the second half of my freshman year and thinking about summer plans, should I stick to the same lab or try out a new one at my university? I was considering to try out a physician's lab and engage in clinical research that is different from the basic research that I'm used to. Will medical schools prefer either type of research (although I do know that clinical research may entail more publications)? Also, for scholarships like the Goldwater, having multiple research scientists attest to my abilities may be beneficial. At the same time, I love the lab I'm with and I'm not sure I want to split time away from it. I know that my old lab will be of tremendous help in both learning and publication regardless. Any advice? Thanks!

 

[JustAPhD]

And say hello to Dr Nancy Kernan while you're at it...old colleague of mine.

I can just imagine OP going up to her and saying:
"Uh, Dr Kernan, Goro says hi."
-"who says hi?"
"Goro, I met him on the Internet."

Haha.

 

[yjkimnada]

Who.... Which department does she work in?

Well, so for now I'm guessing it's in my best interest to stick to what I have? Hmm makes sense. I was less concerned about clinical vs basic and more curious about what it would be like to have several mentors. But maybe it is better to have one super close mentor .

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[kraskadva]

Who.... Which department does she work in?

Well, so for now I'm guessing it's in my best interest to stick to what I have? Hmm makes sense. I was less concerned about clinical vs basic and more curious about what it would be like to have several mentors. But maybe it is better to have one super close mentor .

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Dr+Nancy+Kernan

 

[yjkimnada]

Haha I wasn't actually planning to find the person in question. Would be very awkward.

Also, decided to try out a new lab temporarily . Maybe for like a semester and see how it goes.

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[kraskadva]

Haha I wasn't actually planning to find the person in question. Would be very awkward.

Also, decided to try out a new lab temporarily . Maybe for like a semester and see how it goes.

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Yes, potentially very awkward. Also potentially very entertaining/enlightening, especially if @Goro knows her well enough to name drop...

 

[benjamin94559]

If you could find a new lab I would try it. You're a freshman with lots of experience and now is a good time to see new things. That said dont burn any bridges and try and be able to come back to that lab if you do leave.