Summer Research Advice needed

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Doctre

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I plan on applying for my university's summer research program along with research programs at other universities. If I do get accepted to both the program at my home university and also to another program with a more prestigious name or better location, I am unsure of which one to go with.
My problem with picking a program at another different school is a matter of continuity. I am sort of in a lab right now but I haven't learn much at all after a semester of being there (though most of that is my fault do to time constraints this semester) and I haven't had any research experience at all prior to this semester. By staying at my current school (and probably the same as I'm currently in), I can take the things I learn during the summer and carry it over the following year. If I leave to go to another program to work on a different kind of project, I'll have a harder time starting up again when school starts since I would have spent a summer working on another project. Also, I am afraid of offending the people in the lab I am with by choosing to go elsewhere during the summer.
However, going to a different school for summer research does have its benefits. I can pick up a completely new project and learn from faculty and students that I would normally not be able to interact with. Also, it would give me a chance to explore research in neuroscience, which is a field that I haven't had the chance to do research with at my current school. Lastly, the opportunity to explore a new campus and city would definitely make my summer much more exciting.
Any thoughts or recommendations on this will be surely appreciated.

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I'd base it on what field of research interests you the most. The name of the school might help, but if they throw you into a research project you have no care for....eek. If I were you, I'd talk to your boss and ask him about what options will be available for you in the future -
assays to develop
projects to start/run
ability to expand and learn new things

I think that the hassle of transitioning to a new project/place won't give you a lot of time to deal with a project/learn much. I'd stick with your job if you find it interesting - especially if it offers you the ability to expand.

I've turned down positions because the projects they run just don't interest me remotely. Would I have learned new things? Probably. Was the position in a more presitigious place? Sure... But the research project doesn't interest me at all and I'd die of boredom there. :laugh:
 
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