Summer Research Program Advice

[PreMedStudent55555]

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Will be starting my summer science research program within a couple of weeks and so was wondering if anyone had any advice on what I can do to prepare or on what I should do during the program? I will be working 9-5 from M-F for ten weeks. So far, the program has informed me that I will be assigned to a project relating to my PI's field which will be on nerve cell regeneration. I've already introduced myself to her and read over a literature review she published as well as a paper she published so I have a decent understanding of what I am getting myself into.

So, I wanted to ask what should I do to prepare or what should I be aware of or attempt to do during the experience of the science program? I know that I will be getting a poster out of this and I am content with that as I am not aiming for a publication or anything like that. Mostly, I am looking to build a relationship with the PI for a potential LOR and to network with the other students there. So, any tips on what I can do in the lab to stand out to the PI or make her like me would also be appreciated.

 

[aldol16]

What will most likely happen is you will be assigned to the direct mentorship of a graduate student or post-doc in the lab. Even if you get a young PI who still works in the lab, they're probably going to pass you off to a graduate student to mentor. So show up on time and take ownership of your project. You have to be willing to learn and to learn from your own mistakes - this is critical. You will make mistakes. Just don't make them twice. On top of being a good lab citizen, you should be involved in your project - view it as a true project and not as something just to get done on your way to medical school. You are there to learn science and learn science you should.

 

[PreMedStudent55555]

What do you mean exactly with regards to "taking ownership" of a project? Does this mean I should take initiative of inventing one or take initiative of doing the whole project myself?

 

[aldol16]

What do you mean exactly with regards to "taking ownership" of a project? Does this mean I should take initiative of inventing one or take initiative of doing the whole project myself?

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Taking ownership means that you a) read the background material for the proposed project so you understand the context of your project and work b) familiarize yourself with the techniques in the lab that will be useful for your project and c) get to the point where you can work independently on your project. Most undergrads are at the point where they do experiments their mentor(s) set out for them - like do a Western on expression of this protein. They do those experiments, bring the results back to their mentor(s) after analyzing them (or not) and receive further guidance from the mentors. This is okay at the beginning stages of the project but you should strive to the point where you work independently and can identify the necessary further experiments to do. Your mentors should serve 1) to teach you the techniques you need to know to successfully carry out your project and 2) as sounding boards for discussing the intellectual bases and implications of the results of your work. If you've taken ownership of your project, you should feel as though you are talking to them as colleagues and not so much as "I've done what you've told me - what should I do next?"

 

[PreMedStudent55555]

Thanks

 

[JustAPhD]

If I were you I'd read the last 4-5 papers from the PI. Really read them and do your best to understand the results and the experimental design. Look up any techniques you're unfamiliar with and give them a read-through. I'm always a happy camper when an undergrad that comes into the lab does so already with an understanding of what I do and what techniques I use to accomplish my goals. Don't feel like you have to be an expert ---of course you don't!--- but it saves time and gets you up on your feet in the lab quicker. In all likelihood what you accomplish during your stint will be small on the grand scheme of things, as long as you come out with a good experience and good professional relationships with the lab then it's mission success.

Oh, and if you have questions while doing an experiment, don't be afraid to ask. Best of luck!