Summer research

[lena20]

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I have a chance to work on a summer research project at my school involving molecular biology with a professor in plant genetics, but I was wondering if it would be more worthwile to try to get into a more medically related research program elsewhere such as NIH. Would it make any difference, and would this still be a valuable experience if I can't get into another program?

 

[Mutt]

It depends.

A name (unfortunately) carries a lot of weight in the world of applications, so if it a big name institution it might be more attractive. Also, if you like it and that's your thing, go for it. Remember, eukaryotic DNA is (for the most part) eukaryotic DNA, so learning mol. bio. techniques and applications (i.e. PCR, gels, etc.) will be relevant in many other areas during your research endeavors. Lastly, if it is your first entry into a lab setting, then you have even more flexibility application-wise as you can always find your way into a biomedical research lab later in your undergrad career.

 

[erin682]

I'd say do the research you are most interested in. Schools want to make sure that you are more than just good grades and have a general understanding of basic sciences. I would make sure though that you do get some sort of clinical exposure whether its shadowing or working at a hospital. But for research I'd say the opportunity you have sounds great.

 

[NNguyenMD]

with regard to research. Those summer programs, at least the ones that I have been involved in, are heavily tilted toward training and learning. There's certainly nothing to lose in applying to them.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has a nice one, if you don't mind spending the summer in Memphis.

www.stjude.org/poe

I have a chance to work on a summer research project at my school involving molecular biology with a professor in plant genetics, but I was wondering if it would be more worthwile to try to get into a more medically related research program elsewhere such as NIH. Would it make any difference, and would this still be a valuable experience if I can't get into another program?

 

[ramblinwreckie]

I wouldn't worry about what the research subject is as long as it interests you, like someone else said.

Check out the overseas NSF-sponsored ones (search here). I did one in SE Asia last summer, and I had an amazing time. And, the pay was awesome.

 

[DrYo12]

When I was an undergrad, I did three years of plant biology research. Was it medically related? Not really. Did I learn a whole lot about how to analyse data and test a hypothesis and designing experiments? You bet. I was thinking that I wanted to get into something more medically related, but since there were less people wanting into the plant bio lab, I actually got better exposure to the real workings of how research is done and got some excellent experience in things beyond just learning techniques.