Thoughts On Summer Research

[AM1234567]

This summer, my biology professor has a "wet lab" researching bees and reasons behind colony collapse disorder.
The application says:
"The Research interns (that's me) will participate in a pilot research project among senior investigators who will also serve as mentors and role models. The research intern will also assist the senior investigator in experimenting with pesticides’ effects on honeybee health and behavior, making contributions to understand Colony Collapse Disorder."

I'm currently a sophomore and I have not gotten involved in real research since high school, where I was analyzing duckweed DNA and their uses in alternative fuel. This lab is a few hours a day for 9-12 weeks over the summer, and I have the option to continue researching the following summer, and with hard work I could get published. So my question for you all is, will this research be worth my while? Will it make me stand out in an application/ is it good research for applying to medical schools? I know research is always good, but I don't know if this type of research is what they are looking for.

In terms of other stuff I've done, I have 45 hours of clinical exposure, shadowed an MD for a day, and am an ambassador for my school's acceptance day. I also play on the club soccer team and am in a fraternity (considering not including this on my app at all). I would appreciate any type of advice.

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[JustAPhD]

If you find the topic interesting then yes it will be worth your while.

A research experience alone won't make you stand out, it's what you do with the research experience that might.

It's fine research for med school. It's more about understanding the scientific method and developing critical thinking/analysis skills rather than what the research is actually about.

 

[eteshoe]

You sound like you're interested so I say go ahead. The point of doing research as an UG is to expose the student to the scientific process, teamwork and how to apply multiple skills to tackle a problem (my opinion). You want to show that you are motivated outside of the classroom. My first research project was a pure physical chem project that had nothing to do with medicine but it taught me so much about the research endeavor.

As @JustAPhD said research experience won't make you stand out since so many students do it. However, if you really enjoy your project - it will show in your writing which can make you stand out.