Undergrad summer research program help!!

[DMBFan]

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I start a research program on Monday in a totally different city, and I'm a little nervous about the stuff I'll be doing. I have never worked in lab and I just want some feedback on people who have participated in these types of programs. What kinds of things do you do in biological research? Anything really complicated? Also, for those who have done these types of programs, what did you do on weekends and after work? Just any general info about these types of programs would be really helpful! Thanks!

 

[notJERRYFALWELL]

Can you get more specific than "biological research?" It could involve lots, from decapitating mice to growing plants.

 

[Samus Aran]

I did an internship last summer in a neuroendocrinology lab and I did stuff like perfusions, surgeries, immunocytochemistry, etc., but there were some people in my program that hardly did anything more than just observe. It really depends on what kind of lab you're in and what the PI's are like...

 

[Pinkertinkle]

I did an internship in a biotech company. I did lots of western blots, tissue culture and plasmid work. Don't worry, you'll have everything down within a month.

 

[DMBFan]

Can you get more specific than "biological research?" It could involve lots, from decapitating mice to growing plants.

Sorry - it's biochemistry and molecular genetics...Also, I was wondering for those of you who did summer internships, how was the social experience if you lived on the campus where you worked?

 

[fullefect1]

Where are you doing your research at?

 

[felipe5]

Hey DMBFan,

I wouldn't worry too much if I were you......you'll definitely learn the techniques along the way. I participated in a summer internship last summer at WashU (it was a biology thing), and previously I had only had experience in an organic synthesis research lab. I was kinda worried that I didn't have any molecular training (besides in the labs at school), but eventually, I was taught and became quite proficient in various molecular and physiological techniques.

As far as the social aspects of my internship, I guess it was pretty much divided in two for me. One group that I formed a good bond with where with the other interns that were also participating in the program......well all worked in different labs, but we would kick it in the dorm that we stayed in, go out to eat, and of course, go out and party. The other group that I became quite close to were with the people in my lab (well not the entire lab, but a few cool people). So, for me, the social aspects of the program and school where just what I needed to relax after a long day in the lab. Overall, it was a great experience and would highly recommend it to others.

 

[Samus Aran]

Sorry - it's biochemistry and molecular genetics...Also, I was wondering for those of you who did summer internships, how was the social experience if you lived on the campus where you worked?

My internship was at UCLA, so the social experience was great (of course)

 

[notJERRYFALWELL]

I'm doing a REU at URochester.

The social scene sucks.

Don't worry, you'll learn everything along the way. They don't expect you to have the experience required for the particular lab you're working for. If you have time, and you know who you're working with, do a search online (or on their lab page) for articles that your PI has written, so that you can have a general gist of what you'll be dealing with. That's the best way you can prepare for the summer.