Understanding the 'GET INTO A RESEARCH PROGRAM'

[Atrik]

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Hello, I've looked at a few threads and didn't find an answer I am looking for

Currently an incoming undergraduate junior student this fall with a hemorrhaging GPA of 2.92* at a local state university. I contacted a professors and the biology department for research opportunities and after I send them my C.V. [which is embarrassingly empty] I tend to not get a response after the whole "Thank you 'Atrik' we'll get right back to you"

The positions I've been applying for doesn't necessarily ask for a GPA, so I don't think its a factor. However, I feel terrible that after applying for 8 positions only 1 of them got back to me and our conversation went:

Line:"Unfortunately, we prefer candidates with more experience"
Me: "Sad for us, the new guys can't get any experience unless someone gives them a break
Line: "That is unfortunately true"
Me: "*shrugs* oh well, I'll just keep applying, one of these days i'll get in
Line: "That's the spirit, tell you what...I'll keep your CV in case a position opens and we need an entry level volunteer researcher"


My CV goes along with these:

Education:
San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
B.S. in Biology: Emphasis on Physiology (May 2013)
• Minor in History


Research Interests:
Molecular and Cellular ____ Genetic Engineering
Physiological ____ Microbiology
Pharmaceutical


Lab Experience:
• Two semesters of Introductory Biology Lab
• One semester of General Chemistry Lab
• One semester of Physics lab
• One semester of 2nd semester Physi Physics lab on the end of Fall 2011
• One semester of Organic Chemistry lab on the end of Fall 2011


So basically what I am asking is:

1. Is there a chance for me to get into a research program?
2. Should I just focus on Physiological/Human related research programs? tbh, I've applied from Studying the effect of meth to zebrafish transgenics
3.Any other advice that can help?


*no need for lecture on this, I had personal issues that I have a lot of explaining to do for the past 2 years as well as I never really studied and 'was' content with B's and B-'s

**Sorry if there is already a similar thread to this, I could not find it

 

[deleted393595]

You just have to be persistent about contacting professors. Email everyone in the department you're interested in for openings. Most likely you'll get a response.

 

[StephanieZ]

Are you taking any classes with professors who do research? My first research opportunity was working in a lab with my organic chemistry professor. He was extremely unpopular with his students, so when I asked him if he had any room for me in his lab, I think he was mildly surprised that anyone wanted to work with him. We now have a good relationship and he is writing an LOR for me, plus I was able to put that small, informal experience on an application for a more prestigious research opportunity this summer. I guess that what I'm saying is it's sometimes better to reach out to people personally to get your foot in the door. I actually contacted about 20 people in the bio and chem dept. at my school asking for lab positions. Only two wrote me back but that was all I needed. Any little thing you do, even if it's just cleaning flasks and such, is a foot in the door and an experience you can put on your next application so it's not blank. Good luck!

 

[aSagacious]

I agree that the shotgun approach is really the only way to go. Might you consider in-person office visits rather than spamming?

 

[deleted393595]

I agree that the shotgun approach is really the only way to go. Might you consider in-person office visits rather than spamming?

+1. As long as you don't burst into their offices with a shotgun.

 

[ash914]

Make sure your emails show your interest in the lab's research. Read a couple of abstracts and mention specifically why it interests you. Also mention if you're willing to commit for a while so that they're more likely to invest time in training you. Relevant coursework is also good to bring up since it shows you have some background and basic understanding of related subjects. My department (at a big research school) actually recommends taking your CV to the first meeting with the PI instead of including it into the original email, though that might just be specific here. Regardless, don't make the email too long or at least make the first part of it very convincing.

 

[Atrik]

Regarding the shotgun approach. I do those to the ones[instructors/professors] in my institution.

But for those in UCSF, SFGH, CPMC or other institutions...I find it slightly difficult to track them down...and after an awkward encounter with a doctor in UCSF asking if I can shadow him...I am slightly discouraged to do so in hospitals.

Though that was an interesting point, I did have graduate students teaching us who were doing research unfortunately, they told me they had their friends who were undergraduates as well who were already helping them.

But the bursting through their door with a shotgun does leave an impression [may or may not be a good one]

To be honest, I am interested in researching due to sole fact I never did it before and I want to try it. I've been careful and neat with my lab works and I do not feign interest in researching a biological topic.

But yeah, keep trying is all I could really do for now huh?

 

[nisarg2010]

I would recommend not just looking into Bio and Chem departments. Look at you Immunology department, Infectious disease department, or if your school has a vet or pharm school look into getting in one of their labs. I know the process can be hard. I was lucky in the respect because my school as an undergraduate research program which will help you find labs. Another good source would be the honors college (if your school has one) because im sure they would have dealt with this before. I would also recommend not asking for an entry into a lab through email. Your conversation should go as follows: You email a prof. saying you want to set up an appointment to talk to them about their research (showing interest is very important) (while waiting for the appointment, read up on their research and have good questions); you meet them and discuss their research and you say that you find it very interesting and would be working in their lab (Coupling your enthusiasm about their research with being face to face, it makes it harder for them to say no).

Good luck and don't give up