What do premeds do in research?

[sunlight7]

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Hello, I recently started college, so I do not have that much experience in health science, let alone clinical research. . I wanted to start doing research so I reached out to a researcher. He replied that he could look into it but that he wants to know what I want to do/will do in his research projects. My problem is that I don't really know what to reply. Could anyone help? I was going to email him that I just want to observe, but that doesn't really seem like something worth mentioning on my CV. I really hoped that I could help publish something, but it really seems far-fetched since I have not even completed any of my science courses yet. What other things could I be doing/helping with as an unexperienced student?

 

[pBar]

Everyone has to start somewhere, no matter the experience entrance barrier. The big thing I would advise starting out when getting into research is to keep your mind open and make it clear to the PI that you might not have many foundational skills, but are willing to learn and pick up new tasks. The other advantage as a student just starting college, is getting involved in research now gives you plenty of time to work with a PI, build a relationship, and develop a wealth of skills and knowledge.

When I started my undergraduate I was seeking a degree completely unrelated to the research I got involved with. My original PI was working on a Health Communications study and I came along onto the project. I was clear from the beginning this wasn't my area of expertise, but found a PI who was willing to work with me to develop the skills I needed. Since then I have worked in research groups in health communication, health policy, and behavioral-clinical interventions. The key is to be flexible.

This might mean you will start off with menial tasks, such as raw data entry. However, stick around long enough and you should get to the point to make a valuable impact, and become an asset to the team (and hopefully in the long run authorship).

 

[sunlight7]

Everyone has to start somewhere, no matter the experience entrance barrier. The big thing I would advise starting out when getting into research is to keep your mind open and make it clear to the PI that you might not have many foundational skills, but are willing to learn and pick up new tasks. The other advantage as a student just starting college, is getting involved in research now gives you plenty of time to work with a PI, build a relationship, and develop a wealth of skills and knowledge.

When I started my undergraduate I was seeking a degree completely unrelated to the research I got involved with. My original PI was working on a Health Communications study and I came along onto the project. I was clear from the beginning this wasn't my area of expertise, but found a PI who was willing to work with me to develop the skills I needed. Since then I have worked in research groups in health communication, health policy, and behavioral-clinical interventions. The key is to be flexible.

This might mean you will start off with menial tasks, such as raw data entry. However, stick around long enough and you should get to the point to make a valuable impact, and become an asset to the team (and hopefully in the long run authorship).

Thank you for your advice! I was really afraid that nobody would want me in their research group once I tell them about my lack of experience, so this really brings my hopes up. Could you please give more examples of menial tasks that I could do? Thank you!

 

[pBar]

Thank you for your advice! I was really afraid that nobody would want me in their research group once I tell them about my lack of experience, so this really brings my hopes up. Could you please give more examples of menial tasks that I could do? Thank you!

This might be something that your PI would be better fit elaborate on, considering I don't know exactly what their current projects involve regarding procedure. It sounds like from what you've said they're working on clinical-type research, which would probably be indicative of large data sets requiring entry and manipulation. So my best guess is starting there, however I wouldn't be afraid to ask the PI what they would need help with that you might be able to learn. This can vary from research group to research group, however PI's are generally aware that undergrads are going to require some teaching to integrate them into their team. It would help them as well to let them know up front how many hours a week you could ensure that you can dedicate to their project, this might give them a better idea of how many resources they want to invest in you.

 

[kfcchikin]

For clinical - collecting data, writing manuscript
For wet lab - basic lab techniques, carrying out the necessary repeated trials after being taught the experiment, etc

Thank you for your advice! I was really afraid that nobody would want me in their research group once I tell them about my lack of experience, so this really brings my hopes up. Could you please give more examples of menial tasks that I could do? Thank you!

I'm an English major with several research pubs including 1st author. The first time I was pipetting with the fancy lab material I couldn't even figure out how to use it and kept almost accidentally contaminating the experiment lol... I promise you it doesn't matter one bit. If they're nice they'll teach you, if they're not don't waste your time with them

 

[premed20172017]

For clinical - collecting data, writing manuscript
For wet lab - basic lab techniques, carrying out the necessary repeated trials after being taught the experiment, etc



I'm an English major with several research pubs including 1st author. The first time I was pipetting with the fancy lab material I couldn't even figure out how to use it and kept almost accidentally contaminating the experiment lol... I promise you it doesn't matter one bit. If they're nice they'll teach you, if they're not don't waste your time with them

This is so true. It all depends on who mentors you.

 

[jurassicpark]

In response to your question, it may be beneficial to be frank and upfront that you're just starting out, you have no idea but absolutely eager to learn and do everything. It would help if you looked up what they're researching and see if it appeals to you and discuss with them what excited you about their research.

Back in my old days, most of us go our research-on usually after the first semester/quarter after some basic lab experience, getting to know profs/TAs/etc.

None of what I did as an undergrad would've prepared me for research. I worked with rats, preparing them then radiating them with a proton beam. Then dissecting them, staining them, running them through various different tests, etc. I was painstakingly oriented and trained by staff and researchers. Every week then I would scrub in with the neurosurgical team watch and take notes. Then we would experiment with beer afterwards to see which ones we liked.

 

[Blueprint Med School]

Other than some really basic facts, your undergrad classes will barely prepare you for research in any lab. The fact that you recently started college is actually very beneficial. Most undergrads will spend their first 1-2 semesters in a lab doing absolutely nothing but shadow another member of the lab to learn the ropes. That's why PIs will typically try to find undergrads that can be part of their lab long-term, so if you can express this as well as a passion/desire to learn, then you should have no trouble finding a position.

Kevin W, MCAT Tutor
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