what should I do?

[Dr. Biology]

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So if you guys remember I made a post about genetics research, I decided to go through with that. I informed to professor and he said he could use me. So after class we went to the lab he showed me around and started going over things I had never heard of he has a thick Russian accent which did not make it any easier to understand. he asked me how to dilute a "5x base combo solution" and how to make it. I tried to tell him I did not understand what he was asking, but then he proceeded to work out a very simple dilution chem (one that i can do in my head Vd x 1= 100ml x 5 ans=500ml diluted). problem to get the answer, belittled me for "not knowing" and then moved on to showing me the rest of the lab. i was able to answer all of his bio questions and all of his other questions, and after the first day it seems as if i left on good terms (all he did after that was have me wash beakers and lab glassware). The next day i stopped by to tell him i could come in whenever after his last class since my classes were over and now that the specimen were in he could finish orienting me. He proceeded to tell me he was busy come back at 3 ish, so I waited around and at three i came back to his office and he wasn't there, i stopped by the lab and his grad student was in there putting the finishing touches on his thesis for his defense that evening. i waited around until 4 and he still was nowhere to be found, i assumed he was helping his grad student, and i couldn't wait around any longer as i had a lot of studying to get done so i went home. I did send him an email saying i waited around until four and i couldn't find him, and that i assumed he was helping his grad student. i asked him to let me know when was good for me to stop by and i would so i could finish learning about what i would be doing. i apologized for misunderstanding him about the dilution problem as i had not ever worked in a lab before and the terminology was new to me. its been 5 days with no reply and i know he is around, as i seem him in class rooms and in the halls while im in class. i feel as i may have done something unintentional to offend him (he is native Russian and their customs may be different) or i may have made myself seem as if i am an idiot and now he does not want me working with him. i don't know what to think. should i just stop by his office and call it quits, or discuss the situation with him, or should i just avoid the issue and seek research elsewhere, or should i send another email over the weekend and see if he responds. what do you guys think and be honest! i want to salvage this as much as possible since he is 1 of 2 genetics professors and all bio majors must take general genetics, so ill end up probably having to take him later, so i want to salvage the situation as much as possible. give me your opinion on the situation and what i should do to fix it!
Thanks guys!

 

[Reckoner]

1. Brevity, please. You're not protecting the north from wildlings, no need to build this wall of text.

2. You're over-thinking this. He's busy. Especially with a student finishing up. He probably hasn't read your email yet or forgot about it.

3. Send him another email after a week has passed since your first. Make sure you don't sound neurotic, and don't mention the dilution incident. Tell him you're excited about getting to work in his lab, mention that you sent him an email earlier and want to make sure he got it, and ask about finishing up your training. Three short sentences max. Don't write anything accusatory or overly apologetic. If he doesn't answer that one by the end of the week try talking to him during office hours. Good luck.

 

[Dr. Biology]

1. Brevity, please. You're not protecting the north from wildlings, no need to build this wall of text.

2. You're over-thinking this. He's busy. Especially with a student finishing up. He probably hasn't read your email yet or forgot about it.

3. Send him another email after a week has passed since your first. Make sure you don't sound neurotic, and don't mention the dilution incident. Tell him you're excited about getting to work in his lab, mention that you sent him an email earlier and want to make sure he got it, and ask about finishing up your training. Three short sentences max. Don't write anything accusatory or overly apologetic. If he doesn't answer that one by the end of the week try talking to him during office hours. Good luck.

im not sure I get the reference!

 

[Reckoner]

im not sure I get the reference!

You know nothing, Jon Snow Dr. Biology

 

[Dr. Biology]

You know nothing, Jon Snow Dr. Biology

OOOOH its a Game of Thrones Reference! is that show good? ive been meaning to watch it!

 

[kevinus]

Do not work with him if you are concerned about his background and personality. There are a plenty of faculty members, and if he does not seem to care about you, it will show in the LOR.

 

[NontradCA]

So if you guys remember I made a post about genetics research, I decided to go through with that. I informed to professor and he said he could use me. So after class we went to the lab he showed me around and started going over things I had never heard of he has a thick Russian accent which did not make it any easier to understand. he asked me how to dilute a "5x base combo solution" and how to make it. I tried to tell him I did not understand what he was asking, but then he proceeded to work out a very simple dilution chem (one that i can do in my head Vd x 1= 100ml x 5 ans=500ml diluted). problem to get the answer, belittled me for "not knowing" and then moved on to showing me the rest of the lab. i was able to answer all of his bio questions and all of his other questions, and after the first day it seems as if i left on good terms (all he did after that was have me wash beakers and lab glassware). The next day i stopped by to tell him i could come in whenever after his last class since my classes were over and now that the specimen were in he could finish orienting me. He proceeded to tell me he was busy come back at 3 ish, so I waited around and at three i came back to his office and he wasn't there, i stopped by the lab and his grad student was in there putting the finishing touches on his thesis for his defense that evening. i waited around until 4 and he still was nowhere to be found, i assumed he was helping his grad student, and i couldn't wait around any longer as i had a lot of studying to get done so i went home. I did send him an email saying i waited around until four and i couldn't find him, and that i assumed he was helping his grad student. i asked him to let me know when was good for me to stop by and i would so i could finish learning about what i would be doing. i apologized for misunderstanding him about the dilution problem as i had not ever worked in a lab before and the terminology was new to me. its been 5 days with no reply and i know he is around, as i seem him in class rooms and in the halls while im in class. i feel as i may have done something unintentional to offend him (he is native Russian and their customs may be different) or i may have made myself seem as if i am an idiot and now he does not want me working with him. i don't know what to think. should i just stop by his office and call it quits, or discuss the situation with him, or should i just avoid the issue and seek research elsewhere, or should i send another email over the weekend and see if he responds. what do you guys think and be honest! i want to salvage this as much as possible since he is 1 of 2 genetics professors and all bio majors must take general genetics, so ill end up probably having to take him later, so i want to salvage the situation as much as possible. give me your opinion on the situation and what i should do to fix it!
Thanks guys!

It's ironic that your having communication issues with your professor and then post this...whatever it is. Did the email resemble your post? If so, I have an explanation as to what was in his mind.

 

[Patros]

i feel as i may have done something unintentional to offend him (he is native Russian and their customs may be different) or i may have made myself seem as if i am an idiot and now he does not want me working with him. i don't know what to think. should i just stop by his office and call it quits, or discuss the situation with him, or should i just avoid the issue and seek research elsewhere, or should i send another email over the weekend and see if he responds. what do you guys think and be honest! i want to salvage this as much as possible since he is 1 of 2 genetics professors and all bio majors must take general genetics, so ill end up probably having to take him later, so i want to salvage the situation as much as possible. give me your opinion on the situation and what i should do to fix it!
Thanks guys!

After careful scrutiny and in-depth research, I have discovered what the hell OP is actually asking.

1) Use grammar and learn how to pace your writing. As much as I enjoy reading your thoughts transcribed into non-stop, unending babble, it also gave me hell of a headache.

2) You should not work with him if you have another option. Russian or not, you don't want to work with someone who is overly demanding and easily offended. You haven't invested much time into this lab. I would jump ship ASAP once you find a willing PI.

3) He said he can "use you"? For what? To make stock solutions and clean glassware? Screw that, get out of there. If you do intend to work there, you have to make it clear you are interested in doing experiments, and eventually your own project. So if you have to salvage the situation, be courteous, but also stand up for yourself.

 

[Dr. Biology]

no it wasn't lol I structured it better

 

[masaraksh]

Be more direct and concise

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Find another lab, but please stop being so neurotic. Pre-meds trend to be annoying by their over insistence and their paranoia that they could do something wrong. Just be a normal person that doesn't act needy.

 

[Dr. Biology]

After careful scrutiny and in-depth research, I have discovered what the hell OP is actually asking.

1) Use grammar and learn how to pace your writing. As much as I enjoy reading your thoughts transcribed into non-stop, unending babble, it also gave me hell of a headache.

2) You should not work with him, if you have another option. Russian or not, you don't want to work with someone who is overly demanding and easily offended. You haven't invested much time into this lab. I would jump ship ASAP once you find a willing PI.

3) He said he can "you use you"? For what? To make stock solutions and clean glassware? Screw that, get out of there. If you do intend to work there, you have to make it clear you are interested in doing experiments, and eventually your own project. So if you have to salvage the situation, be courteous, but also stand up for yourself.

thanks for the advice, and cut me some slack I typed this in a hurry.

 

[Mt Kilimanjaro]

In 1611 the Wanli Emperor constructed The Great Wall of Text, which still stands today (above).

 

[Shirafune]

As others have said, he's probably really busy, just like any other faculty member out there. If he doesn't seem interested in teaching you or spending time with you, then you're not going to get much out it.

 

[Dr. Biology]

thanks guys, im going to send him another email tonight and if I don't get an answer by Monday ill stop by his office and speak to him about it. if I feel as if he does not want to work with me I'll speak to the cell biology professor and see if I can get in with him. Also, sorry for the "great wall of text" lol