Where to find Research??

[PreVet_ISU]

Howdy, just curious where some of you would suggest finding research experience? My University is a small private institution and doesn't have a large research background, so I'm curious about other outlets I'm overlooking. Can you just volunteer? I'm confused because it seems like to gain research experience, you have to have previous experience to get the position :/ .

Thanks!

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[Cutekitten02]

Howdy, just curious where some of you would suggest finding research experience? My University is a small private institution and doesn't have a large research background, so I'm curious about other outlets I'm overlooking. Can you just volunteer? I'm confused because it seems like to gain research experience, you have to have previous experience to get the position :/ .

Thanks!

I've been fortunate to be involved in research since I began my undergrad in 2008. I can tell you that most of the time, you have to volunteer first. This may mean you are the dishwasher for a while, but show interest, ask questions and I am sure you will slowly become more involved. That said, if your school has research going on at all, you could perhaps look into an internship for credit as well. I hope this helps.

 

[thecatastrophist]

You have the option of working in your university or outside of it. If you choose to work in your university, many school's have programs that can match talented students with a research lab. If not, just volunteer.

As for outside opportunities, I'd definitely recommend doing the REU program if you can get accepted to one. The NSF sponsors the program and it's specifically to provide research opportunities for undergraduates. There's projects in a lot of different fields and approved REU sites provide summer stipends and (usually) housing assistance to their participants. Especially if you're interested in becoming a research veterinarian, I'd highly recommend it.

 

[that redhead]

There may still be research going on at your university, even if smaller in size. I would talk to your science professors first and see if they or a colleague has a lab that you could volunteer or get a paid bench position at. I got my research experience through my undergrad by responding to an ad for a student. Alternatively (or additionally, depending), you could go through a summer program like NIH or NSF 🙂 It is an application, so you'd need to prepare transcripts and such, but it would open a lot more areas to you. Good luck!

 

[Shepherd Lover]

There are about 4 or 5 veterinary schools that offer summer research programs for undergrads. Purdue is one of them!

 

[Gwenevre]

There are about 4 or 5 veterinary schools that offer summer research programs for undergrads. Purdue is one of them!

Dr. HogenEsch was actually one of my interviewers last year! He's one of the heads of the summer program. It's a really great opportunity, and open to everyone 🙂

 

[PreVet_ISU]

Nice! Thanks everyone, those are great ideas. I would love to do an REU this summer, but unfortunately I am taking my Physics classes during summer break.

 

[bbeventer]

At my undergrad I found a professor I liked, walked up to him after class one day, introduced myself and asked if he had a position in his lab.
- Scored a job, and ended up with a publication. Finding research positions is all about putting yourself out there and just asking for a position.

 

[Shepherd Lover]

Dr. HogenEsch was actually one of my interviewers last year! He's one of the heads of the summer program. It's a really great opportunity, and open to everyone 🙂

Yeah he's a really great guy 🙂 I'm really thankful that I did the program because it really showed me how happy I would be at Purdue.