2 answers
Evelyn
Student
Columbia, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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How do you start research or find a lab in college?
How do you start research in college? I'm struggling as a college junior because the labs are very niche or are not accepting students. I just need a starting point to be integrated into a lab before I can start my own research on neuroscience and psychology. I also have independent research lab for both my neuroscience major and my psychology major, so I need to find a lab soon as that is my responsibility. I just need to get in contact with someone. Thank you!
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2 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
The best way to find a research lab is to find a research oriented college or university. I would go on a campus tour (at your local colleges and universities), to determine which college is a right fit (something that I wish that I had done). Spend some time on the college campus getting to know the geography and where everything is located. Campus tours, which go through campus and many of their facilities, can usually be arranged on the college or university website.
One thing, that I have observed in my college academic career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, the academic opportunities and advantages that each one offers, or the college campus region. Successful "Campus Navigation" is the one most important things, in my opinion, that starts each student on the road towards achieving their goals.
There are many reasons to attend a specific college, but you should (in my opinion), look at information on campus resources, research specializations and academic assistance (like tutoring), academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus, which can assist you in achieving your college goals.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, college staff, academic advisors, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you and your future goals. As you become more comfortable, with the campus environment, the more your adjustment begins to progress and your apprehension starts to decline.
Not only does the college campus have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on the campus, that you eventually choose to attend.
One thing, that I have observed in my college academic career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, the academic opportunities and advantages that each one offers, or the college campus region. Successful "Campus Navigation" is the one most important things, in my opinion, that starts each student on the road towards achieving their goals.
There are many reasons to attend a specific college, but you should (in my opinion), look at information on campus resources, research specializations and academic assistance (like tutoring), academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus, which can assist you in achieving your college goals.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, college staff, academic advisors, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you and your future goals. As you become more comfortable, with the campus environment, the more your adjustment begins to progress and your apprehension starts to decline.
Not only does the college campus have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on the campus, that you eventually choose to attend.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1186
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Evelyn,
It can be scary to enter a research lab, but I want you to know that you're not alone; many students encounter this same challenge before discovering their niche. You already have the motivation to make this happen because you're actively trying, especially when balancing two research-intensive majors like psychology and neuroscience.
Exploring each faculty member whose work aligns with your interests is a wonderful place to start. Learn a little bit about their ongoing projects so you can approach them with confidence. Additionally, don't give up if a lab claims to be full. The majority of students apply by sending a personal email that shows interest and a willingness to assist with even the smallest tasks, rather than by posting job positions.
Speaking with graduate students or lab managers directly can also be beneficial; they are often the ones who hire fresh undergrads and can provide you with honest information on available space. Look into labs in similar departments like biology or public health if nothing immediately opens up at USC or UofSC; good research experience sometimes emerges from unexpected areas. Include your academic adviser as well; if a formal lab position isn't available right away, they can help you find independent study possibilities or put you in touch with faculty.
You're doing exactly what a dedicated student should do: reaching out, asking questions, and being receptive, so you haven't fallen behind at all. Continue. You really only need one "yes," and you're getting closer than you may realize.
Best wishes!
It can be scary to enter a research lab, but I want you to know that you're not alone; many students encounter this same challenge before discovering their niche. You already have the motivation to make this happen because you're actively trying, especially when balancing two research-intensive majors like psychology and neuroscience.
Exploring each faculty member whose work aligns with your interests is a wonderful place to start. Learn a little bit about their ongoing projects so you can approach them with confidence. Additionally, don't give up if a lab claims to be full. The majority of students apply by sending a personal email that shows interest and a willingness to assist with even the smallest tasks, rather than by posting job positions.
Speaking with graduate students or lab managers directly can also be beneficial; they are often the ones who hire fresh undergrads and can provide you with honest information on available space. Look into labs in similar departments like biology or public health if nothing immediately opens up at USC or UofSC; good research experience sometimes emerges from unexpected areas. Include your academic adviser as well; if a formal lab position isn't available right away, they can help you find independent study possibilities or put you in touch with faculty.
You're doing exactly what a dedicated student should do: reaching out, asking questions, and being receptive, so you haven't fallen behind at all. Continue. You really only need one "yes," and you're getting closer than you may realize.
Best wishes!