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What are some ways to get and different types of research experiences I can get as an undergraduate student?
I'm a freshman undergraduate student majoring in neuroscience trying to get research and lab experience. #research #science
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Kathleen’s Answer
I can't answer specifically about neuroscience, but I was a computer science major who did a research project in psychology. My school had a posting board for jobs and research projects, so I looked there and found one that appealed to me, which happened to be in the psychology department. Be sure to bring a resume to meet the professor in charge of the research project -- even if you have no work experience, think of ways you can market your experiences in extracurriculars! For example, did being on a sports team teach you leadership or teamwork? Did you do debate and learn how to communicate effectively?
If you don't have access to a posting board or you have no experiences to talk about, try reaching out to your professors. They are almost certainly working on something, or know someone who is. Try to learn a bit about the project, and if it's something that interests you, be sure to show your professor your passion for the project. If you are still relatively early in your college career then you might not get the most exciting jobs, but all experience is good experience!
If you don't have access to a posting board or you have no experiences to talk about, try reaching out to your professors. They are almost certainly working on something, or know someone who is. Try to learn a bit about the project, and if it's something that interests you, be sure to show your professor your passion for the project. If you are still relatively early in your college career then you might not get the most exciting jobs, but all experience is good experience!
Thank you for your response Kathleen, appreciate the help.
Christopher
Randall Detra
Industry: Environmental testing/research. Academic: chemistry, biology, physical science
22
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Randall’s Answer
Hello Christopher!
I see you are located in Fort Lauderdale so I am sure there are many industrial opportunities for you in your area. Finding them may seem to be a little tricky but there are resources you can take advantage of. You also must not be shy!
Internships are often a requirement for undergraduate programs. Indeed you can do as many internships as you like but going through your institution of higher learning will likely give you extra weight in your intention to secure an internship. I recommend you check your “professional guidance services” or whatever name they may go by in your institution. This should be an office which helps students find post graduation jobs but also internships.
You should also have either an adviser or some faculty member who specializes in disciplines you are interested in. I know I have taken some of my advisees to professional meetings so they could stand up to the group of professionals and announce their interest in an internship. You should take some sort of resume (not CV!) which you could pass around. I can tell you those business people are impressed with a student does this sort of thing. You may get many offers to choose from in one evening meeting. You may have some government folks and professors from large research based institutions as well.
You can go more solo if you want. You can check out the web for companies doing research in your area. You might be able to get a list from the local Chamber of Commerce. Maybe your adviser or professor (mentioned above) can give you a name or email address or maybe even a physical address. You can send a note to the HR departments or the specific individual you have a name for. Explain yourself, show enthusiasm, don’t get maudlin such as offering to shine their shoes if they let you in. Keep some self respect in place! Remember they would have some liability if they invite into their labs. If they take an interest in you, it doesn’t mean they will be able to bring you on board. Be sure to do some research of the institution you are interested in. If it is an internship you will have to connect yourself with your college or university. They will have special protocols to follow to bring you on board in most cases.
I see you are interested in neuroscience. You might do well to check out the research universities in your area or hospitals. Best yet, if you have any research hospitals, it would be great to get in with them. But hospitals are not quite as good for that as they used to be because of HIPAA regulations and other liabilities. Still, do not let that discourage you from trying to get in. Also remember there are cross application technologies and principles. For example, you may be interested in neuroscience and would never think of working with an entomologist. But many wonderful neurological research has been done on insects as proxy animals. Think broadly!
I should add that there is likely on single recipe for finding internships or something like an internship. Some accidental coincidences often play a role. Also remember, in most cases there will have to be formalities involved so if you are taken on, you may be part time but don’t blow off your expected duties.
Sincerely,
Randall L. Detra, Ph. D.
I see you are located in Fort Lauderdale so I am sure there are many industrial opportunities for you in your area. Finding them may seem to be a little tricky but there are resources you can take advantage of. You also must not be shy!
Internships are often a requirement for undergraduate programs. Indeed you can do as many internships as you like but going through your institution of higher learning will likely give you extra weight in your intention to secure an internship. I recommend you check your “professional guidance services” or whatever name they may go by in your institution. This should be an office which helps students find post graduation jobs but also internships.
You should also have either an adviser or some faculty member who specializes in disciplines you are interested in. I know I have taken some of my advisees to professional meetings so they could stand up to the group of professionals and announce their interest in an internship. You should take some sort of resume (not CV!) which you could pass around. I can tell you those business people are impressed with a student does this sort of thing. You may get many offers to choose from in one evening meeting. You may have some government folks and professors from large research based institutions as well.
You can go more solo if you want. You can check out the web for companies doing research in your area. You might be able to get a list from the local Chamber of Commerce. Maybe your adviser or professor (mentioned above) can give you a name or email address or maybe even a physical address. You can send a note to the HR departments or the specific individual you have a name for. Explain yourself, show enthusiasm, don’t get maudlin such as offering to shine their shoes if they let you in. Keep some self respect in place! Remember they would have some liability if they invite into their labs. If they take an interest in you, it doesn’t mean they will be able to bring you on board. Be sure to do some research of the institution you are interested in. If it is an internship you will have to connect yourself with your college or university. They will have special protocols to follow to bring you on board in most cases.
I see you are interested in neuroscience. You might do well to check out the research universities in your area or hospitals. Best yet, if you have any research hospitals, it would be great to get in with them. But hospitals are not quite as good for that as they used to be because of HIPAA regulations and other liabilities. Still, do not let that discourage you from trying to get in. Also remember there are cross application technologies and principles. For example, you may be interested in neuroscience and would never think of working with an entomologist. But many wonderful neurological research has been done on insects as proxy animals. Think broadly!
I should add that there is likely on single recipe for finding internships or something like an internship. Some accidental coincidences often play a role. Also remember, in most cases there will have to be formalities involved so if you are taken on, you may be part time but don’t blow off your expected duties.
Sincerely,
Randall L. Detra, Ph. D.
Thank you.
I will definitely make sure to take some your advice on approaching those research internships. As well as broadening my search as well into other fields where neuroscience can cross over.
I appreciate the response and the help.
Much appreciated,
Christopher
Christopher
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
That’s a really great question. Prior to my residency days , and like so many students out there, I discovered there are various opportunities for those interested in pursuing a path in research , the following positions can be suitable for someone in your position:
1.) Research Coordinator -whereby you get to work directly with physicians and their study protocols many of them involving direct lab work (you could potentially apply for a position in a neurology department).
2.) There are always positions available for potential lab personnel even part time for students (esp in academic institutions ).
3.) Summer intern positions
I would recommend search for the above positions in different medical school/ university affiliated hospitals.If you know anyone there, feel free to go ahead and reach out to them expressing your interest.
Hope that helps ! Good luck :)
1.) Research Coordinator -whereby you get to work directly with physicians and their study protocols many of them involving direct lab work (you could potentially apply for a position in a neurology department).
2.) There are always positions available for potential lab personnel even part time for students (esp in academic institutions ).
3.) Summer intern positions
I would recommend search for the above positions in different medical school/ university affiliated hospitals.If you know anyone there, feel free to go ahead and reach out to them expressing your interest.
Hope that helps ! Good luck :)
Thank you for the help Sarah,
I will definitely take your advice and look into any research coordinator opportunities I can find.
As well as looking for open positions, perhaps volunteer ones.
Much appreciated,
Christopher c :
Christopher
Racheal Noble, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, NCC
Mental health, education, research, care coordinator
92
Answers
Updated
Racheal’s Answer
Many professors that you have class with offer the opportunity for you to engage in research. You would be considered a research assistant. You can send them an email asking if they have any new research opportunities that are coming up and can you apply/interview as a research assistant.
Another way is though work study. There should be a filter in the work study school page that offers research opportunities for undergraduate students.
Another way is though work study. There should be a filter in the work study school page that offers research opportunities for undergraduate students.
Updated
James’s Answer
All the answers above offer excellant advice and potential scenarios opportunities for experience. You might also check professional periodicals, societies and organizations for these opportunities.
Volunteer. There is always opportunities in the volumteer fields and many times these offer a portal for great opportunities. The rewards are usually vast.
Good luck.
Volunteer. There is always opportunities in the volumteer fields and many times these offer a portal for great opportunities. The rewards are usually vast.
Good luck.
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