D
I want to do my own science, how can I make my mind towards it?
I'm interested in doing experiments. #science #research
2 answers
Archana Iyer
Archana’s Answer
I love your passion for science!! Whatever stage you are at, whether you are in high-school, freshman in college- try searching for opportunities to get involved in a research lab. In the sciences, we have what are called PIs(Prinicipal Investigators), who are usually the ones who drive the research- they are the ones what the research will be on, how they will answer the question at hand etc. To be a PI, you almost have to have a PhD, which is considered a terminal degree. There's always plenty of opportunities to volunteer at a research lab, move onto a paid position or get credits for doing assisting the grad students or other senior members in the lab. You can usually get involved even as a high-school student.
There's plenty of opportunities as an undergraduate to join a research lab, talk to any faculty in your department on how to gets started- They should be able to help you.
A personal suggestion would be to not stick to your own department, venture out and check out what PIs at other departments at your school do. You'll be surprised how far-reaching each field of science is. A chemistry student could be in a neuroscience lab doing chemistry things and vice versa.
Archana recommends the following next steps:
Shazia Khan, PhD
Shazia’s Answer
Are you currently in high school in college? You are likely doing some experiments in your science classes.
You would have to major in science subjects and go on to do a PhD as a first step toward becoming an independent research scientist. During and after Phd you can have your own projects under a mentor too.