Involvement in Undergraduate Research
There is incredible value found in being involved with lab work as an undergraduate. I am not talking about the lab work that accompanies upper division courses that broaden knowledge and enable practice of standard lab techniques, but getting involved outside of the classroom. I was searching for an immersive experience where I could apply these skills in practice.
To find these opportunities, I began by looking into my professors’ research. From there, I followed my interests. A huge key in this process was looking into their graduate student’s guiding questions for their personal projects. This information expanded my understanding of the lab's focus while also allowing me to explore my own interests. A great way to initiate lab involvement is by approaching graduate students. Usually, they have their email attached to their biography in their lab’s website, so I sent out messages asking if they had any need for undergraduate help (Milagros posted a great template that can be adapted for emailing graduate students. Check it out here.) At first, I was intimidated to approach a Masters or Doctoral student to inquire about their research and need for a volunteer. Quickly, I discovered that most students want to talk about their research, will help you understand, and need your assistance! I am including some guidance below to apply when navigating your personal search for lab work opportunities.
Look for…
...professors teaching the classes you want to take and asking research questions surrounding topics you find interesting, experiences that take you into an ecosystem you want to experience, or lab work practicing techniques you want to learn. Your involvement should add to your education in some way that is valuable and interesting to you!
...clubs and organizations on campus that advertise the need for undergraduate volunteers and teaching assistants. Sometimes, this information can even be found in the advising office at your institution or on bulletin boards in the hallway. Another great place to look is the teaching assistant that runs the lab you are taking. They are likely involved in research themselves and can point you in the right direction.
...the opportunity for course credit or work compensation. I volunteered in labs before I committed to exchanging my time for units; I wanted to find a good fit. Once you do, definitely look into receiving credit to help you satisfy your graduation requirements.
...research YOU are curious about. Your involvement is an opportunity to experience how excited you are for a particular topic. A great aspect of joining a lab is trying out different interests and seeing which ones stick.
Overall, my most valued take-away from lab involvement was expanding my network and forming new relationships with other undergraduate researchers and the graduate students themselves. Ask for advice and ask questions. Communing with other students is not only cathartic, but incredibly helpful when navigating your own path and taking your next step. Every student has their own background, interests, and experiences. Learning through other’s stories is so valuable and will expand your mind to what is possible for you. The conversations that stem from these inquiries will not only inspire you, but also introduce you to a topic, concept, or opportunity for which you were not previously aware. For example, my lab-mates helped me get my first job as a research technician and are actively offering me support while looking into new employment opportunities. In immersing yourself, new interests and opportunities will arise, guaranteed.
