I recently obtained a paid research position on campus. I now work in a plant pathology lab which focuses on diseases impacting strawberries and vegetables. I can’t wait to get started! As a STEM major, I have been wanting to conduct research to become more knowledgeable and a versatile candidate when applying to grad school. Being at a UC, a research-based institution, it is important to take advantage of the many research opportunities available. Here are some tips to consider when applying to become a part of a lab.
- Don’t just apply to any lab
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lot of students apply to any lab solely to get the experience. However, the experience is meaningless if it is something you’re not interested in. The STEM field has an array of topics to pursue research in. Keep in mind just because you are a STEM major doesn’t mean you should limit your research to just the STEM field. Explore your interests in other departments like psychology, sociology, or even history!
- Take the time to read the professor’s papers
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If a professor has a research lab on campus, best believe they have written a paper on it. Most professors post their research papers on their faculty pages, or you can simply research their name on JSTOR. This is an important part before applying to any lab. The professor will feel flattered you took the time to read their work, and even more flattered if you ask your own questions. Not only that, but you can also truly learn more about the research and determine if the lab is a good fit for you.
- Take courses behind the research
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During my freshman year I took a class called Dynamic Genome. This was an alternative option to the regular biology lab. This class was an introduction to a research course where I learned lab techniques and skills. I was able to talk about my experience in this class when applying and I believe it helped me obtain the position. Take a course behind the research you’re interested in to show the professor you have some background on it.
These are some of the things I did to help me obtain my research position. In whatever career path you decide to take, partaking in research opportunities will always provide a benefit for you.