undergraduate research

MicroInspiration: Do Undergrad Research

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microinspiration
undergraduate research
undergrad research
why choose research

Quitting Time?

Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, your research experience doesn't work out. Maybe you don't like the lab culture, the project, don't have enough time in the lab to gain the skills you need, or you're simply overextended and need to cut something.

If you won’t continue with undergraduate research next term, but your advisor believes you plan to, update them the next time you’re in lab. Yes, it will feel awkward but most advisors will be supportive of your decision.

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STEM
undergraduate research
undergrad research
undergrad in the lab

Even If You Know What's in it, Label It!

When you're in a rush to wrap up your lab day, it may be temping to save a little time and not label a tube, bottle, or component--after all you know what it is. But that is a sure recipe for disaster.

tips
good lab habit
label everything
undergraduate research
PhD life
STEM
Experiential Learning
07
Feb

Seize Your Undergrad Research Interview: Ask the Questions That Matter

Submitted by undergrad-admin

—from the PI's desk

Ask relevant questions for a successful interview

Each semester, when you select your classes, you apply a methodical approach. You no doubt consider several factors such as: what will satisfy major requirements, help you prepare for the MCAT or GRE, add weight to your transcript, and, of course, what sounds the most interesting. Essentially, you don’t play “registration roulette” and find yourself in advanced string theory when you really need a cell biology course.

interview
undergraduate research
STEM
Experiential Learning
11
Aug

Keep Track of All You Do. Your Future Self Will Thank You.

Submitted by undergrad-admin

—from the PI’s Desk

Early in my career, a tenured professor told me, "If you sneeze, and it's a good sneeze, keep track of it." At the time I doubted it would matter but I've been forever grateful that I followed his advice.

Writing down noteworthy (and seemingly insignificant) accomplishments, skills, and activities while the details are fresh in your mind can make all the difference when you need to update a Resume or CV for a scholarship, volunteer, job, or program application.

resume
CV
organization
STEM
undergraduate research
PhD life
Phd Research

What to do with all of your old lab tape?

Just because you can't recycle something, doesn't mean you should throw it away. For example, make a tapeball with your old lab tape! Whether you've recently started benchwork, or are a year plus in, it's never too late to start a monument to your hard work and dedication.

And if others in the lab are feeling creative, you can express yourselves by making tapeball people when the PI is at a faculty meeting.

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Fun
undergraduate research

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