undergraduate research

Independent Project Blues

Even if you've been working in the lab for a while, when you start a new project there will be unexpected glitches and hiccups--especially in the beginning.

When starting independent project it can be especially frustrating. For many undergrads (and new grad students), the beginning of an independent project is both a badge of honor, and a badge of shame.

tips
new to lab
STEM
PhD life
undergraduate research
thesis
postdoc
25
Mar

Extra Responsibility = Praise for a Job Well Done

Submitted by undergrad-admin

— from the Lab Manager's bench

One of the differences between instructional lab classes and research in a professional lab is how feedback is given.

In an instructional lab, you have quizzes, lab reports, an attendance policy, exams, and possibly out-of-class assignments—all attached to a point system outlined in the syllabus. For most instructional labs, you can calculate your grade and therefore know whether or not you’re excelling.

undergraduate research
recommendation letter
03
Feb

The F-Word: Your Reaction to Failure Matters More Than You Might Think

Submitted by undergrad-admin

— from the Lab Manager's bench

It will happen to you. It will also be okay.

There is only one guarantee in research: sometimes things fail. It doesn’t matter what your major is, how much experience you have, or whether your research is basic, applied, clinical, or translational.

F-word
recommendation letter
failure
undergraduate research
resilience
STEM
Experiential Learning

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