The program I participated in over the summer was an excellent way for me to become familiar with the research world. The students are placed with faculty researchers and are by their sides throughout the whole program, watching and learning various procedures and helping out where needed be. For them, it is just a typical work day, and I liked that it was uninstructed in this way. It really helped me understand how being a researcher for a university operates. The neuroscience center at this facility has very updated equipment and the department is very welcoming. I felt very guided. The program does a good job at understanding how new we are to the research world, which puts less pressure on us. I really liked this aspect and felt that I learned and grew a lot during my time there. I also did this program last year, and am now continuing to work for them after the program ended.
What I wish was different
I wish I personally had more hands on experience and more independence. A lot of what I did was shadowing my mentor’s research associate, as she was already her extra set of hands. However, since I have continued to work there I will slowly be given more independent work over time.
Advice
I think this is a great experience for anyone interested in the sciences but isn’t too sure about medical school or graduate school in general. It really opens you to the world of academia and supplies you with resources to find out more information about your possible career paths. It also gives you connections that can supply you with a good recommendation letter.
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Research Intern
June - July 2018 • New Orleans, LA
What I liked
I enjoyed learning skills in research, like keeping a lab notebook, running experiments, and creating a research poster. Most of these skills I still remember and can do very well.
What I wish was different
I would have enjoyed a longer internship period. Although I enjoyed the experience, more time would have been perfect for my specific topic of research.
Advice
Do not get discouraged. Research is not difficult; however, it is very easy to make a mistake and skew your results. Stay dedicated and you will do well. If your research denies your hypothesis, then it is still significant. You proved that something didn't work.
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Student Worker
July 2018 • New Orleans, LA
What I liked
The laid back atmosphere and being able to work at my own pace.
What I wish was different
Advice
1
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Student researcher
May - July 2018 • New Orleans, LA
What I liked
I really liked doing research at the cancer center department of Louisiana state university
