Working with the professor, learning really advanced concepts
What I wish was different
I wish the research was more structured!
Advice
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Research Experience for Undergraduates Fellow
June - August 2019 • Orono, ME
What I liked
I was able to use my research and academic knowledge in a new setting which opened my network circle and made me a better scientist.
What I wish was different
Advice
If you are able to do an REU, do one. I would recommend applying to multiple and reapplying if you don't get one. It's an invaluable experience.
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Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Intern
May - July 2019 • Richmond, KY
What I liked
I loved having the opportunity to participate in graduate-level research with great professors at Eastern Kentucky University.
What I wish was different
I wish the internship was longer than 10 weeks.
Advice
REUs are fantastic internships. Apply for as many as you can and spend time on your applications, as they are very competitive.
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Undergrad Research
May - July 2019 • Carbondale, IL
What I liked
It was structured and I received a lot of help throughout the program on the research project.
What I wish was different
I wish the program had started after Spring Term at Kalamazoo College ended. I had to leave campus early and take finals at Carbondale, which was really stressful.
Advice
Start your applications early and apply to as many REU programs as possible to get into one of them.
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Undergraduate Researcher
June - August 2019 • Charlotte, NC
What I liked
I enjoyed being able to design and conduct my own independent research on a public health issue in West Charlotte.
What I wish was different
Advice
To do independent research you have to be very self motivated, organized, and driven. However, it is very rewarding and educational.
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Structural Engineering Intern
June 2019 • Buffalo, NY
What I liked
Experiencing new opportunities outside of the classroom.
What I wish was different
I could have done more research before the summer began so I would have had a better idea of the type of work I would be doing.
Advice
It's very new material, so researching and understanding the mechanisms are important.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May 2019 • Hartford, CT
What I liked
I got chance to go University of Arizona and did research there for a month, which was an amazing experience.
What I wish was different
Advice
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NSF student researcher
June - August 2019 • Kent, OH
What I liked
It was a good experience to learn about research, graduate school, and working in a lab setting. I got hands on experience with multiple lab machines and had the opportunity to learn about lab techniques.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have liked my research topic a little more.
Advice
Lab work requires a lot of time. Some days I was in the lab from early morning until late at night.
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Polar Researcher
July - August 2019 • Arctic Bay, Nunavut
What I liked
The atmosphere of the trip was learning based and comfortable. Data was collected responsibly and ethically, and all data was shared between groups when requested.
What I wish was different
I wish there had been more time to conduct more research.
Advice
You can learn anything you want to learn if you are dedicated and persistent.
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Mechanical Engineering research intern
June - August 2019 • Princeton, NJ
What I liked
I enjoyed the place, the people and the experience. I learned so much
What I wish was different
I wish I took more advantage of programs offer in the program
Advice
Everyone should take some time to do research, especially with as a group
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Math Research
June - July 2018 • Saint Marys City, MD
What I liked
I loved being thrown into a project and learning along the way. I was given independence, the mentors trusting us in our approaches and how we spent our time. It was also a very broadening and inspiring experience, as all of the mentors were very supportive and truly wanted us to succeed.
What I wish was different
Certain problems of group dynamics made my time there more emotionally taxing than I would've liked, but that wasn't the fault of the program - c'est la vie. They listened to our frustrations every step of the way and took the measures necessary to fix the problems.
Advice
Even if you think getting into an REU is a long shot, or you feel unprepared, it doesn't hurt to take a shot. I'm much better off for it.
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Computer Science Intern
May - August 2018 • Corpus Christi, TX
What I liked
Good pay, good experience.
What I wish was different
The program’s selection of students could have been better.
Advice
Needs more female involvement!
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Intern
May 2018 • Tucson, AZ
What I liked
Gaining meaningful experience.
What I wish was different
More time doing the research.
Advice
Do background research on projects.
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Student Researcher
June - August 2018 • Nairobi, Kenya
What I liked
I really enjoyed learning about a new culture and traveling. It was also my first time doing field work in pastoralist communities.
What I wish was different
Advice
Overall,no matter how much you have or don't have happiness comes from the heart.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May - July 2019 • Worcester, MA
What I liked
Lots of new experiences for my first research position. Flexible schedule and great mentors.
What I wish was different
I wish that mentors were available more to answer questions and also understand those undergrad researchers are not well experienced in the field.
Advice
Be ready to work individually more with a mentor guiding you to reach the goal.
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Cancer Researcher
June - August 2018 • Cleveland, OH
What I liked
I liked working with a biosensor and enjoyed the wet lab experience. I really enjoyed hearing the pros and cons of graduate school. I also enjoyed the flexibility of my schedule and the learning opportunities that the REU program provides.
What I wish was different
Advice
I would suggest participation in an REU program if you want to determine whether graduate research programs are in your future. I would encourage people to participate if they are unsure if it is the right choice for them. It helped me pick a path.
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Data Analyst Intern
May - August 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Everything
What I wish was different
Advice
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Research Experience for Undergraduates Intern
May - August 2018 • Charleston, SC
What I liked
I was exposed to government and institutional biology research at a host of organizations in Charleston. It was very nice to hear from those that came from a variety of backgrounds and found their way into research. The fieldwork volunteering opportunities were excellent.
What I wish was different
The research environment in my lab was not quite what I was expecting. While REUs (Research Experience for Undergraduates) are meant to introduce you to many of the aspects of basic research, it would have been nice to have a better idea of what I was getting into with my particular lab group.
Advice
I applied to 17 internships for the summer, and this was the only one I got. Part of the thing was, I applied for many REUs, which generally target applicants with little to no research experience. I had a pretty decent amount of research experience from when I studied abroad, so in some sense I was likely overqualified. I would say, do your research well in advance, and find summer internships that you are likely to be a good candidate for, and just apply. Don't be afraid to apply for competitive internships, because you might as well try! Also don't be afraid to apply to places far from home, if the job/internship covers living expenses. I can't stress enough how important it is to get out of your comfort zone. While there were things I would have preferred to have gone differently in Charleston, it was great to at least get out of my comfort zone and truly discover what I like and what I dislike.
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Student Researcher
May 2018 • Sioux Center, IA
What I liked
international travel, good faculty, great research experience
What I wish was different
training in statistical programs such as R, SPSS
Advice
pursue any and all experiences possible, you never know where it will lead you to. additionally, learn from your fellow interns and faculty mentors available to you
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Undergraduate Researcher
May - August 2019 • Vermillion, SD
What I liked
The first-hand experience I got in the lab and field. I was an active member of the team, not just shadowing.
What I wish was different
The organization of the larger program beyond our lab was poor and some co-workers were aggressive and not qualified.
Advice
Apply for as many internships and opportunities that you can, you might not get any of your top five.
