I loved being given an abstract problem to solve and doing my own research to come up with a solution.
What I wish was different
I wish it would have been closer to my house so I didn't have to figure out a summer living situation.
Advice
Networking is very important!
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Undergraduate Researcher
May - August 2019 • State College, PA
What I liked
I loved having the ability to do my own research and learn how to function independently in a lab. I also liked getting to learn what life as a graduate student would be like by getting to know graduate students.
What I wish was different
I wish it would have gone on longer so I could have done more research and learned more from my mentors.
Advice
I would say be okay with asking questions. And ask a lot of them. It is the best way you can learn and the best way those trying to teach you can do a better job of that.
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Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Fellow
May - August 2019 • University Park, PA
What I liked
Being able to have experience in a graduate-level research lab as an undergraduate.
Getting hands-on experience with instrumentation not available at my home institution.
Professional development opportunities, both within the group I was working for and as part of the REU program.
What I wish was different
Start one week later and end one week later to give a more even gap between semesters.
Advice
Whether you have no research experience or are a published author - take the time to apply to REUs! They are a transformative, life-altering experience.
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Undergraduate Research
May - August 2019 • State College, PA
What I liked
Penn State offered me an opportunity that is not easily replicable at other institutions. I was allowed to work in a state of the art material science research facility under the guidance of Dr. Ismaila Dabo. It was great to see another institution's strengths and weaknesses when compared to FSU as well as see what research areas I am/am not interested in.
What I wish was different
I wish the program was longer than 10 weeks.
Advice
Apply to any Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) program that you have at least a slight interest in. These programs are well funded and give an opportunity not many students are able to have.
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REU Researcher
May - August 2018 • University Park, PA
What I liked
Great faculty, housing is paid for and its a good opportunity to gain lots of research experience
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
Get out of your comfort zone and meet as many people as possible.
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REU Student
May - August 2018 • State College, PA
What I liked
I was able to see another college and live there basically like a student, which was really nice.
What I wish was different
Absolutely nothing
Advice
If you think you want to go to graduate school, you should definitely do an REU. It gives you a chance to see what another school is like, see if you like research, and present at a science conference. It's the closest thing to being a grad student without being one.
