I loved having the opportunity to present my own research project at the University of Buffalo's Annual McNair Scholars Summer Research Conference. I was able to learn about many different fields of research, from biomedical engineering to social media's impact on modern literature. I also listened to great seminars on the graduate school application process, met admissions representatives at the graduate school fair, and networked with many professionals in my field!
What I wish was different
Advice
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Interning Research Assistant
May - August 2018 • Buffalo, NY
What I liked
I liked presenting my research at conferences.
What I wish was different
I wish there had been more structure within the lab.
Advice
When researching, take the initiative to ask what you can be doing. Advisors won't always make time to tell undergrads what needs to be done.
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Scholar
December 2017 • Kent, OH
What I liked
The McNair Scholarship Program was a fabulous opportunity to learn about the research process as an undergrad student and work closely with faculty in my major. My faculty and the McNair staff helped me through the process and also worked with me on graduate school preparation such as the personal statement, timeline, and the GRE. I also enjoyed that I bonded closely with my cohort of other scholars from various backgrounds.
What I wish was different
Some of the preparatory workshops that we sat in felt a bit rudimentary or inapplicable to me personally, but overall this scholarship program was everything I could’ve hoped for.
Advice
My biggest piece of advice would be to stay organized and on top of the research assignments. Our stipends were based on these research assignments so it was imperative to submit them in a timely manner and not lose track of anything.
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Research Intership
May - August 2018 • Duluth, MN
What I liked
I liked the ability to do something new that will benefit me in the future. The advisors and support I received was great. Being able to do hands on work in a research lab was amazing. Being able to visit graduate schools was very eye opening and also inspiring.
What I wish was different
The only thing I wish had be different was that it was longer! But I know it is only for the summer so I understand why that's not possible.
Advice
I would advise trying something new, even if you are unsure whether or not you are capable. The support you get from the McNair team and your mentor will help you make it through!
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Summer Research Internship
April - September 2018 • Oshkosh, WI
What I liked
I got to do research in an area that I an interested in while gaining great experience for graduate school.
What I wish was different
I wish I had known about all of the obstacles involved in a research project.
Advice
Be persistent everything will work out if you just keep at it.
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Scholar
May - August 2018 • Potsdam, NY
What I liked
McNair has incredible opportunities for grad school prep
What I wish was different
I didn't get very much of a summer break
Advice
Do your weekly assignments so they don't stack. Communicate with your mentor on what you need.
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Research Fellow
April - September 2018 • Laramie, WY
What I liked
Flexible, experience
What I wish was different
More time
Advice
Start early
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Graduate Research Assistant
June 2018 • Commerce, TX
What I liked
Learning about research and getting experience in that kind of field.
What I wish was different
If I had more opportunity to be more involved into the research field.
Advice
Try to learn as much as you can in the moment because it will correlate w
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Research
May - August 2018 • Warrensburg, MO
What I liked
Ability to mold the experience around my interests
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Plan ahead, make a strong connection with your mentor
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Undergraduate Researcher
June - August 2018 • Milwaukee, WI
What I liked
I liked the graduate school visits that this program afforded me, as well as the networking opportunities that we had with people from our departments.
What I wish was different
Better communication would have greatly improved this program.
Advice
I would advise people to understand what they're getting themselves into before they enter the program.
