University of San Diego

Research Scholar

June - August 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

One-on-one experience with professor and development of research skills

What I wish was different

Perhaps a bigger symposium where everyone can see everyone's projects outside of their own disciplines/schools.

Advice

It is okay to be behind schedule; in fact, plan to be behind schedule.

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Research Assistant

June 2017 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

Hands- on experience in a field I am interested in

What I wish was different

Nothing

Advice

Write things down the first time you learn it

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Undergraduate Researcher

June - August 2017 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I was able to get hands on experience doing research in a lab while improving lab techniques and knowledge of polymer chemistry. I was also able to attend a conference and give a presentation on my summer research to our specific group.

What I wish was different

I wish that there were more opportunities to go to other conferences or talks to learn more about the field.

Advice

Try and be efficient with your time and don't be afraid to ask questions and really engage in the science.

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

June - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

Having the flexibility to research what fits my interests and building a relationship with a professor from a different university who served as a strong support system and useful mentor.

What I wish was different

Advice

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SURE grant Scholar

February - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I liked being able to learn so many useful skills in the machine shop this summer and getting comfortable in a working environment.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Residential Chair

November 2017 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I enjoy the opportunities to work with multiple campus partners through my work in Residential Life. I feel that my voice is heard through this program.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Intern at USD's Center of Public Interest

July - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

-Researching/exploring current issues that are uncommonly known

What I wish was different

-Wanted to be able to work with other interns and establish further connections at the Center, but ended up doing more independent work

Advice

This internship can be done remotely, which can save you some money if you do not live in San Diego

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Researcher

June - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I loved getting hands on experience in my field of study. Working in a lab gave me a good idea of what it is like to work in research.

What I wish was different

Not much actually, I really enjoyed my experience.

Advice

Definitely take the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research if you get the chance, it is a very valuable experience.

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Biology Research Assistant

June - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

Working closely with faculty

What I wish was different

More structure in the schedule

Advice

Be proactive with the work an keep yourself motivated

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Program Coordinator

May - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I loved working with my team and getting to know the organizations that we hosted.

What I wish was different

I wish I had been able to spend more time with my teammates and lived closer to work.

Advice

Be on top of things!

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Graduate Research Assistant

June 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I enjoyed the enhanced challenge that came from shifting out of an undergraduate position to a graduate position. The position became more self-motivated, and an individual experience, with an added bonus of lab leadership.

What I wish was different

Advice

Reach out to Professor they want to help you, and will give you amazing opportunities for eye opening experiences!

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Office of the Provost's Intern

June - September 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I appreciated this experience because it allowed me to receive much needed office experience. I got to work through excel projects and data transferring. I also appreciated being trusted with such confidential and sensitive documents while handling them successfully.

What I wish was different

The only downside was being inside most of the summer, I do wish there was more opportunity to enjoy the sun.

Advice

To find solutions in your work that make you more efficient and timely in your projects. Towards the middle of the summer I had developed new systems for myself that allowed me to work faster which in return allowed me to complete more tasks.

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Student reseeacher

June - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I enjoyed the time spent in the lab to really dig into the research project. It was rewarding to make significant progress and learn from others.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Research Assistant

June - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I loved applying the skills I have learned in school to a real life field.

What I wish was different

I wish it was more fast pace.

Advice

Read the literature early on because it makes the experience a lot more meaningful.

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SURE Scholar

May - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I was free to work on my own schedule

What I wish was different

I wish I could have used my own ideas in research

Advice

Being a SURE scholar is an amazing and rewarding experience- highly recommend!

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student assist

November 2019 • Los Angeles, CA

What I liked

Being a student assistant has improved my office skills and is getting me ready for any office scenario type of job.

What I wish was different

Nothing at all, my experience so far has been great.

Advice

A student should apply before the term or semester starts because once classes get going it's hard to figure out times to meet with your coordinator for the hiring process.

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Researcher

July - September 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

Through conducting research within the biology department I gained practical experience in various lab techniques, practiced the synthesis and execution of answering a research question, and personal mentorship from my professors. I was also lucky to participate in research I truly enjoyed and am passionate about. I will leave the lab with strengthened friendships, practical lab experience, mentors turned colleagues and hopefully a publication!

What I wish was different

I wish I could stay in the lab for longer and continue to learn from Dr. Baird and Dr. Morrison.

Advice

Do it! It is so nice to be able to dive into research over the summer without the stress of taking classes over a normal semester. It allowed me to fully commit to the project and challenge myself to dive deeper. It was also a great way to collect necessary data. The mentorship and friendships made along the way will last a lifetime.

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Researcher

June - August 2020 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I liked developing relationship with other gifted undergraduate students as well as my research professor. Learning was also a great part of it. I learned so much so quickly without any other distractions. I loved being in the environment of a lab with other people who I care about.

What I wish was different

I just wish I was able to publish something by the end of the summer but given that it was my first full time research experience, I can't be too upset.

Advice

Give it your all. I gave it my full attention and I got the most out of it. Never settle for less. If you work hard and go above and beyond, trust me you will get what you put in.

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SURE Scholar

June - August 2020 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I enjoyed doing my ongoing research with Dr. Blaser.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have actually been on campus, I had to do remote coding and analysis.

Advice

I would say definitely apply to be a SURE scholar, it's worth it!

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

August 2020 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

Having the opportunity to work remotely during Covid was an incredible opportunity. I enjoyed working with the team and learning how to treat statistical and written data and convert that into a way for us to use it in one of our papers.