I enjoyed working and learning from PHD researchers who wanted me to gain as much experience as possible
What I wish was different
I wish I had more opportunities to do my own research
Advice
It is important to have good communication skills when working in a research lab
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May - July 2019 • North Chicago, IL
What I liked
It is a great hands on experience at a highly esteemed institution's research wing. I particularly enjoyed the independence that is given (after training of course).
What I wish was different
It would have been nice to have been given more direction and for the experience as whole to have been more about learning. It depends on what PI one is assigned, but generally they expect you to know a lot of laboratory techniques prior to working. When I came across something unfamiliar to me, instead of it being explained or taught to me, it was expected that I would look at primary research articles to figure out how to do it. Even though that is a formative idea, it was unnecessary for most of the techniques or protocols I was figuring out how to conduct.
Advice
I highly recommend being familiar with the lab's research before starting as it will make you look motivated and on top of your game, well at the same time allowing you to understand the big picture of what you will be physically doing in lab.
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Research Intern
May - July 2019 • North Chicago, IL
What I liked
During my time interning at Rosalind Franklin University, I really enjoyed the hands-on experience in the laboratory. I was able to learn about the lab by reading the journal articles that they had published. When I got a general understanding of what the lab was about, my mentor demonstrated new techniques that I would eventually use in my research project. I eventually became familiar with the procedures and formulas that were used in the lab. What was especially nice was that my mentor had weekly meetings with me to discuss a paper that he assigned me to get a better grasp on the details of the lab and the significance of our research. This experience really made an impact, and I'm fortunate that I was able to conduct this research as an undergrad.
What I wish was different
Everything was actually very great, so it's hard to pick something out. My one complaint would be the transportation to Rosalind Franklin University. You either pay to live on campus for the summer or (if you live close) you can commute. I actually took the metra to the university, as a shuttle is provided from the lake bluff metra to RFUMS. This metra was far from my house, so it took some time to get there and back.
Advice
I would recommend taking Bio221 before interning in the lab that I conducted research in. I actually hadn't taken the class either, but I will be taking it next semester. In the lab that I worked in, I feel as though I would have been better prepared if I had taken that class. There was a lot of knowledge that I felt I needed about how molecules, genes, and cells worked in-depth. Otherwise, I felt as if I was well prepared to take on the challenges.
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Immunology Research Scholar
May - July 2019 • North Chicago, IL
What I liked
Working with the mice or learning new lab skills. I enjoyed going to Journal Clubs over the summer, seminars from other researchers in the field, and making new connections with my now coworkers.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Psychologist Research Assistant
May - July 2019 • North Chicago, IL
What I liked
I loved being able to learn more about the different routes that you could go in Psychology that was not just research. Talking with the different professors about their research was super interesting and an eye opening experience.
What I wish was different
I wish there would have been more graduate students to talk to in the lab. Because it was summer and majority of the students were working on their dissertations at home, there were very few people in the labs.
Advice
Be ready to learn new things and ask questions if you’re confused. Although it may seem embarrassing, many of the professors actually appreciate you asking questions because it shows your interest in their research and the work that you’re doing.
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Research Fellow
May - August 2018 • North Chicago, IL
What I liked
I enjoyed being a member of a medical research lab and expanding my knowledge. I felt very comfortable expressing my opinions and asking questions. The environment was extremely nurturing to my learning, and I felt respected even though I was an undergraduate among graduate, post-doc, and medical students, as well as faculty with their PhDs.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have been involved in human/clinical research since my passion is direct patient care. I still enjoyed the opportunity, though.
Advice
I would recommend that as a research fellow in a reputable lab, you come prepared on the first day. What I mean by that is READ THE LAB'S PUBLISHED WORK! I cannot stress that enough. Many of my co-fellows spent the entire first week or two sitting in a room by themselves reading dense empirical journal articles for 8-9 hours a day in order for the PI to feel comfortable having them perform important work for them.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
June - August 2018 • North Chicago, IL
What I liked
I really liked the independence and the mentorship with this research experience.
What I wish was different
Advice
Make the most of it and really learn from your experience because it will definitely help especially if you're thinking about graduate school!
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Research Intern
June - August 2018 • North Chicago, IL
What I liked
I liked being able to work in a lab where I was allowed to be hands on and interact with patients, rather than do benchwork as I am used to in the labs I have worked in before.
What I wish was different
I wish we had been able to recruit more patients, as we only had 6 or 7 successful trials.
Advice
A piece of advice I would share is to make the best of your experience. On days when e had no patients, I asked if I could shadow a doctor at the clinic next door and I was able to do so some days. Now, he works at another clinic near my school and I am starting up a volunteering opportunity for me and my club members at my school.
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Undergraduate Research Fellow
May - July 2018 • North Chicago, IL
What I liked
I loved working with the people in my lab, and learning new research techniques.
What I wish was different
Nothing really
Advice
I would advise students to network with their lab early on and see about future employment opportunities
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Neuroscience research Intern
May - August 2018 • North Chicago, IL
What I liked
I loved the opporuinity to do research on Stress and Anxiety!
What I wish was different
Advice
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Research Assistant
June - August 2014 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
My boss and coworkers were great. They instantly made me feel apart of the team. They were all very knowledgable and I learned a lot.
What I wish was different
The internship was far out of the city, but that isn't something changeable
Advice
You'll enjoy getting close with your team members, and you'll learn a lot form them. Try to work hard on your research, so you get the most out of it, and so they'll submit it with their work.
