I loved the responsibility that I was given from day 1 at the job. I had to get up to speed with how an official research group works and learn all the ins and outs of what goes on behind a rigorous research lab all while keeping up my hands-on productivity each week.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more time with the group before the school year hit again and I had to wrap up my summer of research, but I gained immensely from the experience although only for 3 months.
Advice
Work, work, work! You don't have to be absolutely in love with the research you are doing because that probably comes in grad school (for those who choose to go to one), but if you're like me and want to grasp the big picture of an experience then a summer of research does not leave anything to be desired. You're basically your own boss and whatever you put in, that's what you get out of it. I realized by the end of my summer that a research career is definitely not for me, but the sheer adult grind of my summer and the simple fact that my work built something of good use to my team are experiences that I now very much cherish.
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Project Assistant
May 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
Research is very independent in it's nature, and I got a better chance to follow through with my ideas than ever before. I was able to control the direction that projects took and specify the details, like the equipment and time frame required.
What I wish was different
A lack of funding meant that sometime my ideas had to be abandoned simply because they cost too much. It also meant that sometimes several hours of work would be wasted because of a budget issue. That said, it was never too difficult to work around the problem and create in house solutions for a lower cost.
Advice
Don't be afraid to take charge and lead. If you have an idea, then pursue it! Most people will be more than happy with your enthusiasm and interest to work. Although, you also want to make sure you don't agree to more work than you can handle, so be confident but realistic in your endeavors.
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Research Assistant
May 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
This summer I worked on measuring distances below the diffraction limit of light. Experiments dealing with light have always interested me, so working in an optics lab was able to fill my summer with excitement. I enjoyed exploring new concepts and learning skills that I wouldn't have learned in the classroom. For example, we don’t necessarily learn how to deal with unknown errors in the lab since we always have a set lab in class, so dealing with an unknown error in a real lab setting gave me a taste of how complicated research can be. On the other hand, I was also able to see how rewarding research can be when you solve that problem that was ruining your data. Lastly, I enjoyed meeting people who had the same interests and were as motivated as I was in the laboratory.
What I wish was different
Looking back at the summer, I wouldn’t want to change anything. I wouldn’t wish to change anything because I learned a great deal of information that helped me decide what field in optics I want to study in when I graduate. In addition, I was able to meet people who have done great things in the field of optics and make life-long friends in the process.
Advice
It is helpful to talk to as many people as possible since it’s hard to tell who can offer great opportunities. Also, start early, I was discouraged to seek research as a first year because it seems like no one wants to higher someone who just started college, but even if people say no they will recognize you when you return. I was able to get a research position because the professor knew me for the past two years, so when I asked he was more than willing to help me.
