Workplace employees are really nice and the work life balance is good
What I wish was different
Nothing. Everything is perfect
Advice
Good place to start out.
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REU Participant
June - August 2021 • College Park, MD
What I liked
I had the opportunity to take ownership of my own project, and learn different research techniques (e.g. immunostaining, cell junction phenotype analysis). I also enjoyed having a poster presentation at the end of the summer to share all the work I did over the 10 weeks.
What I wish was different
Near the beginning of the REU, I was just reading papers, and not doing much wet lab work. It felt like the program wasn't prepared for us at the start time, and I wish we could've used that time more wisely since near the end of the summer, my cohort was rushing to finish our respective projects.
Advice
When applying to REU's apply to as many as you can! The applications are free, and getting into a summer research program at another university like this is a great opportunity to experience different lab cultures and meet individuals you may not have had the chance to at your own university.
- Supportive and insightful research opportunities with faculty and graduate students in the Physics & Astronomy Department.
- Collaborative seminars, networking sessions and workshops with faculty, researchers and professionals in the STEM fields
- Opportunities to tour partner research facilities
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Take the initiative to learn about the varying fields of Physics & Astronomy through research seminars and workshops. Also, take the opportunity to speak with faculty and graduate students about graduate and post-graduate studies and their research projects.
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Lab Intern
June - August 2019 • College Park, MD
What I liked
I liked applying what I learned in engineering classes, such as theory, software, particular applications, etc. It helped me keep my skills sharp as well as renew my love of engineering. It helped me get to know what I can do as an engineer, especially how fulfilling research can be.
What I wish was different
The nature of research is that you learn as you go, but I still wish I knew what I learned at the beginning.
Advice
Get to know your project as early as possible. Take a lot of time at the beginning to familiarize yourself with what you will be doing so you can be the most productive you can be. Ask as many questions as possible, and write the answers down in a notebook. Take that notebook everywhere. Remember that this benefits you the most.
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lab manager
July 2019 • College Park, MD
What I liked
Great way to see research at a bigger-picture level. Work very closely with a PI and grad team, and it's a really good way to study the field for grad school.
What I wish was different
Social life is really hard to maintain and grow when you move to a completely new area. Something to involve myself more with campus would be great
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask questions! There's a ton of things to keep track of, so it's better to ask someone before something falls through the cracks.
