University of Rochester, Warner Graduate School of Education

Researcher

June 2018 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

The topic I studied was at the intersections

What I wish was different

I could have been more closely advised and managed on the project, and given more support while tackling multiple objectives at once.

Advice

Learn agile development, don't learn new concepts in chucks but divide workload in weekly sprints, where you do a bit of everything every week.

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Computer Vision Research Assistant

June - August 2020 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

It gave me hands on experience with tools used in state of the art Machine Vision research, and I had the opportunity to work on a really interesting project and learn a lot about the field. It also gave me a lot of experience presenting my research.

What I wish was different

Mainly I wish that I could have had this experience in person rather than virtually. I think that would have helped with communication and structure, but the REU overall was great.

Advice

Push yourself and do your best to get the most out of your experience, but also have realistic expectations for yourself based on your previous experience and the time you have. It's impressive to have worked on new research, even if you can't finish your work in one summer.

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Research Assistant

May 2020 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

I was able to work remotely at home which was great. There was a lot of freedom with what I could do.

What I wish was different

Advice

Be persistent when contacting professors about research!

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

May - December 2018 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

I gained valuable experience, particularly with data analysis and visualization. I learned a new programming language (R) and was able to apply some of the knowledge I had learned through coursework to 'real world' problems and data.

What I wish was different

The lab I worked in was rather small (3 people present during the summer, although it is growing now) with the only 'professional' being the PI (other was a grad student). So, through this particular experience there wasn't much opportunity to grow my network and learn from professionals in my field of interest

Advice

I landed this research experience by simply cold emailing the professor, whose research information I found online. I contacted him in the spring and expressed my interest in his research as well as why my skills would make me a valuable addition to his group on a particular type of project.

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Summer RA

May - August 2018 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

It was super flexible and fun.

What I wish was different

I wish I had the opportunity to do more for more pay.

Advice

I would recommend the experience, but it is definitely a good idea to do something else in addition to it unless you want to take an easy summer like I did.

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Advanced Technical Assistant

January 2017 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

I deeply enjoyed learning more about the research process and what it is like to work for the University of Rochester.

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

I would advise students to become deeply involved with their departments. I greatly enjoyed taking on projects that weren't in my job description so that I could learn more.

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Research Intern

May 2018 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

I really like all the opportunities they gave me and the work environment which gave me alot of control over the project to be able to test hypothesis and solve problems on my own which I didn't necessarily expect considering I was an undergrad with no prior research experience

What I wish was different

sometimes the goals we set were too grand and unacheivable so if I had to change one thing it would be to just add alittle bit more structure in the aspect of defining my goals and making sure they are concrete and achievable

Advice

Try something even if you're nervous about it or don't you'll like it because I was very apprehensive to take this position due to my lack of experience and knowledge of if it was what I actually wanted to do but I'm so glad I did take this position because it ended up being an incredible and eye opening experience for me.

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Program Assistant

July - September 2018 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

Interacting with my supervisor and co-workers. Learned a lot from them

What I wish was different

The pay. I'd have liked a good pay of at least $12 an hour

Advice

Very challenging but rewarding in so many ways. Connections and learning experience.

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lab research assistant

June 2017 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

The ability to choose my own work schedule is great, especially as a busy college student. Hourly pay makes this possible and being able to work independently.

What I wish was different

Advice

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IT

May - August 2018 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

I was able to learn new things and had workers willing to show me things

What I wish was different

The dynamics I wish the work was more evened out

Advice

You won't know everything at first but as you go you'll become more confident.

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Summer Assistant Manager

May - August 2018 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

Great boss and friendly work environment.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

April - September 2018 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

Loved learning the laboratory techniques used to prove certain hypothesis in the lab, loved the subject matter.

What I wish was different

I feel like time was slightly mismanaged, I would like a stricter hold on the schedule from my private investigator.

Advice

Be sterile in the lab setting, you never know when fungus can take over.

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Research Assistant

May - August 2018 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

I liked the flexibility of being able to set my own hours. I also liked working on my independent project.

What I wish was different

I wish the University would allow free parking to workers because I had to walk 1.5 miles to and from work everyday.

Advice

Don't be afraid to ask your professors to work for them if you are interested in what do they do research in.

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Undergraduate Researcher

May - July 2018 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

My research project, working in a lab, presenting a poster at the end

What I wish was different

I wish I had more time for my project to be completed.

Advice

Ask a lot of questions

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Pre-College Counselor

June - August 2018 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

The work was fairly simple and the kids were enjoyable.

What I wish was different

I wish they had been more organized and more transparent about the salary

Advice

Do not accept this job unless you’re willing to spend 24 hours a day doing it.

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Project Assistant

May 2018 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

The hands on experience with energy research.

What I wish was different

I wish I would've questioned the process earlier on. All because something had been done one way, didnt make thst the right way.

Advice

Become okay with failure. Not every expirement will yield wanted results.

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Pre-College Experience In Physics Instructor

June - August 2018 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

This was a wonderful experience. My co-instructor and I planned a three week curriculum to teach about 20 high school girls physics. We were able to expose high school age girls to physics using lectures, demonstrations, and fun labs. This is camp was extremely important to bolster their confidence in their STEM skills. We hope that our program is able to affect these girl's lives and that they will be more likely to consider Physics as a viable career.

What I wish was different

Nothing! There are records going decades back of previous curriculums and ideas for different activities. Lots of help is provided from the department and higher ups involved.