University of Virginia

Undergraduate Research Assistant

June 2021 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

The ability to use the techniques I've learned in my classes, both lab skills and academic knowledge.

What I wish was different

I wish that I had been introduced on more of an undergraduate level.

Advice

It will be a lot different from the labs you've done in class, you will be dealing with questions that do not have answers.

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

June 2021 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

What I love most about conducting research is definitely the hands-on, technical aspects of working in a lab. I found it very fun to apply concepts learned in class, and to actually see the results of your work unfold. Coming in with no lab experience at all, it was so great to have a grad student mentor and lab PI very willing to teach me all of the basic lab techniques.

What I wish was different

Advice

One piece of advice I'd share is to not be afraid to ask questions. Because I had no prior lab experience, much of the research terminology and lab methods were lost on me at first. In my experience, the grad students are always happy to help if need be!

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Research Experience for Undergraduates

June - August 2021 • Oyster, VA

What I liked

I loved my experience working at the research center! As someone from the area, it was incredible for me to spend the summer exploring a whole new facet of the natural world where I grew up. My time spent working in the seagrass meadows was irreplaceable and I learned so much. Not only did I gain skills and confidence in conducting field work and lab work, but I built meaningful relationships with fellow undergrads, grad students, professors and researchers all living/working at the station. I'm truly thankful for my friends and colleagues from the VCR-LTER, they've been so helpful to me as I figure out the next step in my career! This internship helped me meet many driven, intelligent people and ignited my passion for coastal conservation; I will always look back fondly upon my time spent in Oyster.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more time! There is really nothing else I would change- it was a perfect summer.

Advice

Be ready to push yourself outside your comfort zone and get comfortable adapting to unexpected challenges- it's all a part of the research journey! Also it's a good idea to be flexible with your independent project, willing to shift gears as circumstances change or new opportunities arise.

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Undergraduate Researcher

June 2021 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

I had a helpful and supportive team

What I wish was different

The guidelines for the final presentation should have been more explicit to ensure that the end was in sight during the whole process

Advice

Just pursue your intellectual interest and don't worry too much about applications in the beginning; you only need to produce the knowledge to answer the research questions.

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

May 2021 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

I loved getting to learn more about computer science outside of my schoolwork.

What I wish was different

I wish it had not been remote.

Advice

Try and be in the lab as much as possible.

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

July 2021 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

My SON research faculty were a joy to work with, extremely accommodating, and kind. They went out of their way to teach us more about their work and shadow in clinic. I also met a ton of new friends that I know will be lifelong.

What I wish was different

I can't complain about any aspect of the internship. Sometimes there were lulls when I feel like I could have been doing more, but we were extremely well taken-care of.