During my first senior year of college, I signed up to do a Senior Problem, also called a Senior Thesis. It was a two semester independent research study on sheep. I studied the seasonal influences of mating and reproduction of a Southeastern Ewe-flock. I spent a lot of time on the University’s farm (I was an Animal Science major) and I got a great hands-on experiential education.
Undergraduate research, whether as an assistant in a lab, or independent study, or a summer internship, is a perfect way to supplement your science education. In fact, I highlighted the importance of such experiences in a recent article – FOCUS ON DIVERSITY: Fixing the pipeline to the science workforce:
Summer research camps are also great programs. For both high school and undergraduate students, working on a current research project at college is an amazing experience. If a student has always been interested in diabetes or computer science, for example, what better way to get a clear understanding of what that career entails than to spend six to 10 weeks working alongside a scientist working in that field?
As a follow-up and supplement to my article, I’m sharing a series of articles about the benefits of Undergraduate Research published by Science Careers, Dec 12, 2008 issue. Check them out.
Special Feature: Summer Internships for Undergraduates
By Rachel Narehood Austin
A summer internship may be the very best way for an undergraduate student to get started in scientific research.
Making Your Summer Research Internship a Good One
By Elisabeth Pain
Understanding the expectations of your supervisor and your contributions as an undergraduate will make your summer research internship all the more valuable.
Internships Offer Undergrads Full-Time Research Immersion
By Lucas Laursen
Summer research internships offer undergraduates research experience, exposure to new fields, and a chance to build a professional network.
Summer Internships: Resources
By Science Careers Staff
Looking for something in science to do this summer? Look here.
Right now, research institutions and labs are advertising for summer science internship and field assistance. Start inquiring and applying now. Also, not all programs are for undergraduate students. Ambitious high school students or returning college students are also perfect candidates for summer research opportunities. Get out there and make it happen.
Best of luck!
Jubilance
ITA. Undergraduate research was an invaluable part of my training as a chemist. I had previously spent 2 summers conducting research in a corporate research lab, but the experience of research in a university environment gave me a different perspective, and also inspired me to pursue a graduate degree in chemistry.
I have many friends that have done Summer REU experiences and all highly recommend them.
January 7, 2009 at 12:45 pm
DNLee
J: Thanks for the co-sign.
January 7, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Jessica
Even if you're not a hard sciences major, undergraduate research is valuable in any major. I was a political science major, and did my thesis on political perceptions and its impact on popular opinion on Iran. This research experience helped me in so many ways, including setting me up for success in grad school and being awarded a fellowship. I highly recommend doing undergraduate research!
January 7, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Summer Ecology Research Opportunity for Undergrads | Young Black Professional Guide
[...] Ecology Research Opportunity for Undergrads January 28th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under Undergraduate Research – It’s a Good ThingThrowback Post: Summer FestivalsHave a black summer! Filed Under: Career • Environment [...]
January 28, 2009 at 10:02 am