There are some significant changes in my opinion. I feel that before I knew the value of undergraduate research before, which I decided to at least tentatively major in Biological Research. It was something I was interested in trying, but I was very nervous going into. For one, I didn't have any idea what I wanted to research and that was something that originally turned me off from the prospect. Honestly, it was like I was a 5th grader again, moving to my new school, sick to my stomach because I thought it was going to be all stuff I didn't know and I was going to be completely lost and no one would help me. It was entirely irrational, of course.
For one, I was very grateful to be presented with an initial idea to pursue. It took a lot of creative pressure off (because seriously--when you have all of history's accumulated Biological Knowledge at your fingertips, it's hard to reach in and pull out a single, specific idea to pursue). Aside from that, I've had a lot of guidance in starting up this process which is something I really needed because I don't take Genetics until next semester. I'm learning kinetically which is new for me, but I'm enjoying the process. Research is quite a bit more fun than I expected. I thought it would be more like this:
But it's actually more like this:
Me and My Cat
I don't actually have my cat in here while I'm working, nor do I even have my cat at school, but if you want to quibble over details, the cat is a visual metaphor for how fun being in a lab for seven hours every day can be.
Why major in Biological Research if I'm going into genetic counseling? Because. There are two main branches to the field--clinical and research. I certainly want to give clinical a try because I feel that's where my passion lies. My Public Speaking professor last year told me she hoped I didn't work in a lab for too long because I am a very good public speaker and she wants to see me with people. But I don't have any qualms about going into research or even one day pursuing a PhD.
Why major in Biological Research if I'm going into genetic counseling? Because. There are two main branches to the field--clinical and research. I certainly want to give clinical a try because I feel that's where my passion lies. My Public Speaking professor last year told me she hoped I didn't work in a lab for too long because I am a very good public speaker and she wants to see me with people. But I don't have any qualms about going into research or even one day pursuing a PhD.
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I enjoy your pictures. Secondly, I somewhat felt the same way with research. I'm a bio research major too and I remember sitting in class one day while Dr. Schlear told us about research. My first issue was time though...it wasn't what I would be doing. There are people who make research their life and live by it and there are people who don't put much effort or excitment into it, I suppose. Research can vary so much these days and even with our research I feel as if there are many aspects and tangets people can explore if something is not working out...or say, waiting 3 days for a primer ( I know Brennan talked about that in his presentation last week). I hope you have had a good week!
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteNewbies to researching unite!!! Definately felt the same way you did about not having any idea of what I would be doing during this J-term. Having a mentor point you in a certain direction definately helped out! I was also a bit skeptical going into a researh class without taking genetics or cell bio. Do you think taking these classes would have helped you in your research? Also, did you look into any other professors to see what they had for reserach topics?
Casey
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI love your pictures! They made me laugh and smile which isn't hard but way to go!! I for sure felt the same as you did walking into this J-Term, yes I had a topic but I am not familiar with many of the techniques that are used in the lab or even felt comfortable in the lab until now. Are you suprised at how well this J-Term is going with getting help and having people to bounce ideas off of or did you think you were going to be a lonely scientist like Brennan? :)
I liked the way you posted picture and compared research to something fun. If your professor is concerned about you being lonely if you pursue a research career, you may explain him/ her that research is not about being lonely and probably give example of our lab.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you plan on researching after you're done with college or grad school? I know you've told me you want to be a genetic counselor,but what research does it involve?
ReplyDeleteIf you're like me, you'll definitely have some "eureka" moments about your research when sitting through genetics and cell biology. Everything seemed to click for a brief moment, and then I would be back at square one the next day in the lab. I really enjoy how humbling and rewarding research is at the same time. P.S. After looking at your pictures, I think we should have a goggles dress code in lab.
ReplyDeleteTy