All About Research

My Experience

When I first started visiting colleges in my junior year of high school, admissions officers and student ambassadors always brought up the vast “research opportunities” available at their school. At the time, I kind of brushed that aside because I thought research was just for those kids who want to pursue it as a career...but I was so wrong! Especially as a pre-health student, research is an interesting extracurricular activity that allows you to gain exposure in clinical settings, improve your professionalism, and build your network.

I found my first research opportunity in the spring of my sophomore year, with the help of students in my campus’ pre-dental club. I got to visit the dental school twice a week to collect saliva samples for a large study that looks at the links between genetics and oral health. Through this, I got to interact with patients, dental students, and even professors who were in the clinics. Additionally, I got to attend meetings with the head of the study and other research faculty, and see the projects they are working on internationally. Although I mainly collected samples and did some data entry, some other undergraduates created their own projects or did hands-on bench work in this program.

I found my second opportunity in the fall of my junior year, also through the pre-dental club. We had the chance to attend a lecture series about dental anesthesia alongside dental students, and it was taught by a professor at the dental school. Besides that, we had to complete some data entry, but it was very interesting to learn more about how complex both anesthesia and charting are in the real world.

Common Misconceptions

1. “I HAVE to do research if I’m pre-med, pre-dental, etc.”

Although it is mandatory for some graduate schools, others will not frown upon you for not doing research, as long as you fill up your time with other meaningful experiences. For instance, Pitt Dental’s admission officers said that they don’t place much emphasis on research because it isn’t as widely available at smaller schools. Forcing yourself to do research can also be detrimental for you in the future because if you simply do it to impress an admissions committee, you’ll be stumped if they ask you about it at an interview. If you would rather dedicate your time to a music ensemble, dance team, or volunteering, go for it! The important thing is that you are using your time outside of the classroom wisely to further your education, and become a well-rounded citizen and student.

2. “Research is so boring.”

The concept of research is often associated with something tedious, difficult, or boring. However, in reality, there are so many types of research that you are sure to find something you are passionate about and enjoy! Opportunities range from low commitment ones (data entry, remote work) to working a few days a week (interacting with patients, hands-on lab work, collecting samples) to going all in and getting a grant to create your own project!

3. “I should do research at a hospital.”

Another misconception is that pre-health students should look for research in the health or STEM fields only, because “it looks better” for medical or dental school. On the contrary, admissions officers are often impressed by students who are involved in interdisciplinary fields of study and pursue their other interests -- rather than pushing them aside and only succeeding in STEM classes. This means you can be pre-health and still seek research in music, art history, or English if that is what you want to explore. As my pre-med friend, Alexis, once wisely said, “Do things you’re passionate about that also happen to fall under the categories of leadership, clinical, research, or volunteering.”

How to Find Opportunities

1. Look for campus research programs.

1. My school has a program called First Experiences in Research -- open to students of all years, not just freshmen. You simply have to attend an info session and they email you a catalog of opportunities. Then you choose your top few and they match you to one!

2. Join a pre-health club on campus.

1. They often have a list of previous, known research opportunities that students in the same discipline have participated in.

2. You can also network with older students to ask if they ever did research, how they got involved, what they do, and how they like it.

3. Ask your professors.

1. Look them up online to see what they are involved with.

2. They are a great resource and most love having students in office hours!

3. Never hurts to ask - worst answer you can get is no, and you can always try elsewhere.

4. Some classes are part of a larger research program on campus.

1. Ask lab instructor or TA’s if they are involved or have more information.

2. Email the principal investigator to express your interest.

5. Decide how many hours per week you want to dedicate.

1. At my school, 5 hrs/week = 1 credit, 10 hrs/week = 2 credits, and so on. Some programs offer paid opportunities as well.

2. I found 5 hours a week to fit into my schedule perfectly, while I was taking rigorous classes like Organic Chemistry 2 or Physics 1.

How to Ask to Get Involved

1. Look up projects in fields that interest you or shortlist a few from a large catalog.

2. Pinpoint a few reasons you want to be involved with that particular research.

3. Write a professional email to the principal investigator or whoever is in charge of applications, such as a secretary, if listed.

4. Be prepared to face rejection if someone does not have an opportunity for you right now, or you do not hear back.

1. If you are still interested, be persistent in contacting people and try to find more students or faculty who are involved to ask them how to get in touch!

During Your Experience

1. Ask questions!

1. Whether you don’t understand something or are simply curious - it never hurts to ask!

2. Be attentive to what work other students and faculty are doing around you.

1. Perhaps you’ll find a different aspect you’d like to be involved with in the future or be inspired to start your own project.

3. Network with other students and faculty involved in the program.

1. Be friendly whenever you meet someone new, and leave a good impression!

Wrapping Up Your Experience

1. Send a thank-you note or email.

2. Maintain a good relationship with your mentor.

3. Update your resumé and/or CV.

1. Include mentor and program name, location, hours, and dates.

2. Summarize key points in a few lines.

3. Highlight any projects or publications you worked on!

4. Reflect on your experience & be proud of your accomplishments!