<p>So I'm a rising junior in bioengineering (and possibly materials science) and am looking for a research position for the next year or two. I recently spoke with two professors who have openings, and I really can't decide which one to choose. I won't get into the nitty gritty, but here are the differences between the two:</p>
<p>The first one is based on designing functional materials at the molecular level. I would probably be doing normal lab stuff (cell culture, pipetting, etc), but the position is not paid.</p>
<p>The second one is based on synthesizing nanoparticles via a new device. There are NO grad students involved in this project (makes me skeptical) and I would be doing most of it myself. I really don't know what I'd be in for, but the project would be potentially more interesting and is paid. While I don't need the money, it's a nice perk.</p>
<p>Also, I'm mainly doing research to see what it's like and to get a good recommendation letter. I'm ultimately interested in law school, but intend on getting a masters in BioE somewhere. I'm taking 4-5 classes and the LSATs in October. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>To me the first job sounds kind of boring. I think the second sounds pretty interesting, it's paid, and you would have some level of independence doing it. I'd take the second option.</p>
<p>Go with the one that is more interesting to you.</p>
<p>Yet, with that said, I personally would go for the second position. Since you will work solely on the project, you will be able to much of the research and any publications will result with you as the first/primary author. In addition, if you do a great job, this can easily turn into a Masters thesis. As an added benefit, using innovative technology is always good!</p>
<p>Undergrad research sucks, I've been screwed over twice. Talk to some people who have been involved with each professor, and make sure you're not getting into a world of hell.</p>
<p>Oldelecdude has a good point,</p>
<p>UG researchers are academic slang for "lab *****". Make sure that the prof you are working with isn't crazy.</p>
<p>No one I've talked to has heard of either of them. That being said, the second professor expects me to do pretty much everything, so it doesn't really matter if she's crazy =P.</p>
<p>By the way, I've also been screwed over by research professors...twice. One of them completely flaked on me and the other was just bat**** crazy.</p>
<p>Thanks for the opinions, everyone!</p>
<p>
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UG researchers are academic slang for "lab *****". Make sure that the prof you are working with isn't crazy.
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<p>I'd argue that depends on the professor. I was lucky enough to not have to do much menial work (I got started on my own project by the second quarter of me working there) and I know plenty of people like me. How many undergrads are there working on the second project?</p>
<p>Potentially one other...he hasn't committed to anything. I'm so alone!</p>
<p>Nothing wrong with that as long as there's someone there mentoring you (I would say preferably a grad student but if the prof is really hands on that might do as well). It would in fact be a good opportunity to do your own research project as an undergrad.</p>
<p>How much time are you going to be able to commit to the second project? Doing 5-10 hours a week for a semester really might not be enough to accomplish anything if it's a brand new project.</p>
<p>The professor said she can't be very hands on (she's the dean of student affairs so she is burdened with administrative issues). I should be able to commit at least 12 hours per week to either project though.</p>
<p>RacinReaver is right,</p>
<p>You want to make sure you can:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Maintain your grades for Law School/Grad school, especially since you are a junior and will have rougher classes</p></li>
<li><p>Devote enough time to make the research worthwhile.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I'm not saying that you have to publish (though that would be a plus) but you want to make sure you can devote the time to make sure the research is productive. </p>
<p>Once again, I'm in favor of the 2nd position since it is open ended and you can control the flow of the project.</p>