<p>I'm 1st semester junior this semester. So far, I have done research for only 1 professor. I don't know anyone else who does research right now, so my frame of reference is very limited.</p>
<p>Right now, I'm the only undergrad working in my lab. There are a couple of people that show up occasionally. This makes me wonder if I should be here, for some reason. 1). I'm wondering if I should switch things up and be part of another professor's research or stay with this one, even though there are no guarantees that this project will actually get anywhere.</p>
<p>2). On top of that, I'm wondering what it is exactly that I'm suppose to get out of research.</p>
<p>3). Lastly, I'm a chem e major. My school's curriculum is based on fluid dynamics, energy balance, reactor design, etc. And when it comes to research, I'm not interested in these areas. So in terms of course preparation, what should I do?</p>
<p>1) Longevity in a research lab looks good. You show that you can remain dedicated to one particular lab, 1-2 specific projects and see a project through from beginning to end (or from wherever you started to wherever you are when you graduate). Longevity also helps you build rapport and a reputation with your mentor, which helps when he needs to recommend you. A person who’s known you for 2 years is always a better letter than a person who’s known you for 6 months, all other things being equal. There’s nothing wrong with a small lab; I was working with a professor who only had two undergrads working for her, because I went to a small LAC. However, if you notice that lots of people are coming and leaving very quickly, pay attention because there may be a good reason for that.</p>
<p>2) There are several things you get out of research:</p>
<p>-Most simply, the experience helps you get into graduate school and in some cases a job.
-It gives you an exposure to how theories and products in your field are developed, which helps regardless of what kind of career you go for after undergrad.
-It teaches you skills that are useful in other areas - not only tangible ones like statistical analysis, writing skills, synthesizing information, using a stats or other computer program (or whatever it is you’re doing in your lab) but non-tangible ones like critical thinking, perseverance, creativity, etc.
-It helps you decide whether you like research enough to try to make a career out of it.
-It helps you develop a close relationship to a mentor who can do a lot of things for you - network you a job, write you good recommendation letters or simply give you good advice.</p>
<p>3) Do you have any nearby universities at which you can take classes in the fields in which you are really interested? If not, possibly you can take them as a continuing ed student or in a master’s program. Most master’s programs will admit people with a basic core knowledge and you’re expected to specialize later.</p>