<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I'll be a freshman next year @ WashU (woot woot!) and I was just wondering if there are any research oppurtunities for freshman? Would it be too forward for me to email professors in the labs that I am interested in? Last year, I worked in a drosophila lab and was working on my own research project. I also worked in a platelet lab but then I did not have my own project, I just aided the scientists in grunt work.</p>
<p>Yes, there are research opportunities such as the summer scholars in biomedical research. There are special programs here and there that will pair you up with a mentor.</p>
<p>As a freshman, its tough to get a job where you get your own project, expect more gruntwork before you get to do real work. But don't look down on this kind of stuff, it teaches you lab technique, job etiquette, and gives you an appreciation of how hard scientific research really is. Med schools and graduate schools appreciate this kind of maturity.</p>
<p>I personally don't think its too forward to email professors. I know of a couple of people that did that last year. However, the one thing I would suggest is that if you really want to work in a lab, start your first semester and during the end of the first semester, try to get your own research project that you can finish up during second semester. although i agree with lollybo that it gives you lab experience, its also a lot more fun and also is a resume booster if you have your own research project that you can present at one of WashU's research symposium...or even get published. Besides, you learn a lot of the basic techniques of lab during Chem Lab and Bio Lab anyway. I'm not saying to not work at a lab unless you have the expectation of your own project, but keep in mind that working at the med school is basically like another class since you'll be doing multiple hours a week. It's all worthwhile though if you have your own set project that you can come out with.</p>