Q for caltech students:the most wierdest combo questions..research and library =)

Colleges and Universities A-Z California Institute of Technology
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<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>I'm currently an PCC student. I've been on the caltech campus a few times (since PCC isn't far from caltech), and I've been wondering....</p>

<p>1) Sometimes, I need to study for my microbiology class and it's kind of futile studying in my room (hot...100+degrees w/out air condition....and the computer games). Most of the time when I need to use the library, the ones nearby (PCC, Pasadena, San Marino, Arcadia) are all closed. The ones at Caltech are open 24/7!!!! How can I get in to the library at Caltech when they require a CIT JPL or reader's ID? Like for example, if I can get in to the caltech library when they don't require the ID cards, can I still stay when the ID cards are needed? Can some1 swipe me in? =)</p>

<p>also...2) How possible is it for another undergraduate student to get into a research laboratory at caltech over the summer? I'm very interested in getting in doing research over the summer. If I just email the professors that are research in the topics I'm interested in (microbial ecology, immunology), is it possible for me to get a research position?</p>

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<p>
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Like for example, if I can get in to the caltech library when they don't require the ID cards, can I still stay when the ID cards are needed?

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<p>Nope, sorry. Security even goes around and checks sometimes and throws you out if you don't have your ID with you...you could try studying in Winchell's or something, but last time we tried some creepy homeless guy yelled at us because it was 2 am and he was trying to sleep :p</p>

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How possible is it for another undergraduate student to get into a research laboratory at caltech over the summer?

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<p>Very possible. Summer</a> Undergraduate Research Fellowships .. S U R F .. <caltech> ..</caltech></p>

<p>
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If I just email the professors that are research in the topics I'm interested in (microbial ecology, immunology), is it possible for me to get a research position?

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</p>

<p>That's basically all you ever have to do. You might even be able to meet with them in person because you live so close by. :)</p>

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<p>Hey fizix,</p>

<p>Thanks for the response. Hmmmm....maybe I can pretend I'm sleeping when they come around =P </p>

<p>Thanks for the link to their SURF program. It's too bad, since I found out about it one day after their deadline to turn in stuff. Maybe next year. </p>

<p>Just wondering, how easy is it for an caltech, let alone a non-caltech student to get a research position? I've never had any "formal" research work done before, but i did do a independent research project. Can anyone tell me what professors researching in the general field of biology are more likely to accept non-caltech undergrad students?</p>

<p>I think I might stop by caltech sometime before my classes on Wednesday and speak to the professors that I'm interested in doing research. Would that be a little awkward? Where can I find the office hours of the researchers/professors? I went over the faculty list of the division of biology to look for potential researchers/professors, but most did not list their office hours, or their office location.</p>

<p>Again, thanks for the help!</p>

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<p>Office hours are usually only held for classes, and not all professors teach classes every quarter.</p>

<p>It's not hard for students to find research at Caltech during the school year/summer, as most labs I'm familiar with are pretty willing to take on students.</p>

<p>I'd start it off by send an e-mail to any professors you're interested in working for. I wouldn't just drop in randomly, as that might be a little off putting.</p>

<p>Just because you missed SURF doesn't mean you can't get a spot over the summer, some professors have money and they're willing to fund you through their own resources.</p>

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<p>Pretty easy if you're in biology. Heck, they let me work with them as a high school kid. Basically, experimentalists always want free (/cheap) labor. And even if you can't get some sort of funding for it you can always just work there as a volunteer.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>Wow as a high schooler? Cool!!! I remember I emailed a few professors at Caltech when I was a junior at high school, but all of them said that they have too much Caltech undergrad students helping them. Which is why I asked about the undergrad research, since I got the perception that I would be wasting my time asking.</p>

<p>What type of work did you do, fizix? And I'm guessing that your a physics major? =) It would be really cool if the student volunteers would help the research in ways of giving ideas and just intellectually contributing. </p>

<p>Oh yeah, can anybody help me looking over the email I'm going to be sending out to the professor? I'm quite hesitant in sending it out, I would like to get some input on the letter before I send it out. If you're interested, please let me know, and I'll PM it over.</p>

<p>Thanks!!!</p>

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<p>Nope, I'm a math major. I was the modeling/theory person for a fruit fly lab.</p>

<p>I'd be happy to look over your email if you want. :)</p>

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<p>Depends a lot on (a) the field you're in (b) how big the lab is (c) how lucky you are. Not to mention how you come off to the professor. Keep trying!</p>