<p>I am going to be doing research next year and I have been in contact with the prof about it. My question is should I knock before I enter the lab? I am doing training now so I kind of feel like I don't really "belong" there as an undergrad. I think when I actually start the project it will be different because I am "supposed" to be there, but right now I feel really awkward walking into a lab full of expensive equipment and a lot of people who don't know that I am doing a project there. The problem with knocking is that the lab is huge and they won't always hear me. I'm sorry if this is a really dumb question but I am not really sure what to do. Thanks!</p>
<p>Uh, no, if the lab is unlocked (or if you have an access card, etc), then you don’t need to knock to have someone let you in. If an undergrad did that in my lab, I would find it even more intrusive than if they had just come in and did whatever they were supposed to do because then you have to go and let them in unnecessarily. Just go inside and find whoever you’re working with or whatever. If it’s your first time, then you can always ask someone where whoever you’re looking for is or whatever.</p>
<p>Undergrads working in labs is not uncommon. Seeing unfamiliar or new people in a lab is probably nothing unusual for the people who work in the lab. Like baktrax said, just go in and find whoever you’re supposed to be working with.</p>
<p>I would get annoyed if people kept distracting me by knocking for me to let them in through an unlocked door. :)</p>
<p>Don’t knock, just scream as loud as you can until they open the door. If you knock you may do damage to the door</p>