<p>Everyone does participate equally in the research. During the first semester, work is done in pairs, and each pair isolates one phage species. During second semester, work was split into groups of 6, where each group annotated and analyzed an entire phage genome. So in all, 3 genomes were completed. Work that is done during this course may get published (at which time you should certainly put it on your resume!)</p>
<p>As for other research projects, you should list it on your resume under research experience. And of course, if you get published, that’s a big deal, and it should be featured in your resume.</p>
<p>Finding a research lab is fairly easy. The bio department has a list of faculty who have mentored undergraduates before. In addition, you can look through the wustl dbbs faculty list to find even more. Most researchers that you’ll be interested in will probably never teach a course that you will take. My advice is to wait until at least the summer after your freshman year to start research. Often, students may start research fresh out of the gate, but find themselves overburdened. If you want a worthwhile experience, then you’ll be in lab at least 10-12 hrs a week, which on top of coursework, can be a lot. Also, give yourself a little time to refine your interests.</p>
<p>When you are looking into a lab, email the PI about a semester ahead of time (ie. in January if you want to start in the following May) briefly explaining your experience, qualifications and why you are interested in his/her lab. Ask for an interview if they have spots available. You may find that more than half of the PIs you contact will have full labs and will be unable to take on another student. After you’ve interviewed at some places, you will probably get offered a few spots. Remember, the interview is not only for the PI to evaluate you, but for you to evaluate the lab. Is the PI involved on a day to day basis, or is the PI very hands off? How much interaction is there among lab members? Do the grad students and post-docs seem happy? Picking a good lab to work in is not just about the research, but the environment. Find one that fits both your intellectual interests and your personality.</p>
<p>Also, unless you have some kind of fellowship (IE. SURF), I would not expect to get paid during the first semester you work there. Labs generally don’t like to fund students without some kind of track record. If they offer to pay, then awesome, but don’t be offended if they don’t.</p>