By PRA Alana Wolfson
Every Idea Starts with a Question
In high school, one of my teachers (still a mentor to me to this day), mentioned how she carries a little notebook with her dedicated towards her questions. I am not telling you that I recommend carrying around a little notebook 24/7, but the concept of jotting down ideas and questions you come across daily will spark inspiration.
The Connection Between Research and Questioning
Scientific and non-scientific research is based on questioning life processes. The most interesting and motivating projects I have generated started with a singular question: How does xyz work? I learned that the more curious you are about a topic, the more likely a great research idea or project will develop. My second project was based on my curiosity in how the actual shape of the mitochondria can be impacted by poor gestational diet. This question motivated me to read tons of literature, bounce ideas off my lab team, and network in conferences. I eventually based my second research project on mitochondria structure and function: the impact of poor maternal sheep diet on mitochondrial regulatory factors in offspring.
Do Not Fall into the, “I am doing this for med/dental/vet/grad school” Rabbit Hole
Yes!! Research is a great way to build upon your experience and resume for professional programs. However, getting into a lab for the sake of your resume defeats the whole purpose of exploring your curiosities. Would you really want to commit 3-10 hours a week to a project you have no desire to read, write, or even sit at a lab bench for? My best advice is to find a lab/group that focuses on the scope of study YOU want to learn about. Find something that interests YOU and motivates you to continue exploring.
Questions Leading to Connections
For those of you starting your journey in research for the first time, questions help get your foot in the door. My connection in research started with an open conversation and questions.
As we encourage during our Office of Undergraduate Research workshops, you want to meet a professor or grad student with an open conversation. A majority of the time professors want to get a feel for your personality and interests in their projects. Always lightly research a professor’s lab/group as well as make a list of general questions before cold emailing and having an open conversation.
Hold Your Horses (As a Pre-veterinary student…of course there is an animal theme in this blog)!
I fully encourage you to apply the art of questioning in college, but it is important to pace yourself!!! Especially during your early undergraduate years, you may want to try as many ideas as possible, jump into a lab and explore a gazillion programs/clubs at once. This little blurb is to remind you that it is okay to pace yourself and reflect on your interests. What gets you out of bed in the morning? Can you commit to hours working in a lab or a workplace every single week?
Also DO NOT FORGET!! These professors, graduate students, undergraduate students, and peer research ambassadors are also human. When applying for lab opportunities/mentorships, make sure to apply respect and patience when interacting with us. Questions and taking on new endeavors require a clean balance between motivation and patience.
I hope this blog inspires you to take the time to question, before jumping into research.
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