By Alexis Elkinson, Peer Research Ambassador

Getting involved in research can feel intimidating at first, especially when you are just beginning to navigate the different paths available. However, this early stage of uncertainty is exactly the time to explore. Rather than diving headfirst into the first research opportunity that comes your way, it is essential to take a step back and assess what excites you and where your true interests lie. This is where shadowing becomes an invaluable tool. Shadowing allows you to observe without immediate pressure, giving you the time and space to explore different fields before committing, helping you avoid burnout while developing a deeper understanding of your potential career paths.

The key to making the most of your research journey is to shadow a diverse range of professionals—whether they be physicians, researchers, or project coordinators in your area of interest. This does not just apply to the sciences; exploring various domains like medicine, social sciences, and even the humanities can broaden your perspective. When you shadow, you are not just watching someone work; you’re gaining insight into the day-to-day realities of that profession or research field. You can observe the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the culture of collaboration or independence that the environment fosters. By experiencing these aspects firsthand, you can better align your research pursuits with your future goals. Continue reading →

By Anabelle Bergstrom, Peer Research Ambassador

College offers so many opportunities to study topics that you find interesting or that will help you navigate your future career. Learning logical reasoning skills through mathematics, understanding the food chain, and discussing historical sources for research are all great skills that can take you far. As I have migrated through the academic sphere and into professional workplace environments, I have learned how important another skill that is not talked about nearly enough: professionalism. Being professional goes beyond what you wear to classes or work every day. Learning the many skills that are part of “being professional” can open new doors, allow you to meet new people, and could even land you a job someday.

One of the many skills that is often associated with achieving professionalism is the way one dresses when one shows up for a meeting or for work. Of course, dressing appropriately for the event you are attending is important. However, being professional is more than external “what meets the eye” characteristics. You could show up to an interview looking the part, but that will not matter if you are unable to introduce yourself in a clear and confident way. The way you address people, eye contact, and being punctual are just a few of the ways you can level up how you portray yourself outwardly. These skills are incredibly important as you begin or continue to network with those in your field. Continue reading →

By Michela Brown, Peer Research Ambassador

Presenting at a conference can be an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience. This past January I had the opportunity to share my research at the Plant and Animal Genome conference in San Diego. It was the first time I presented my research, especially in front of scientists who share opposing or similar interests. I had a lot of anxiety and uncertainty when preparing to attend the conference, and I wanted to share some personal insight on how to make the most of your experience.

Building Confidence through Preparation

Confidence doesn’t come overnight; it’s built through preparation. When applying to present, you will have to submit an abstract (summary of your research) months before you attend. It is good to have the data you want to present completed before writing or submitting your abstract. This will allow you to know you are certain you will be presenting what you write about. Also, I encourage you to begin writing your abstract about one month before it is due to allow your Principal Investigator (PI) and co-authors to review what you have. You will typically have at least two months from the abstracts due date to form your poster before the conference date. It’s a great idea to use that time wisely and spend a few minutes a day organizing your layout, coming up with key ideas to add, or forming your data charts and graphs. I know from personal experience not to wait until the last few weeks to finish or even start preparing to present at a conference. I didn’t finish my poster for the one I attended until the week before I left and had to strategize how to have my poster printed before I flew across the country. I received my poster the day before my flight, and I felt an immense amount of stress that carried into the beginning of my trip. I felt unorganized and unprepared but managed to make the most of my experience after some time. Continue reading →

By Andrei Abarientos, Peer Research Ambassador

I’ll be the first to admit I’m still figuring things out: in my research, in my career, in my life. When people ask what I want to do with myself after college, I jokingly say: “maybe research, maybe medicine, maybe some secret third option.” The truth is, that secret third option is literally anything else. Sometimes, I think I could teach, others I think I could go into science policy or public health. Sometimes (especially around exam season) I think about dropping out, running away and living in the mountains.

I spent a long time thinking that maybe my personality was incompatible with research. I’m someone whose interests are still so broad, but much of research is narrow by design: you spend your time working on a specific social phenomenon, a specific protein, a specific disease. I was just interested in too much, I thought. Still, I jumped in, maybe for the wrong reasons; it seemed like everyone was doing research, and I wanted to give it a shot. Continue reading →