Undergrad research

[Vidoory]

Hi guys,

 

This question is actually about research at the undergrad level, so I realize that it doesn't really belong on the 'grad' forum, but I figured people on this forum might be able to help me (and I really need help right now!!). 

 

So basically I'm in a really awkward position, and don't see how I can get out... I started "volunteering" in a prof's lab last year, and was suppose to help one of her grad students. Only thing is that I felt like a third wheel, and wasn't needed at all. The person I'm working with kept telling me she'll email me about the volunteer hours etc, but she never would. I would then email her politely asking if there was anything I could help with (I tried very hard not to seem pushy during this entire process), mentioning that I really appreciated this opportunity. She then told me to go into the lab multiple times (I should mention that I actually had to cancel previous plans to go into the lab, since I really wanted to make a good impression), but all she did was give me different articles to read. I don't know why she couldn't have just emailed them to me if they were that important, but I'm assuming she actually didn't need (or want) help, but had to give me something since I was an official "volunteer". This was super frustrating but dragged on for a few months... fast forward to December, I haven't heard from her in a few weeks, so decided to send her another email about what was expected of me. I got no response back.

 

At that point I really have just had enough of the situation, and decided to put it behind me and look for other opportunities. Now that I think back, I probably should have gone in to talk to the actual prof of the lab, but she was super busy, and whenever I went in I had to wait at least 20 minutes (sometimes more than an hour!) even when I had an appointment. 

 

I've now been looking for other labs on campus, thinking that I can just start fresh again. What I didn't realize, and something I just found out, is that the prof has actually been talking about me to other people. I don't know exactly what she said, but something along the lines of irresponsible. I'm really horrified, both by the fact that this actually happened to me, and that she would actually be warning other profs against me... Of course, it's not all researchers on campus, but at least one that I really want to work for. I'm at a complete loss for what I should do next, and would appreciate any advice?

[Vene]

Are there any professors who you have a good relationship with? You can see if you can do research under them instead. They may not be doing the exact research you want to do, but to a large extent it doesn't matter much what your undergrad research is on, as long as you do something and get a decent recommendation out of it.

[bsharpe269]

I would go talk to the professor and explain that you are really excited to help but have been sending emails and haven't been given any guidance on what to do. You could ask if there is another project you can work on or if you would be better off joining a different lab that needs more help now

[SHolmes]

I agree with both of these! Try to sort out what happened with your old professor, and fix any bad blood between you. But most professors should be pretty understanding towards undergrads, and if you a professor you like as a teacher it's worth asking if you can work with them for a while. If you're not that interested in their research, the experience will be great to show professors you ARE interested in later.