2/10/2016
Science Education Program @ CISER
SCHOLAR ORIENTATION
“How to be Successful in a Research Experience”
by Alumnus Undergraduate Research Scholar, Zorisadday Gonzalez
One of your biggest challenges awaits you. You will have to learn to solve your own problems, learn to
be independent, and analyze problems with a different perspective. However, research is a very
rewarding field since you never know what YOU are going to find. YOU are going to take control, and
YOU are now part of a greater integrative effort to find a solution to a problem nobody has ever solved
before. Yes, initially research CAN be overwhelming, but I promise you WILL succeed if you are
determined and focused. Have fun and learn to be passionate about what you do!

Starting out.
I still remember how overwhelmed and scared I felt during my first week in my research experience.
“What did I get myself into?” I thought then. People in my “lab” seemed to speak a different language
when they talked about their research, and I was lost. You will probably experience the same thing
during your first week. Relax. With time and effort, not only will you learn the “language”, but you will
probably end up teaching somebody else!

Relax. You are not expected to know everything when you first walk in. However, in order to “fit
in” and be successful this is how you need to start out:
1. Get to know the people in your lab! They will be great supporters of what you do in the future! Be
friendly and respectful. You will be working with them for a while so it is a good idea to build good
relationships, not only with the people in your lab – but also with the people in your department.
2. Take advantage of not knowing everything! Ask questions!
3. Take advantage of your resources (Ph.D. students, HHMI staff/room, mentor, books, etc.).
4. Spend a considerable amount of time reading at the beginning. Learn as much as you can, and always
seek more.
5. Set a meeting date (once a week) with your mentor in order to update him/her about your research
progress or present any questions/concerns you may have.

READ, READ, READ! Applicable when needed.
1. Again, take advantage of reading everything you can at the beginning of your experience especially.
Learn as much as you can and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
2. You will have to learn to be independent and seek out more information on your own. When reading
articles/books, learn to note important references. If you think they will help your research learn to seek
those articles on your own.
3. Be effective! Balance your time between reading and doing research.

Seek people who may have some of the information you need.
1. Research is about collaboration so learn how to work with the people around you. There will be some
people during your research career that will serve to be INVALUABLE! Earn an esteemed place in lab
by working hard and always be willing to lend a helping hand.
2. Remember to respect time limitations. Always follow up on the resources provided to you before
asking for a personal explanation.
(OVER)
2/10/2016

Don’t lose track of the ultimate objective of your research.
Your whole research problem may seem overwhelming at times. You will have to learn to dissect your
research to manageable pieces. Sometimes it can be hard to put your research into perspective. Remind
yourself why the research you’re doing is important. Go into lab everyday with a goal in mind.
Prioritize. What do you need to do most? Focus on what is most important at the time and complete the
task efficiently and productively.

Communicate with your mentor and Ph.D./Masters students.
It will probably seem hard to keep in touch your mentor since they are very busy people. However, it is
important to keep your mentor updated on your latest innovations on your research. Again, when your
mentor is not there – it is the PhD/Master students and technicians who will help you out!

Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.
This means you have to think outside the box! CISER offers SO much – not just research. They offer
opportunities for traveling to provide you with experience on presenting your research. They offer
scholarship opportunities. They offer advice and support. (Julie always take time out of her schedule to
listen). They offer free food! Always think big!

Go to conferences and practice your research speech as often as possible.
Going to a conference is definitely one of the things you should do before you graduate. You will have
an opportunity to congregate with other experts who are working in the research field you are. Not only
will they give you a different perspective on your work, but they will also serve to be new valuable
contacts.

Pursue multiple solution techniques. Never give up. There is a solution to every problem - even if
the solution was not what you expected.
Research is all about trial and error. Sometimes your experiment will work, sometimes it won’t. There
will be times that you will be frustrated, and it will seem as if you have tried everything to make your
experiment work. Just take a deep breath and try talking to either your mentor or the Ph.D./Masters
students in lab about your efforts and other Scholars. Maybe you just need to start all over again. Maybe
you need to modify your technique a little. Maybe there is a different protocol you need to try. Maybe….
Research is all about “Maybe I can try this… or maybe I can try that.” You’re your own boss when it
comes to decision-making.

THINK BIG!!
1. Apply to the Rhodes scholarship, Barry Goldwater Scholarship or other national prestigious awards.
2. Travel. However, don’t let it interfere with your grades.
3. Is your research to the point of presenting and publishing? What do you have to do in order to
publish? Be sure and pursue this matter with your mentor.
(OVER)