The summer research I’m conducting is different in that instead of doing basic research I’m in the clinical realm. As of last week, my main tasks were to educate myself, run literature searches, and use my little thinking cap to determine the best way to take this project. Given that I’m an undergraduate and that I didn’t know X syndrome from Y syndrome 4 weeks ago, I felt that I was given a ridiculously large responsibility. After several meetings with the PI, we both decided on a course of action and I’m happy to say that he responded well to my recommendations.
The PI that I’m working under doesn’t have the physical existence of a lab, but he does indeed have fellows running around, working on projects. In a way, I do enjoy the space a lab provides because it’s a great way to interact with lab mates. And with this, I have to get use to the fact that clinical and basic researches are both managed differently. Since projects are mobilized by MDs instead of PhDs in this clinical setting, one can’t simply set up an experiment for next week. Really though, this is exactly what I need to see. One of the main reasons why I sought out this PI for a summer research position was to get such clinical research exposure and understand the process.
Oh and next week, I’ll start helping another PI on a project. More the merrier.
Right now though, I have more free time available than what I prefer. I need to remind myself that it’s summer and I should go play outside with the rest of the kids. I think I’m going to start filling up my empty time by exploring the campus and the near by city. I should start reading one of my summer books (Avoid Boring People by James D. Watson). Maybe I’ll write a little review.
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