Advice on undergraduate summer research positions

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the challenges of securing a research position in solid and structural mechanics while managing a heavy course load during the summer. The individual has reached out to several professors but is facing uncertainty about the quality of the opportunities. One professor lacks a lab and is not recommended, another is busy with grad students but needs help with presentations, and a third, although on sabbatical, has facilitated a potential position with a postdoctoral researcher. Concerns are raised about balancing research with two summer courses, but it is noted that graduate students typically handle most lab work, allowing for effective collaboration even in the professor's absence. The conversation also touches on the urgency of finding housing, highlighting the overall hectic nature of the quarter.
teknodude
Messages
150
Reaction score
0
During last 2 weeks I've been running around asking (mostly e-mailing cause they are rarely in their offices) professors in the fields of solid and structural mechanics for research positions. I got a late start cause I didn't know when to start looking for positions. Turns out at my college 6th week is really late.

Some of my friends pointed out that I'm also taking 2 courses which is 8 units, feedback control systems and an intro to deformable solids. Is it possible to do summer class and research without killiing myself? They think its big load for the summer.

Also one minor thought that I've been thinking about. I've been in contact with 3 professors that might offer a position.

Prof. #1- Says I might be just helping around. Actually has no Lab, so it was recommended by a grad student and one of my professors to not work with him.
Prof. #2- Says his Grad students are getting really busy, but asked if I was good with powerpoint.
Prof. #3- Actually on sabbatical, but he contacted some people in his lab and asked if anyone wanted to work with me. From what I hear I'll be working with one of his post grad researchers.

#3 looks promising but the professor won't even be there...

This quarter is so hectic, other than scrambling looking for research, I got 3 weeks to find another place to live:frown:
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
i wouldn't worry too much about the professor not being there. my experience and from what I've heard from others the bulk of "lab work" usually gets performed by the grad students, while the professor oversees the research project and works on acquiring funding.
 
eep said:
i wouldn't worry too much about the professor not being there. my experience and from what I've heard from others the bulk of "lab work" usually gets performed by the grad students, while the professor oversees the research project and works on acquiring funding.

That's good to hear. BTW how's your research position coming along?
 
very good. i have this week off then start working on the research full time for the entire summer. I'm hoping to get a lot done.
 

Thread 'What are the best A-Level options for someone wanting to do Physics?'

Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
View full post »

Thread 'Hepth programs in Europe'

After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
View full post »

Thread 'Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?'

I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
View full post »

Similar threads

Other Recommended work for an undergrad (internships, research, etc.)
Replies
6
Views
2K
Is Spending an Extra Semester in Undergraduate Research Worth It?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Programs REU Opportunities for International Students in Theoretical Physics
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions What REU's to apply to with a mediocre GPA?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Programs Take a 5th year to do more research?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Other What "research" are graduate schools looking for?
Replies
6
Views
2K
Admissions Chances with a Low/mid GPA but high PGRE and research experience
Replies
2
Views
2K
Other Name omitted from Professor's research paper- What should I do?
Replies
25
Views
5K
Other Looking for advice about my career....
Replies
26
Views
3K
Admissions How Can I Overcome Limited Research Experience for Grad School in Physics?
Replies
7
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top