How Can a First-Timer Contribute to Experiments at the Advanced Photon Source?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experiences and concerns of participants regarding contributing to experiments at the Advanced Photon Source and applying for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). Participants share their feelings of anxiety, expectations, and advice related to their involvement in research settings, particularly for those with limited experience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses excitement about contributing to experiments but worries about their limited background in math and science, questioning their potential impact.
  • Another participant shares their experience, suggesting that confusion is common in undergraduate research and encourages perseverance.
  • Concerns about feeling out of place among more experienced peers are voiced, with a focus on maximizing learning opportunities.
  • Questions arise regarding the difficulty of obtaining an REU position without prior research experience, highlighting the paradox of needing experience to gain experience.
  • Participants discuss the challenge of obtaining recommendation letters from professors who may not know them well, weighing the importance of grades versus personal connections.
  • One participant shares a positive outcome of securing a recommendation and expresses plans to apply to multiple REUs, indicating a proactive approach despite initial anxieties.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that feeling anxious and inexperienced is common among those entering research environments. However, there is no consensus on the best strategies for obtaining REUs or recommendations, as experiences and opinions vary.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their qualifications and the expectations of professors, indicating a reliance on personal circumstances and institutional contexts that may affect their experiences.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering research opportunities, particularly those new to the field or applying for REUs, may find this discussion relevant.

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I have been asked to help out with an experiment at the Advanced Photon Source here in the US. As I understand it, there will be several experiments taking place several weeks apart from one another. I will be up there for only about 4-5 days each time. There is even a possibility (though I'm not holding my breath) that I may be able to get my name on a paper.

Needless-to-say, I'm really excited (and grateful) to have been given such an opportunity, but, given that I'm currently only taking freshman-level math/science courses, I'm a little worried. I guess my question is: how much help can I really be? What can I expect? Thanks in advance.:smile:
 
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Honestly, from my experience doing undergraduate research... expect to be completely and totally confused as to what is going on. However, don't get discouraged and keep working hard. The professors/scientists will notice the hard work and determination-- not to mention they don't expect you to understand absolutely everything.
 
Thanks Beeza, that makes me feel better. I guess that's what I figured; I sort of have one of those nightmare scenarios in my head where all the other undergrads seem to know what's going on and I'm the only clueless one. I'll just do the best I can and soak up as much experience as possible while I'm there.
 
I start an REU next tuesday and have some of the same concerns.
 
REU is meant as a learning experience most of all. You're not supposed to come in as an expert, so don't worry about that. As long as you have some use, you'll be fine ;)
 
How hard is it to get an REU if you have a really good GPA, but no research experience? I would think the point of an REU is to get that experience, but some of the programs I am applying for ask about your previous research experience so it got me wondering.
 
I am having some anxieties as well... the most worrying part for me is asking professors who barely know me to write me a recommendation letter (has anyone ever done that?)... I guess it doesn't hurt to ask them.. the worst they can do is refuse to write me one.
 
Well what would they be able to say about you? Do you not know them at all, or would they be able to say something good about you?
 
sirwebber said:
Well what would they be able to say about you? Do you not know them at all, or would they be able to say something good about you?

that's exactly my point... I know they don't have much to say about me..

but how else am I going to get a recommendation? it's either do or nothing... I have to get recommendations in order to get a shot for the REU. Anyway, my professor said that my grade turned out to the one of the top 3 of the class... so he might be willing to help me out...
 
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  • #10
tim_lou said:
that's exactly my point... I know they don't have much to say about me..

but how else am I going to get a recommendation? it's either do or nothing... I have to get recommendations in order to get a shot for the REU. Anyway, my professor said that my grade turned out to the one of the top 3 of the class... so he might be willing to help me out...

Is this a huge school, or a somewhat small school? If it's a somewhat small school, the professor will still probably write you a good letter even if he/she doesn't know you too well. It just might not be super personalized.
 
  • #11
I just asked my other physics professor today... and he agreed! woho! I'm going to apply for at least 10 REUs and hopefully, I will get into at least one of them.

I am planning to get all the envelopes done and stamped and give them to my professor so that they don't have to go through the trouble of sending them to multiple institutes... Now I've got to do some more research and pick the Reus that I like. (previously I have crossed off the ones requiring two recommendations)
 
  • #12
Best of luck to you on that research. Good luck guys. I've never done an REU but it sounds somewhat scary xD
 

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