I loved interacting with a Pacific coast oceanic environment. Being able to study organisms in the kelp forest biome opened my eyes to the biodiversity found in other parts of the country. Understanding the scientific process of trapping and data collection furthered my interest in working in the field with large animals and accessing their health, behavior, and physiology.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
June 2021 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
Program was very flexible as it was part of a summer research program for students.
I was able to continue volunteering after the end of the program in August.
What I wish was different
I do somewhat wish it could have been in person but it was not because of the pandemic. The program is usually in person.
Advice
It was very informative and one thing I would share is it should be something you are passionate about so that it doesn't feel as hard to do.
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Research assistant
June - July 2019 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
Unparalleled experience in a chemistry lab. I worked with amazing equipment and I was properly trained in new lab procedures, general procedures of my specific lab, and in the equipment.
What I wish was different
I wish the experience was longer than 10 weeks and parking was more obvious. I was only allowed to park in one lot, but only specific floors and that was not obvious.
Advice
Follow all procedures and take notes when they explain how to use certain equipment so you can remember how to use it. You might be taught how to use a piece of equipment, bu tnot actually have to use for one or two weeks after the explanation
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
June - August 2020 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
I loved the entire immersive experience. It allowed me to learn new skills, network with graduate students and faculty members, and learn about various different opportunities that division had to offer.
What I wish was different
I really could not have asked for a more hard working and supportive lab to be apart of. I was really lucky to be apart of the SADE team! When we had the opportunity to meet other research labs, we didn't get to meet with all of the principal investigators. I know that they are very busy, but that is the only thing that I thought was mildly disappointing.
Advice
I would suggest talking with the PhD students as soon as you get into a research lab, and specifically ask about lab etiquette. Every lab is different, and they can tell you a lot about the P.I., what to do, what not to do, and so on.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
June - August 2019 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
I really enjoyed gaining new skills and knowledge from my mentors.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more time to be in the lab.
Advice
Get as much work done in the lab as you can to get the most out of the experience
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Visiting Researcher
June - August 2019 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
Flexible schedule and research options
What I wish was different
Housing stipend option
Advice
Meet as many people and professors on campus as possible
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Chemistry Research Intern
June - August 2019 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
I really love the REU program of the USC. They organized a lot of trips to science centers, such as laboratory of NASA, California science center and the art center like Getty Center.
I was in group of Dr. Jahan Dawlaty, an alumni of Concordia College. This group has a variety of background members. They were so nice and friendly. I was treated as a little sister. They helped me a lot in both my project and in sharing experiences of grad school.
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
I would say that is spending as much time as possivle to do research because 10-week period is so quick.
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Research assistant
June 2019 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
The work environment, my coworkers and co-interns were great to work with and learn from. The project was cutting edge and fantastic!
What I wish was different
I wish I could have gotten financial compensation for the job.
Advice
If you are unsatisfied with research experience (for stem majors) keep trying working with different fields or labs!
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Public Safety Dispatcher
July 2018 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
Payment for the job I'm doing
What I wish was different
Call volume and scheduling
Advice
Be prepared to hear some things
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Chemistry Research Intern
June - August 2018 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
The location, my graduate mentor, my PI, the heads of my program, the atmosphere, the other REU participants, the freedom to work at my own pace and learn along others
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
Apply early and try for experiences you don’t think you will receive
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May - August 2018 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
I had the opportunity to work with all types of new chemical instrumentation that I've never used before. I also got to learn about electrochemistry which was a field of chemistry that I never had extensive work in. I was able to see what graduate student life was like both in and out the lab, as well as meet a variety of professors and their labs!
What I wish was different
I wish I had the time to see the research project to the end as the program had ended before I got to see any true results! Also wish the program could have had more lab tours or planned activities throughout the summer.
Advice
Definitely be ready to take on any new material and ask the questions you need to ask! Research is all about asking questions!
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Research assistant
June - August 2018 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
Awesome research environment and beautiful campus.
