2. What would I do in lab?

First, let's clear up a common misconception. You are not here to help me with my research. Just the opposite -- I'm here to help you with yours. As you gain experience in the lab, you will take up an increasing degree of autonomy and control over your project.

On the other hand, if you start a project from nothing, you'll very likely end up with nothing, given the short time you are here at VCU. Everyone will be much happier if your project builds on the preexisting strengths of the lab. Take a look at what they are by investigating the ongoing projects.

When you first begin in the lab, you will be lost and remain lost (though less and less so) for the better part of a semester. It's important, however, that you see the rewards of research during this period of adjustment. Therefore, this period is considered an apprenticeship. You will attach yourself to a Master Researcher (or more than one) and participate in a project that is already chugging along. The Master Researcher may be a senior person in the lab or another student who has already learned the ropes.

After this initial period (the time varies from person to person), you will excuse yourself for a couple of weeks and use that time to compose a Research Proposal, based on an idea you have to extend what is already being done in the lab. I will examine the proposal, probably point out that it would take the Swiss Army about twenty-five years to complete the project, and hand it back for revision. After a few backs-and-forths, we should have a document that defines what will be your project, and the exercise of writing the proposal may give you a justifiable sense of ownership.

From that point on, you will bear primary responsibility for moving the project forward. Needless to say, you will probably never reach a point (here or beyond) where you no longer need technical help or advice as to direction, and these will be offered in abundance. But the ultimate responsibility and the ultimate rewards will be yours.

Be aware that working in lab is not like working in a lab for a course. The goal of research is not to teach you techniques but rather to invite you into the greater scientific community. There, you will work to find out something that is not already known, bearing the responsibility for your experiments. It is expected that you will communicate with your colleagues inside and outside of UR, since knowledge that dies with you might as well not have lived at all. Research is therefore directed towards the goal of a parcel of results that can be presented to the world -- publications and presentations. Be aware also that no one is hired to prepare your materials or clean up after you. That's part of doing research as well.

3. How much time commitment is required?

During the apprenticeship period (see above) time demands are pretty much up to you and may be quite flexible. You need to make sure that the person you are attached to knows when you plan to come into lab, but other than that, you can come and go as you please, the project will move on with or without you. You should also come to the weekly lab meeting, so that you can slowly appreciate the issues with which the lab is grappling and applaud the progress of your peers.

When you have adopted a project of your own, time becomes more critical. It is unlikely you can make much progress during the academic year unless you are prepared to devote at least six to ten hours per week. In most cases, it works better if the hours are bunched, since procedures in molecular biology often take a few hours at a time.

Working over the summer with financial support is a full time job. Do not expect to have time to take classes or hold a second job. We want not merely 40 hours a week. WE WANT YOUR SOUL! (That's what graduate school is all about).

4. When is the best time in my time at UR to start?

As far as I'm concerned, right now looks pretty good. While it's true that research is easier after you've taken certain classes, it is even more true that the classes are easier after you've done some research. High school students have worked successfully in the lab. You'll pick up what you need to know.

It's easier to define when is the worst time to start: your senior year. The first semester will be spent floundering (it doesn't matter how many classes you've taken), and there simply won't be enough time in the second semester to get anything significant done.

5. What kind of support is there for research?

Of course that's just financial support. If I agree to take you into the group, I simultaneously agree to do all I can to ensure that your experience is satisfying and successful -- no small obligation considering that frustration is a common byproduct of a life in research!