Need Help Finding Mentor

[reesabp]

Also, could you please help explain to me what 2d electrophoresis is? How is it different than standard gel electrophoresis? Also, are there any training guides/videos/tutorials that you know of for this?

Thanks,
Reese

[donnahardy2]

Hi Reese,

I know it’s hard to imagine because you are just starting out in the lab, but I’m sure you have some skills and knowledge that are valuable and that you could make a contribution to this lab. Here are some things that you might mention, depending on what you think your primary strengths are. Once you’ve asked your questions about the research in this lab, be prepared to give an example that would show one or more of these traits:

1. Positive attitude (this goes a long way in a lab environment)
2. Ability to work independently (once you’ve been trained)
3. Meticulous lab work
4. Hard worker
5. Perseverance and follow-through
6. Quick learner
7. Willing to wash dishes (or other tedious lab task) to help the lab in general
8. Specific knowledge of techniques that you learned last year.
9. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

You might be able to think of something else.

Here’s a link to information on 2-d electrophoresis. In 1-d electrophoresis, proteins are separated by size. In 2-d analysis, proteins are first separated by charge (isoelectric point) and then by size. This results in separation of hundreds and up to thousands of proteins in a specific run. There are related links on this page that will help you find more detailed information.

http://www.bio-rad.com/evportal/en/US/e ... =LUSQG6LPT

Anything else?

Donna

[reesabp]

Okay,

So I think I got a pretty good grasp on the concepts, the only problem is that I dont really have too many questions written down. What should I do?

Is there anything else I should do before my interview tomorrow?

Thanks,
Reese

[donnahardy2]

Hi Reese,

You could start by describing your understanding of one of the papers, or of the research in general to demonstrate that you have done your homework, and ask Dr. Singer to confirm your understanding of the topic.

And, then just add some general open ended questions to your list. For example, you can ask:

1. For an explanation of the purpose of the research
2. For an explanation about how the decision is made to do a new experiment
3. What are most important factors in designing an experiment?
4. What is hardest part of doing research in this area?
5. What do they think they will do in the future?
6. What classes should you take next year that would prepare for a research position in the future?

You could probably think of a couple more questions like this. Have your questions prepared so you can initiate the conversation, and just let the conversation evolve. It doesn't matter if you don't get around to all of the questions; you want to get to know the researcher and find out if there is a mutual interest in having you work in the laboratory.

And, definitely ask if there is a project available that you could do for your science project.

Relax! Good luck at the meeting. Let me know what happens.

Donna

[donnahardy2]

Hi Reese,

How did it go yesterday? Did you get any positive feedback?

Donna

[reesabp]

Yesterday went great! I talked to him, and he seemed pretty optimistic as to the possibilities for a project. He said he would make sure that the university would be able to support a student project and he wanted to make sure that he had enough resources (aka a grad student who had the time to mentor me). At this point, I am waiting. I will probably get a guarantee one way or another this week! It most likely, though, will be a yes.

I guess all I do know is wait ?


-Reese

[donnahardy2]

Hi Reese,

Great news! This sounds very positive and it sounds like you will have an opportunity very soon. Scientific supplies are very expensive, so it is understandable that Dr. Singer wants to make sure he will be able to support your efforts.

Be sure and write a follow-up e-mail thanking Dr Singer for his time. Let him know that you are very interested an opportunity to work in his lab, and that you are looking forward to hearing back from him.

Donna

[reesabp]

Unfortunately, the person at PSU emailed back saying no. However, he said he would ask his collegues, but they may not respond for a few weeks. At school, they want me to get my mentor soon. How should I proceed?

[donnahardy2]

Hi Reese,

This is so disappointing, but it was nice that the researcher let you know right away.

If you still want to get a mentor, go back to the list you were working on before and start looking for suitable contacts at PSU and OHSU that are doing cancer research. Read a paper or two and compose an e-mail to introduce yourself and ask for another meeting. Since you have gone through the process, it should be easier to do it a second time. Try to plan to send e-mails to as many contacts as possible to increase your chances of a positive reply.

Please note that many researchers have grant application deadlines coming up at the end of this month, so you may not receive a reply immediately, especially from the primary investigator in the lab. See if you can find the names of other researchers in the lab who might not be writing the grant applications.

Are you sure you have asked everyone you know for a personal referral to a researcher?

And, as a backup plan, do try to identify a project you can do on your own without a lab or a mentor. For example, here is a bioinformatics project from the Science Buddies website that might be suitable for you to do:

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-f ... p011.shtml

Donna

[Jacobie09]

I'm so outta my element here...I wish I could help...Sorry!

[reesabp]

Hi,

So I think I might have found a real opportunity. This researcher actually wants High school students !

It says so here on his website: http://web.pdx.edu/~justc/contact.html , plus if you look at his past lab members, he had a high school student once.

Here is a link to his research: http://web.pdx.edu/~justc/research.html

Oh, and his name is Justin Courcelle

Anyways, I drafted an email: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRD ... vyxhY/edit

What do you think? Good?

Reese

[donnahardy2]

Hi Reese,

This is great! You are gaining valuable experience that will help you in the future on college and job applications.

I don’t know how Dr. Courcelle will be able to resist your request for a meeting. You have obviously done you background reading and referred to the specific research being conducted in this lab. Go ahead and send this as soon as you can.

Also, you don't know what the situation is in Dr. Courcelle's lab, so keep looking for another lab to apply to while you are waiting for a response.

Good luck!


Donna

[Jacobie09]

It would also be good if you had a list of nearby labs that you can go to and make acquaintances with each lab director.