Research before undergraduate studies

[CaribPirate]

Hi everyone

I am a grade 11 student in Alberta and I was wondering if there are any research opportunities I can take before I enter undergraduate studies.

My desired university is the University of Alberta.

Additionally, it would be very helpful if you guys could share any research or health related extracurriculars you guys did in high school.

Thanks!

[offmychestplease]

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[Bachwall]

It depens on what topics you are interested in

[CaribPirate]

5 hours ago, Bachwall said:

It depens on what topics you are interested in

I am interested in the domain of biochemistry but I also find researching on drugs against pathogens fascinating as well.

[adhominem]

The heritage youth research summer student (HYRS) program is actually exactly what you would be looking for. https://www.ualberta.ca/medicine/about/communities/community-engagement/student-summer-prgms/hyrs-student-summer-research-program-2020

You won't be able to do anything this summer (it's too late, and COVID is an issue), but you could potentially get a position next year. Generally speaking unless you go through a formal program like HYRS you just need to email professors and ask if they would let you work in their lab for the summer.

[IloveMemes]

I did research extensively in high school, leading to publications. I'm glad I started early bc it opened up so many doors for me in my undergraduate studies (e.g. Paid research positions, close ties with professors, put onto big projects, etc). So it's great you're looking into it so early. 

 I recommend you try out your high school co-op program as they may have connections with local laboratories for hs students like you to work with. Also try emailing clinician scientists or professors to see if you can do anything. Don't expect to get anything back but be proactive. 

[CaribPirate]

On 6/12/2020 at 12:39 PM, adhominem said:

The heritage youth research summer student (HYRS) program is actually exactly what you would be looking for. https://www.ualberta.ca/medicine/about/communities/community-engagement/student-summer-prgms/hyrs-student-summer-research-program-2020

You won't be able to do anything this summer (it's too late, and COVID is an issue), but you could potentially get a position next year. Generally speaking unless you go through a formal program like HYRS you just need to email professors and ask if they would let you work in their lab for the summer.

Unfortunately I applied but did not make it for this summer. Are there any other formal programs that you know of?

Also, if I were to email a professor, would I have to be accepted into their university first or can I email them without being accepted?

Thanks!

[CaribPirate]

On 6/13/2020 at 5:12 AM, IloveMemes said:

I did research extensively in high school, leading to publications. I'm glad I started early bc it opened up so many doors for me in my undergraduate studies (e.g. Paid research positions, close ties with professors, put onto big projects, etc). So it's great you're looking into it so early. 

 I recommend you try out your high school co-op program as they may have connections with local laboratories for hs students like you to work with. Also try emailing clinician scientists or professors to see if you can do anything. Don't expect to get anything back but be proactive. 

If I were to email a professor, would I have to provide a reference or resume or something like that? Or could I just ask for a research opportunity?

Thanks!

[IloveMemes]

12 hours ago, CaribPirate said:

If I were to email a professor, would I have to provide a reference or resume or something like that? Or could I just ask for a research opportunity?

Thanks!

Provide a resume, no reference needed. Email them by giving some talking points about their research and how you would like to learn more by working with them. 

Once they accept you as a volunteer, any kind of technical paperwork will be handled by admin staff. 

[CaribPirate]

12 hours ago, IloveMemes said:

Provide a resume, no reference needed. Email them by giving some talking points about their research and how you would like to learn more by working with them. 

Once they accept you as a volunteer, any kind of technical paperwork will be handled by admin staff. 

Okay thank you so much! Could I do it in the summer or does it have to be during the semesters?

[Aspirin 81mg]

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[TheFlyGuy]

The above by @scholar_and_benchpress is a great perspective and something I wholeheartedly agree with; definitely take it to heart OP! Couldn't have put it any better.

On 6/16/2020 at 7:46 PM, CaribPirate said:

Okay thank you so much! Could I do it in the summer or does it have to be during the semesters?

To answer your question though, typically labs are easier to get into during the academic year, but they operate all year round so there’s no issue with trying to get in for some summer work too.

Importantly though, don’t be discouraged if your success rate on replies/interviews from your inquires is quite low; many labs will not take high school students as a default rule (this was true for every one of the labs I worked with throughout undergrad and my PhD). That said, if you’re genuinely passionate or curious about research it’s definitely worth it to persevere! Any kind of research experience is invaluable, even if it isn’t exactly what you envisioned doing right off the bat. At worst you learn something about yourself and your interests which is really underrated imo.