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What is the First Day in a University Lab Like?
the_kanzure writes "I'm going to start at a university lab a few days after my high school graduation ceremony. The lab is an eclectic blend of computer science, evolutionary engineering and molecular biology, essentially it's research/development and — best of all — the research is worth something to me and my other pet projects. What I do know of science, tech and research has been gleaned from the internet. The open access research repositories (arxiv, PLoS, etc.) have been a life-saver. But showing up to get real, hard experience is not the same as those late hours into the night spent debugging software. In person, you can't just call up a favorite bash script to open up a few hundred tabs to do some quick research on feasability and past research ... how is this supposed to work — does anybody really get stuff done this way? So I've been wondering how Slashdotters have handled transitioning from learning in front of a screen and a good net connection, to actually showing up and getting stuff done. What's a first day like in a lab? Stories? What's the etiquette? Informal? In programing circles, you can always submit a patch and alternatives, but does this hold here? Is the professor still generally considered the PHB and the lowly undergrads are his minions to carry out his bidding?"
Expect non-stop ass paddling and beer bongs. Make sure to bring a swimsuit, as there are frequent wet t-shirt contests as well.
Your mileage may vary, however, as I work at an Ivy League institution.
Real Genius,
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LIVE IT!
You're going to die.
Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
perhaps he can gleam knowledge from the internet, though it's a sign he might want to turn down that monitor brightness a little.
Blazing Spiders
The question boils down to this:
"What's my first day doing X going to be like?"
Is this "Stuff that matters" or chatty-Cathy gossip hour?
What will be posted tomorrow? "What will my first kiss with a girl be like?" But, of course, we all know there won't be a single honest answer here because the question involves "them".
For some strange reason, I first read this as revering to the level of orgasms you could deal with. The scary ting is, in context it made just as much sense as what you actually wrote.
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My first day in my lab consisted of tours and safety training such as "This has cyanide in it, and this is acid. If you mix them, you die." While your lab may be different, you'll be well off if you know your stuff, be independent, but know when to ask for help. It's easy to put yourself in danger of bodily harm.
My Uncle told me on his first day working in a lab (not in a university) he was asked to go to the store room for a "long stand". He went and asked for one, and the stores guy went to get it. 15 minutes later... you get the idea ;-)
Then his 'team' said his labcoat looked too small, so they told him to hold his arms out so they could measure it. A real long stand was quickly put through the sleeves so he couldn't move his arms.
"Your average English major not only knows that one, they can explain the etymology of it."
What do insects have to do with English majors?
Sheesh. Kids.
Well, my experience was somewhat different. Chemistry 101 lab, first day, major university. I look over at the guy next to me and he is digging through the laboratory bench drawer. In no time he has assembled an Erlenmeyer flask, funnel and tubing and has this curious and cheerful look in his eye. Next thing I hear him saying is "Man, this will make an awesome bong."
In my experience the first day usually involves a long boring tram ride, then a catastrophic event shortly followed by a terrible alien invasion and escape sequence.