Oh, the People You'll Meet

In summer research programs, you will meet all kinds of different people. Science is incredibly collaborative, regardless of how many stereotypes say that scientists are solitary creatures. The lab I worked in was in a university setting, so this information may not be true for every program type, but you will likely meet at least some of these kinds of people in any summer research program.

Primary Investigators

These are the people who run the lab. They may or may not work in the lab alongside you, depending on how busy their other duties keep them. They are the main person responsible for completing paperwork and maintaing collaborations that allow the research to continue to be funded and to be completed ethically. Many times, they also teach classes during the academic year (and sometimes during the summer) and can be considered professors as well. More than likely, your official mentor for a program will be the PI of your lab, even if they are not the person you are dealing with on a day-to-day basis.

Post-Doctoral Fellows

These are people who have already completed a Ph.D. in their field. More than likely, the work they are doing currently in the lab is similar or exactly the same as the work they did to earn their Ph.D., and they are incredibly skilled in many of protocols that are completed in the lab. They have a wealth of knowledge on the research being conducted and even the smallest details of the work going on around you.

Graduate Students

These students already have a Bachelor's degree and could be working towards a Master's degree or a Ph.D., depending on their field and what their future goals are. Ph.D. programs are also much easier to receive grants for that cover all of the costs and even more, whereas 2-year graduate programs are usually only paid for if you already work at a company that wants to cover the costs for you - so money may also be a factor for them.

Undergraduate Students

These are your peers, and likely will be students who may be working on a volunteer basis in the lab that you are placed in, or are working through a summer research program or fellowship as well. They could attend the school you are visiting, and know the PI through that university.

Pre-Doctoral Fellows

If your program is paid, this is you! Many programs accept more than one fellow at a time, so you will immediately be a part of a cohort of students who have similar interests and qualifications as you. It is unlikely that you will be placed in the same lab as your other fellows, but your program may have events set up for you to get to know them. If not, try to reach out yourself! No matter what happens, if you have been accepted into a summer research program, you have made a great accomplishment and should be proud of yourself.

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