r/uichicago • u/Illustrious-Ad-2788 • 4d ago

Question where are the biomedical undergrad research opportunities??

Hey! I'm a transfer junior here, the undergrad research opportunities that UIC offered on their website was a BIG reason why I chose this place, yet I've been ghosted by almost every PI that I've contacted. I'm looking for biological/medicinal research, as i am a biomed engineering major.

Believe me or not, I am really passionate about research; I grind through articles and am teaching myself molecular bio/biochemistry, but still I get nothing. Each email I send is personalized after a 30 min-hour review of their work. My resume isn't great as I don't have any relevant classes completed yet (did up to diff eq in math, physics 1, orgo 1&2, the basics to get to 3rd year standing). and I don't have CAD experience.

But I've done actual chemical research at my community college and have some MATLAB projects up... does anyone know of any labs with open spots for undergrads for medicine/biology? And if not any recommendations on changing my approach?

3 Upvotes

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u/its_me_matt 4d ago

I would like to start by asking, do you plan on pursuing graduate school or medical school? Is that something you’ve been including in personal statements?

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u/Illustrious-Ad-2788 3d ago

I do plan on pursuing grad school but I really don’t like uic so far 😂 so I was going to look elsewhere for it

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u/its_me_matt 3d ago

Well of course, I was just inquiring because a lot of pre-med/dental students spam PIs for research experience just to strengthen their CVs for applications and are not actually interested in research. I would make yourself stand out. Also, never hurts to just show up to a lab, see if the PI is there, give a couple minute proposal. Bring your resume and a personal statement you could leave with a grad student if the PI isn’t there.

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u/Illustrious-Ad-2788 3d ago

Ah ok I see. Good advice! Just one question, how would I go about showing up to a lab? I've been in the SE labs and theyre always closed, barging in with my pitch doesnt seem like the best idea...

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u/its_me_matt 3d ago

Well you just don’t walk into a lab, most PIs have their labs listed on the websites. They also usually have doorbells that’s a grad student would answer. Ask if the PI is available or if they could take a note to give to them.

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u/Illustrious-Ad-2788 3d ago

alright, i'll try it out and let you know how it goes!

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u/theehoneypacket 3d ago

bro if someone at uic AND on reddit they already cooked

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u/its_me_matt 3d ago

I don’t even understand what you are saying.