This February has been my two-year anniversary of joining Samir Mitragotri lab. I jumped into research the winter quarter of my freshman year through EUREKA (Early Undergraduate Research Experience and Knowledge Acquisition), a 10-week summer research program. Being one of the first to join a research lab amongst my peers, I was the go-to person if they needed advice about getting their feet into research. Their number one concern after finding a lab was if they can manage interning in a lab and keeping up with the demanding academics. I also came across this problem when finals were just around the corner. My advice: communicate, communicate, and communicate! Most graduate students and postdoctoral fellows mentors are understanding that your academics come first before research. Communicate effectively when you can and cannot come into lab due to various circumstances with your mentors and they will work with you. Don’t be afraid to ask or talk to them about it! Good luck!