I’ve always wondered what makes a research experience “good” or  “bad.” Does it depend on the positive or negative results you get? The amount of time you put into research? Or is it researching what you’ve always been passionate about with the best professor in the field? I thought it was all dependent on researching something you love and working with the most prestigious professor in your department. However, as I’ve learned by talking with many graduate students and professors, that is not always the case.

My professor, Javier, recently recounted his undergraduate research experiences with me and I was shocked by his story. His first research opportunity was at a small private college in Colorado in a lab that consisted of 3 people total. He said it was the most amazing experience he’s had, not necessarily because of the research, but because of the people. His professor was an exceptionally caring mentor and friend. They had fun working hard in the lab but also taking breaks to run and mountain bike. His next research experience had been at a larger institution with a renowned professor; this was what made him dislike research and not attain a PhD right after undergrad. He worked over 12 hour days and it was very impersonal. After listening to this, I realized that he’s set up his own laboratory to mimic that first, awesome, personal research experience that he had. I definitely feel the comradery and friendliness between all of the undergrads, grad students, and post docs.

The lab group is mostly sarcastic, like a comfortable group of friends. I’ve found everyone to be extremely nourishing towards the undergrad interns knowledge of organic synthesis. There are no stupid questions, only questions that make you less stupid. Being surrounded by people who genuinely want to help you and aren’t so critical about mistakes definitely makes you feel more confident about becoming a more competent researcher. From group lunches to group meetings, humor and science intertwine to make research interesting, fun, and never tedious.

AND the whole group went to Six Flags!!!