This summer I was able to learn more about what it is like to have research as a full time job. I was able to get more experience in reading scientific literature, as well as running an experiment. I was also able to experience the ups and downs of research. When our first trial did not yield significant results, I was able to dissect out the nerve cord of the crayfish.
The most rewarding part of the internship was constantly learning. I enjoyed learning about crayfish husbandry, the effects of NSAIDs, and data collecting. I also learned how much planning goes on behind the scenes of a new project. This internship allowed me to focus on reading literature without having all the other distractions during the semester.
Some of the challenges I faced during the semester were scheduling and isolation. I found being in the lab to be isolating at times. In this internship, I was able to work at whichever hours I wanted for the most part. I struggled to find a strict schedule of when to go to the lab or when to go to the library. This was also one of the reasons why I found myself feeling isolated. I typically spend a few hours each week cleaning out the crayfish habitats at night which means I would spend a few hours each week being in the lab where no one was around. While sometimes I appreciated the silence, sometimes it felt eerie to be in LSC without seeing other students studying for exams.
I know that labs typically have more people working in them which keeps me hopeful in pursuing a job in research. I did, however, realize that I would like to gain some more experience in a lab setting before pursuing a Ph.D. Overall, I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to experience what full time research looks like, and I can’t wait to continue my work with crayfish during the school year.
Sophia da Costa
Neuroscience & Philosophy, 2026
I felt the exact same isolation this summer. I spent 150 hours sitting in my room editing videos… it gets tough. I hope it turned out okay and you had people around you outside the lab!
It sounds like you gained significant real-world experience this summer and learned a lot about working in a lab full time. Good luck with your crayfish buddies this semester!
Sophia, This is awesome! It sounds like you learned so much about research and really got a feel for what it’s like to work in a lab . I think it’s great that you were able to push through the challenges, especially with scheduling and the isolation. Excited to see how your work with crayfish continues!
That sounds like such a valuable experience! It’s great that you got to see both the rewarding and challenging sides of research. I can imagine working odd hours in the lab felt isolating at times, but it also seems like you came away with some really meaningful insights about what research looks like day-to-day. Excited to see how your work with crayfish develops during the school year!
Sophia, constantly learning something new every day must be so rewarding, and I’m glad you got the chance to do that! I understand how the lab might have felt isolating, as I also found myself in a similar predicament, but it will ultimately pay off. I wish you the best in your career!
I’m glad you had this research experience in a lab, and I appreciate all that you learned, both through the detailed work and the challenges. Great job!
Your internship sounds very interesting; I didn’t know the University offered internships like that. Its so cool you were able to dissect out the nerve cord of the crayfish! I understand what you mean when you say that being in the lab can be isolating at times, however, it seems by being in the lab by yourself you have proven yourself to be responsible and committed. Good job!
It sounds like this internship gave you a really meaningful look into what full-time research feels like. I think it’s great that you had the chance to immerse yourself in the lab and explore your interests more deeply. Experiences like this can be so valuable in shaping your path moving forward, and it’s exciting that you’ll get to continue working with crayfish during the school year. Amazing job!