http://www.sbpdiscovery.org

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute

Intern

August 2023 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I like how encouraging the other people in the lab are, how they were willing to answer any questions I had, and how passionate they are about science.

What I wish was different

I wish I have the time to go to more seminars and research talks.

Advice

You get as much as you put into the experience. Ask when you don't understand something or need clarification.
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Research Assistant

June - August 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

The staff were incredibly welcoming and quickly integrated me into the study team. I was treated like an employee that had worked at the company for years versus a summer researcher. My work schedule was incredibly flexible and my projects were tailored to my experiences and interests.

What I wish was different

I wish I had a wider range of projects to work on.

Advice

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Research assistant

June - August 2019 • La Jolla, CA

What I liked

My supervisor went above and beyond expectations to help me learn. I learned protocols, lab meeting presentation skills, and I was able to teach younger students what I had learned. I was allowed to work with mice, which is a rare opportunity.

What I wish was different

I wish it could have been longer! I wish some of the experiments I had worked on had been more successful so that we could have done more.

Advice

Make sure to do some research on things you don't know before you do them. Keep up with your lab notebook at all times.
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Neuroscience research intern

June - August 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I was able to work closely with brilliant mentors and truly contribute to the groundbreaking research happening within the institute. I learned so much and got to know fantastic people who helped me prepare for the next steps of my research career!

What I wish was different

Advice

Asking questions is always essential coming into a new lab! It is so important to establish a solid understanding of the research you are about to conduct so that you can help the most and take the most knowledge away with you when you leave!
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Laboratory Technician

May - August 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I learned many valuable skills and used many skills that I had learned in my classes. I also had a lot of freedom and responsibility in the lab as I was working on my own independent project.

What I wish was different

Advice

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Sponsored Research Administrator

October 2018 • La Jolla, CA

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Always send a thank-you email the second you walk out of an interview. ALWAYS.
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Biology Research Intern

July 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

The lab was very academic and my Primary Investigator (PI) really emphasised learning. He was always around and available for questions and clarification.

What I wish was different

I wish that the lab had been more organized. I felt like I needed more structure as an incoming intern and it was difficult figuring things out initially.

Advice

Be honest when you don't understand a concept or protocol. Being real about what you know and don't know is the fastest way to understanding and being useful to your lab/team.
11 ${count} people found this helpful