Data analysis from home, reduced lab capacity, and adjusted projects have characterized the response of the University of Toronto’s research labs to COVID-19, as undergraduate research students continue their work remotely throughout a global pandemic.
In an August 13 memo, Dr. Reinhart Reithmeier, UofT Vice Dean, Research & Innovation, directly addressed the impact of COVID-19 on undergraduate research students. Reithmeier noted the reduction in lab capacity in response to COVID-19, and underscored that an undergraduate in a lab counts toward maximum number of personnel in a room at a time.
“Undergraduate project students are encouraged to work remotely as much as possible, and all formal meetings, presentations, and examinations for undergraduates are to be carried out remotely,” he continued. He also highlighted the requirement for personal protective equipment (PPE) and of signing safety documents kept on file.
How COVID-19 safety measures are impacting research students
The UofT Chemistry Student Union (CSU) President Anji Zhang, in an interview with The Strand , reflected on the consequences of lab space limitations on undergraduates, which varies depending on their field. Research students can work on computational chemistry projects, she explained, largely at home.
But other undergraduate research projects, such as those in organic chemistry, have greater requirements for physical space. “When you have to be in the lab, and you’re standing next to people… we have a shift system,” she said, splitting days into mornings and afternoons.
Due to limited shift numbers, she said, highly staffed labs may face difficulties allocating enough in-person lab time for undergraduate research students, who benefit from in-person training.
Flora Zhiqi Wang, Co-President of the Biochemistry Undergraduate Student Society (BUSS), also spoke with The Strand, echoing the difficulties of scheduling training for new research students. Wang explained that it helps research students who learn to perform gel electrophoresis—a common biochemistry research technique—to first see it performed by a mentor in-person.
“It’s definitely a really weird situation for undergraduate students,” Zhang reflected. “I know a lot of people who are trying to find remote research right now.”
How can you find an undergraduate research position?
Zhang encourages students to apply to undergraduate research positions—even if they’re in their first year. She adds that students can pick up any knowledge that they haven’t learned in their classes on the job, so a relative lack of expertise should not be a barrier for enthusiastic students. Zhang also suggests reaching out to the CSU and making the most of their mentorship programs, which involve mentors from numerous chemistry backgrounds.
“Something important to know is that you don’t have to know how to code to seek remote work,” said Zhang. She underscored how her research involves conducting a literature review—an analysis of previously-published research on a subject—which does not rely on access to a lab.
Research students can also learn widely used software by chemists in fields from biological to inorganic chemistry, which does not require learning to code, she noted.
One of the few ways of securing a research position, apart from project-based courses—such as the Research Opportunities Program—involves emailing a professor whose research piques your interest.
An effective email, according to a guide compiled by Trinity College, should include a brief introduction; a discussion of how your own research interests align with those of the professor; and a description of any experiences and skills that would help you in the lab, including not only lab skills, such as performing titrations, but also any soft skills or leadership strengths. It advises you to conclude by reiterating your interest and thanking the professor for their time.
Advice for undergraduate research students during the pandemic
Both Zhang and Wang underscored the value of undergraduates seeking mentorship from upper-year students. “It helps a lot to know what kind of research there is,” she said, reflecting on the CSU’s mentorship program, and where to find opportunities offered by the department.
This year, BUSS also introduced a mentorship program, noted Wang. She explained how upper-year students can help newer students navigate their coursework, as well as apply to labs and research positions through editing their CVs and cover letters.
To make the most of an opportunity, noted Wang, it is vital to do your research before arriving at the lab and ensure the experiment is well-planned. Students should learn from past mistakes and never hesitate to reach out to graduate students or professors if they are struggling with a particular hard skill, she continued. “Generally, [professors] and grad students really appreciate an undergrad who’s enthusiastic about learning and research,” concluded Wang.
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