u/CollectionAncient878

Hi everyone! I'm an incoming transfer student majoring in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics at Texas State, and I'm hoping to get involved in undergraduate research this fall.

I've been reading faculty profiles and plan to email professors whose research matches my interests. I was wondering:

• How did you get your undergraduate research position?
• Did you just cold email professors, or did you take their class first?
• How many professors did you contact before getting a response?
• Were you able to start as a volunteer and later move into a paid position?
• Any professors or labs that are especially supportive of undergraduate researchers?

I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences or any advice you have. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I'm an international student transferring to Texas State University this Fall as a junior. I've already completed most of my core curriculum requirements, so almost all of my remaining credits are major courses with labs.

I currently have about 54 credits left to graduate, and my future semesters will likely be around 15–16 credits with courses such as Genetics, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Evolution, Biochemistry, and advanced electives. I may also need to take 6–7 credits during Summer 2027.

I'm trying to figure out how students in Biology, Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, or similar majors manage:

• Undergraduate research
• On-campus jobs
• Scholarships
• Summer internships
• Heavy lab-based course loads

Since I'm on an F-1 visa, my work options are more limited, so I'm especially interested in hearing from international students.

A few questions:

1. How many hours per week did you realistically work during 15–16 credit STEM semesters?
2. Is undergraduate research manageable with multiple lab classes?
3. When should a transfer student start contacting professors about research?
4. What types of on-campus jobs work best for science majors?
5. If you could go back to junior year, what would you do differently?

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to plan everything at once, so I'd appreciate any advice from students who have already gone through this.

Thanks!