"My experience this summer provided me with a well-rounded introduction into the field of animal behavior research.... My internship provided me with invaluable insight into the world of graduate research. I attend a university with a small graduate student population (no graduate program in psychology), so this internship opportunity gave me exposure to graduate-level research and one-on-one interaction with graduate students."

"My mentor... allowed me to learn surgical procedures under her supervision and now I am able to perform these techniques alone and unassisted. This independence has been very good for me and has forced me to make decisions for myself."

"From working with my mentor I learned that a lot of planning is necessary in designing a research project. Time is needed for finding background information, apparatus design, and project modifications.... I learned responsibility, planning and the importance of recorded data. More specifically, I learned everything there is to know about spiny mice. I also overcame my fear of rodents."

"I learned how real science works -- its ups and downs."

"I liked getting to participate in the entire process of research (from discussing the initial ideas / hypothesis to implementing the project and analyzing and interpreting data)."

"I did not investigate a research question of my own; I actually worked on various aspects of different ongoing projects.... Due to my limited background in biology, in particular animal behavior, I do not believe I was adequately prepared to design an entire project of my own. Therefore,... I prefer to contribute to an ongoing project."

"I [expected] ... this program to accomplish two things: One, whether or not I would make it in grad school with long hours and "grunt" work, and two, whether or not I wanted to further my education in biology / animal behavior.... now I can safely say that: I would be honored to get a degree in Animal Behavior and this program helped me make that decision."

"It has been a positive experience because I have finally figured out what I want to do with my future. Psychological Animal Behavior research indoors is definitely not it."

"I have learned so much about science and especially patience and integrity in research."

"The background reading and time with my mentor as given me a bounty of knowledge in the area of my research."

"I was involved for the first time in research and able to spend enough time on the project without worrying about academics and other activities. My mentor has been very helpful and has advised me step by step along the research path so that I know why we're doing the procedures and what they'll lead to."

"I liked the fact that I got to work on a specific project and actually get results."

"I like the freedom in the lab, including everything from work schedule to research design."
[ But be forewarned -- each project and each lab environment differs! ]

"I see now that ethics and being aware of the proper protocol is essential to being a scientist."

"The materials and lectures about ethics were relevant and thought-provoking. They made me think about some things I never thought of before."

"I especially enjoyed the ethics sessions that we had. This is an issue that many of us have ideas and feelings about, but we hardly ever get to discuss our thoughts."

"I liked how the program concentrated on ethics. Now that I am aware of all the ethical issues that may arise, I can now appreciate why courses in ethics are offered and can appreciate them."

"I have my own project that I assisted in designing. This give me more independence than I expected to have; although, if I ever need help or have questions someone is always available and willing to offer assistance."

"I really enjoy going through al the steps of research and I really, really enjoy doing the experiments and finding out new things. I also enjoy learning from the others in my lab about what they are doing and what is happening in the field of animal behavior."

"The staff at the RTG house [CISAB] are so welcoming and accommodating. I would also recommend the internship because of the diversity of faculty research projects."

"I had an excellent relationship with my faculty mentor. Basically, we worked together on a daily basis. He was always accessible for advice and guidance.... all of the graduate students in the lab were helpful in terms of always being available for questions and providing guidance on how research is conducted....The facilities and equipment were exceptional, as were the people I had contact with on a regular basis."

"Most of the mentors, interns, lecturers, faculty members, etc. have been accepting and inviting. My mentor and the lab in general ... provided an excellent work environment.... they were available for direction / asking questions, etc. but at the same time provided me the chance to explore, make decisions about my time, etc. Just enough freedom."

"I appreciate how no one in the program has shown, or has, any negative prejudices toward anyone in the program.... The diversity of the group is a big plus."

"The other interns make the program terrific -- we learn a lot from each other... I loved meeting so many fascinating students and interacting with them.... If it weren't for Linda Summers [CISAB Administrative Assistant and REU Coordinator] we would all be lost. If we ever have a problem she helps us out.... I am very grateful to my mentors and the CISAB staff for all of their support."

"My mentor is great. He has a good personality, he does not work me too hard, and we both participate a fair amount in the research.... The environment is great, meaning the housing situation, with the other students. We all get along, and we live in an active dorm with both AC and food."

"My mentor and advisor have been really helpful and encouraging throughout and offered me the right amount of guidance and independence for a greater understanding of the kind of research that goes on in a big university."

"I liked the close contact wit the mentor and faculty, but with the freedom to do my own work and use my own mind for the research."

"[My mentor] has never been upset at any mistakes or spoken any bad words to make me feel bad, and I am grateful for that. I appreciate that he has showed so much confidence in my abilities, and trusted my judgement enough to unload all kinds of responsibilities without second guessing."

"I have learned a lot while working in the lab and realize that I can enjoy this kind of work. If I don't get accepted to medical school, graduate school is a definite possibility. I have also had the experience of meeting and interacting with a lot of people with similar interests."
"The best part of the REU experience has been the independence and professional attitude in the lab itself. The atmosphere of a group of individuals constantly working independently as well as contributing to the group to reach a goal has been extremely stimulating. My voice as a researcher has been heard and I was allowed to contribute a great deal in the methodology of my project. I was able to work quite close with my mentor as well as the professor of the lab. Although the lab was not a warm-fuzzy place, I was given the independence to decide on my hours around the project. This atmosphere is extremely motivating in regards to production and has been extra-satisfying thus far."

"The relationship that develops between the mentor and the student is a great part of the experience. We share stories and laughs. She always brings additional scientific knowledge and understanding to our everyday conversation."

"I believe that the REU program is very good in that it provides a stimulating environment surrounded by very supportive people. All the people I've met have been very helpful and nice, which is surprising since I never met anyone with the "Ph.D. ego"."

"The best part of the REU experience was the people both in labs and the group of REU students. The combinations that I was part of were great. Our group of REU students fit with each other very well. My lab people are of tremendous help and enthusiam-filled that makes me feel happy and grateful to have chosen this program."

"...interns are expected to give presentations at the end of the summer."

"Interns should be made aware by potential mentors of the time involvement for that particular project. This is important for those that have to work greater than 40 hrs a week."

"At one point I felt like a hired hand. The episode was brief and I soon began to feel like a colleague-in-training."

"My mentor, although smart and unquestionably scientifically sound and experienced in his field, is for lack of a better term, "dry"... But despite this...he helped me when I had relevant questions, and improved my understanding of how a lab works and what is necessary to succeed in this kind of environment."

"My mentor ... made me feel very uncomfortable the first few weeks until I realized it was him and not me.... [Later:] Things improved with time and I learned that in the real world not everyone will necessarily click together."

"More info as to what our schedules will be should be provided. It was not clear to me that I would be working every single day for nearly 2 months. It's not really a problem, but it would have been good to have a better idea."

"I disliked (sometimes) the fact that some of us have to work long hours and on weekends (but I know this is going to be the case for grad school, so I should get used to it, right?)"

"I didn't know what grad. students did. Now I have a great resume. I met some great people... [I'd recommend the internship to another student because it] gives a realistic picture of the life of a grad. student."

"I would definitely recommend the CISAB internship program to any student interested in pursuing graduate studies in animal learning and behavior. It provides the invaluable opportunity for "hands-on" experience as well as interaction with graduate faculty and students."

"I had a wonderful summer. My mentor was very helpful and supportive. I learned a lot about grad school and research."

"I had a lot of fun this summer working in a research lab. I learned a lot about how science works, and I got a feel for what grad. school at a major research institution is like. This was a great experience that I would recommend to anyone."

"I have gained valuable experience in a research lab while receiving financial backing as an added "plus". I have had a chance to experience new people, places, and customs. This experience has been complete in almost every possible way. I received the most outstanding experience and am eternally grateful."

"It was great!! I learned a lot about everything, not only grad school and research, but more about animals, behavior, etc."

"I learned a great deal, anywhere from academics to dealing with other people. I found a focus for my future, met a lot of great people and learned some independence."

"[This internship] let me know how research was really done -- the demands of doing my own research and presentation. It was a great experience and I can see how it will help me on the road to grad school."

"This program has helped me decide that graduate school is a very attractive option for me. Since I found out that I enjoy studying animal behaviorism, it makes sense for me to consider this as a career option. I am looking into job / graduate school options that will allow me to work / study in a behavior laboratory. This program has given me direction!"

"I had a wonderful experience at REU, learning a great deal about scientific research, both in the field and in the lab. The research was invaluable for me; particularly important was the focus on minority students who may not have access to research opportunities that are paid positions.... I hope more students have the opportunity to participate."   [ This former intern is currently a second year student in a college of Veterinary Medicine. ]

"The best part of the REU experience has been meeting with other students from all over the U.S. with similar interests as my own. Working in the labs has also been great, but being able to share it with others has made it that much better."

"It [the REU internship] has taught me what I want for the future."