Four girls sat around a table discussing cute bathing suits, upcoming concerts and weekend plans. Though their conversation befitted a casual chat in the summer sun these girls were surrounded by beakers, not bottles of suntan lotion.
Alex Garcia, graduate Arts and Science student, works approximately 40 hours a week in a University biology lab. Her daily hours vary depending on what kind of experiment is on the agenda.
"Sometimes we come in to set up experiments, then come back five hours later or the next day for the results," Garcia said. "Some experiments take longer than others."
While waiting for shorter experiments to finish, the girls have the opportunity to sit down and chat. Garcia, fourth-year College student Beth Brenner and College graduate student Bryna Shemo discussed the advantages and disadvantages of working in science labs over the summer.
Although one might think that the precision required for complicated experiments might make for a tense working environment the girls explained that a malleable work schedule and relaxed dress code make their job more flexible than waiting tables or working in retail.
"You can come in your pajamas and ask for time off whenever you need to," Garcia said. "It's so laid back, it doesn't feel like real job."
The girls said that as long as their work gets done, there are no defined hours.
When it is time to log hours in the lab, however, Garcia finds that it isn't hard to get motivated because the tasks are thought-provoking.
The tasks are intellectually stimulating, Garcia said. "The experience puts into context what you learn in classes."
Brenner said working in labs can be especially helpful when done before taking certain Chemistry or Biology classes because "you have more appreciation for what you learn."
The experience students receive by working in labs can also give them a head start on class material.
Brenner has felt ahead of the curve because of what she's learned in the lab. "When learning the material in class, you're thinking, 'Why doesn't everyone else understand?'" she said.
Garcia feels that more undergraduate students should take advantage of the opportunity to work in a lab.
"U.Va. should invest more energy into getting undergraduate students in labs," Garcia said.
Brenner said working in labs gives a "clear and realistic idea of science." Garcia agreed, pointing out that, contrary to what most might think, most experiments are not successful.
"It can be very frustrating," she said. "This job definitely gives an appreciation for all the information you see in textbooks because you know how difficult the experiments people have done can be."
The girls said most experiments consist of a lot of re-doing steps.
"I think that's why it's called research," Garcia said.
According to Garcia, working in the lab during the summer is better than the lab work required for some summer classes because it is less chaotic.
"It's better because there are only four of us, although we are very small for even a summer lab," she said.
A job in a lab also allows for more interactive experience than experiments done in classes.
Summer lab work "is a lot more hands-on," Garcia said. "In classes they treat you like a child because there are so many students they have to watch out for. Plus, we are hired, so that pretty much means we're trusted."
Garcia added that this trust includes permission granted to work with expensive equipment.
Brenner said that while working in the lab allows for more time to make errors. and learn from them.
"Instead of just doing it once [in class] or being told what happens, we have to learn how to fix our mistakes," she said. When you do "things repeatedly you remember better," she added.
Brenner hypothesized that some science students may feel nervous about taking on the challenge of a job in the lab. She assures those wary of the work that more experienced lab staff helped train her and passed on lessons they learned through their own experiences. Garcia, being a graduate student, is often referred to as the "teacher" for the less experienced girls.
"I like teaching because I remember how it was when I first started working in the lab," Garcia said. "I think my helping makes it less intimidating for those who are just starting."
Garcia added that the low-key social environment of summertime Charlottesville also helps take the pressure off and makes the working experience more enjoyable.
"You always see the same friendly little crowd," she said.
All girls said that it is nice to earn money without worrying about grades and the stresses of the academic year.
The four lab partners are not alone in their work as summer scientists. In the building next door to the biology lab, rising fourth-year College student Kristen Knecht works in a psychology lab about 35 hours per week.
Spending her first summer working in Charlottesville, Knecht said she enjoys the summer atmosphere.
"It's more relaxed than during the school year," she said. "It's different -- it's great."
Knecht also felt that lab work was less stressful than other summer job options. After working in places such as the Pita Pit and a bakery, she said working in a psychology lab is better because it has more freedom.
"I think this is much better than a real job," Knecht said. "It's not a service job, so you are on your own time," she said.
Like Garcia and Brenner, Knecht said she sees academics applied in the lab environment. In addition to helping in psychology classes, Knecht said the experience is likely to have a broader impact.
"Working in the lab will tell me if I do not want to go into this major," she said.
Despite these benefits, Knecht isn't completely content spending her summer swimming in psychology.
"I hate being inside," she said. "I miss the beach."
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