@tgl2023 Thank you so much for your response. I did not know that it didn’t really matter so much in which area one was able to get research in, as long as one could demonstrate competence and commitment in a lab. That was great to find out. This opens more possibilities and avenues we can explore at UCLA. I am thinking now that perhaps we should at least have him stay a year longer at UCLA, instead of rushing to finish in 2 years, and then have him take other useful courses not required for the major, but for future research, and try to find that entry glassware cleaning job to get him started! Your response has been really helpful and comforting!