<p>I’m currently finishing research this summer (post-freshman year) with a PI in colon cancer. I’ll be doing research again probably next summer and the year after that as well. Is it best to stick with the same PI every year? Or should I maybe switch it up and look at a different area of research/medicine as well?</p>
<p>One summer isn’t enough (in my opinion) for you to justify switching out. Stick with the same PI if the person is good (you’re lucky to be doing this type of research). Give it 2 years for yourself to become acclimated to the environment, you’re bound to get an abstract soon (otherwise, I’d probably start worrying in case you don’t even get a poster presentation). If you want to switch it up, transfer to another lab after the 2 years are completed.</p>
<p>Also note that sometimes students also take the initiative to try out for grants and whatnot on their own to push their agenda forwards. The PI will not always be willing to let you do an abstract/poster presentation.</p>
<p>Ideally you want to develop a relationship with your PI so s/he can provide you with a solid LOR. Ideally you want to be able to take increasing responsibility and leadership within the research project. If both are happening–then stay. It takes time for both to happen.</p>
<p>Publication is a minor concern–and should not be expected because different labs have different timelines on projects. Some projects have publication worthy data in a few months; others require years.</p>
<p>I do not think it matters. D. did research for 3 years, the same one under the same supervision, she was doing it during school year, not in a summer, this is the only diff.</p>