When Heena switched to biology, she didn’t just want to ace classes—she wanted hands-on experience.

“I thought research was only for grad students or geniuses. But turns out, undergrads can get in too.”

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Here’s how she spent 2 years working in biomechanics labs—and how you can too

How It Started

At UMass Boston, Heena learned her school had plenty of research labs, even for undergrads.

“I talked to my advisor and asked how to get involved. They connected me to a professor running a biomechanics lab.”

Step 1? An interview.

“It felt like applying for a job. They asked about my interests, my biology background, and why I wanted to join.”

She got in—and started assisting PhD students on projects combining biology and engineering.

What She Did in the Lab

Hina’s role involved:


Prepping biological samples
Helping design experiments
Supporting PhD research on nanoparticles

“It wasn’t glamorous at first—lots of data entry and prep work. But as I gained trust, I got more complex tasks.”

Gif by eppendorf on Giphy

Tips to Get Research Roles as an Undergrad

🌟 Start early. Ask your advisor about opportunities in your first year.
🌟 Be flexible. You may not land your dream lab right away—but every experience counts.
🌟 Treat it like a job. Be reliable and curious; professors notice effort more than prior experience.

💬 Her Takeaway?

“Those two years shaped my career path. Even if you’re unsure about research long term, the skills you learn—problem-solving, critical thinking—are priceless.”

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