How do I become part of a research team?

May 2021 3 85 Report

How do I become part of a research team?

I want to be a zoologist when I'm finished school, but I'd love to spend some time with a real research team, seeing what it's like. I don't expect to get paid, but I'd love the experience. I'm 15, so I can't volunteer at an animal rescue place for another 5 months (I checked into it, and you have to be 16)

Is it even possible to join a research team, even if it's just to observe and not do anything? And where could I find a team to join/observe?

Update:

I can't get a degree yet, I'm still in high school.

Science & Mathematics / Zoology

Cetacea

Verified answer

You'll have a tough time finding somewhere if you are under 16. While some research organisations take on interns and volunteers, these are usually graduates with one or even two degrees on their CV against who you'll have a hard time competing. your best bet is to look for organisations which run specific work experience programs for high schoolers or have specific high school programs.

Mote Marine Lab have a high school student internship program:

http://www.mote.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=Educ...

And you may want to look at summer camps:

http://www.seatrekbvi.com/

http://marinebio.org/students.asp

Also have a look here:

http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/student-educational-emp...

Local zoos and aquariums, will often offer work experience for students too but they will again, probably, require you to be 16. 5 months may seem like a long time but it's not really...

Find a university, look at the list of academics doing work that interests you, and write to them asking if you can intern for a bit. Many people will be happy to help.