9 Research Skills Every UC Irvine Biological Sciences Major Should Master: Varun’s Story

The key to succeeding at an elite institution, such as UC Irvine, as a biological sciences major, is to develop strong research skills. This is especially important in biomedical fields. After all, medical advancements are only possible with scientific and biomedical research skills. And having access to cutting-edge laboratories, such as those at UC Irvine, makes meaningful research not only possible, but necessary. 

Varun Ujjeth is a second-year student at UC Irvine, double-majoring in Biological Sciences and Public Health Policy. He’s passionate about biomedical research and has been involved in multiple labs at UCI, including the Xu Labs at the School of Medicine's Center of Alzheimer’s Disease. 

But Varun’s research experiences didn’t begin in college. He made the commitment to develop his research skills in high school by enrolling in a research mentorship program with Polygence, where he studied SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms, recounting that, “[My mentor and I] looked into the frame-shift element of the COVID-19 genome, which is highly conserved and helps the virus reproduce rapidly inside cells. We also explored therapeutic solutions that could help stop the spread by addressing those reproductive mechanisms.” 

Not only did this experience help Varun stand out from his peers during the college admissions process, but it also prepared him to take on various undergraduate research roles during his freshman and sophomore years at UC Irvine. Like many motivated students, Varun knew that developing his research skills in high school was one of the best investments he could make in his future. 

Why Research Skills Matter for UC Irvine Biological Sciences Majors

Developing scientific research skills and biomedical research skills is a top priority for UC Irvine biological sciences majors. This is because gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge labs increases students’ creative problem-solving skills, as well as their overall sense of confidence within a laboratory setting. 

It’s also important to note that biomedical research is the driving force behind advances in biomedical and public health sciences. This means that gaining relevant research skills, especially while you’re still in high school, is key to having the opportunity to engage in meaningful undergraduate research projects, such as Varun’s involvement with Dr. Jangmin Ju’s Alzheimer's research. 

Ultimately, knowing how to contribute meaningfully within a laboratory setting ensures students’ professional marketability upon graduation. It’s also a great way to build a foundation for graduate school and future medical careers. 

Varun’s Research Journey: From Polygence to UCI Labs

During Varun’s time with Polygence, Varun was able to work one-on-one with an expert research mentor. Through this experience, Varun learned a lot about the fundamentals of the scientific research process, sharing that, “My mentor was really hands-on, which was great because it was my first time doing research. He walked me through all the background knowledge, archive-based research, and using PubMed. It was a really helpful experience that taught me a lot of research skills that I’m still using now in college.”

Varun’s Polygence project was about COVID-19, and since he completed the project during the height of the pandemic, his research felt not only relevant, but also worthwhile and important. Overall, this set an important precedent for his research at UC Irvine. 

As an undergraduate research assistant at Dr. Jangmin Ju’s lab in the Center of Neurobiology and Behavior and Alzheimer's disease, Varun shares that, “I’m working with unusual animal models for Alzheimer’s disease, like the Degoo and dogs, which is pretty exciting because dogs naturally develop similar pathologies to humans. The hands-on experience I got from Polygence really helped me step into this research role with more confidence.”

High school research programs, such as the one offered through Polygence, are great ways to increase your autonomy as a student and inspire you to do more and more outside of the classroom. For Varun, the effect was palpable: “My Polygence project really sparked my interest in research, especially in biomedical sciences.”

 9 Essential Research Skills for UCI Biological Sciences Students

As a UC Irvine biological sciences major, there are 8 essential scientific research skills you will need to develop. Building these skills early ensures that your transition into college is marked by steady, sustainable progress. Think of the list below as the core habits that will help you embody a true scientific mindset. 

1. Literature Review and Scientific Reading

As an undergraduate research student, you will spend a lot of time navigating PubMed and research databases. That means you’ll need to learn how to skim scientific papers with purpose, trace a claim back to its primary study, and review research methods and figures without getting distracted by scientific jargon. Strong readers know when to slow down and when to move on. And the strongest readers keep track of what they learn and where they found it so that they can build on the information later.

2. Experimental Design and Hypothesis Formation

Structuring meaningful research questions and engaging in proper planning are key to creating valuable and viable research projects. You’ll need to define variables and controls, decide what evidence would support or challenge your hypothesis, and outline a procedure that fits your schedule and the resources available to you. Careful planning also limits wasted time once you’re in the lab.

3. Data Collection and Accuracy

Reliable results depend on ensuring precision and reproducibility in lab work. This shows up in careful measurements, consistent protocols, and detailed records that someone else could easily follow. Small habits, such as keeping a dedicated notebook for your research and taking special note of dates, times, instrument settings, etc., help protect your work and make troubleshooting later on much easier.

4. Laboratory Techniques

Proficiency with tools and protocols used in biomedical research is key to growing as a scientist. These skills include accurate pipetting, solution preparation, sterile technique, microscopy, gel electrophoresis, and the safe handling of reagents. These skills can be hard to develop without access to a lab, which is why seeking out research mentors and research opportunities while you’re still in high school is such a valuable learning experience.

5. Data Analysis and Interpretation

Clean data organization, appropriate statistics, and clear figures are instrumental in helping scientists draw reasonable research conclusions. The best analyses also acknowledge any uncertainties and suggest next steps for future research.

6. Scientific Writing and Communication

During your undergraduate research career, you will practice crafting clear, concise reports and presentations. Strong scientific writing tells a simple story from question to conclusion. Strong presentation slides let figures communicate real work. Remember, plain language and tidy visuals help your reader follow along and thoroughly grasp what you are trying to communicate. 

7. Collaboration and Networking

Scientific research is a collaborative endeavour. When you are working with peers, mentors, and faculty, your ability to advance research is much greater. At UCI, networking can mean taking advantage of study groups, clubs, and office hours. Learning from more experienced students in the lab is also a great way to sharpen your own research skills while fostering meaningful connections. 

Varun, a second-year student at UC Irvine, reflects on the spirit of teamwork in undergraduate research: “I love how collaborative the research environment is. At UCI, everyone is trying to help you learn, and it’s really motivating. It feels like everyone’s working together to make the most of their education, which has been really inspiring for me as a pre-med student.”

8. Time Management and Prioritization

Balancing academics, labs, and extracurriculars effectively is key to succeeding in college. As a college student, you’ll need to budget enough time for reading and analysis, plan around lab schedules, and choose activities that reflect your personal and professional goals. And remember, eating and sleeping well are key to performing well in your classes, as is finding enough time to socialize.

9. Leadership and Mentoring in Research

As students progress, developing leadership and mentoring skills enhances both personal growth and team effectiveness. Guiding peers through experiments, training new lab assistants, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams cultivates the ability to manage projects and analyze outcomes collectively. These experiences build a foundation for future leadership roles in research careers while strengthening the student's profile for employers seeking candidates with both technical expertise and interpersonal skills.

Overcoming Challenges in College Research

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that college research involves lots of challenges, especially at a school like UC Irvine. Beyond the rigor of college coursework, students are tasked with managing a busy schedule without overcommitting themselves. After all, college is a balancing act. From networking with peers and professors to making sure you succeed in your classes (while getting enough sleep), there is a lot to keep track of. This is why time management skills are so important. 

As a second-year student at UC Irvine, Varun reflects that “One challenge I didn’t expect was how much time it takes to balance academics, clubs, and other activities. I signed up for a lot of clubs during my first year and found myself always running around trying to get everything done. It was pretty exhausting, especially during the fall quarter. I realized I was overcommitting and had to prioritize what really mattered to me. Once I started focusing on the activities that meant the most to me, I managed my time better and felt less overwhelmed.”

Advice from Varun for Aspiring Researchers

Using your time in high school to explore your interests and build relevant skills is a great way to stand out from your peers while preparing for the rigors of college coursework. In fact, Varun credits his success at UC Irvine with his early exploration of research through his time with Polygence in high school. 

When asked what advice he would give aspiring researchers, Varun says, “Really dive into what you’re interested in, especially in high school. You have a lot more free time than you’ll have in college, so use that time to explore your hobbies and interests, even if they’re new to you.”

Varun also stresses the importance of being proactive by seeking mentors and various learning opportunities: “Really put yourself out there — get to know people, professors, and other students. It can lead to opportunities like letters of recommendation and research roles.”

Finally, being open to new experiences is key to success at UC Irvine, as is open and honest communication with your peers, mentors, and professors. After all, “communication and being open to new experiences can make a huge difference in your journey.”

Looking Forward: Building a Research Career at UCI and Beyond

If you’re an aspiring UC Irvine biological sciences major or UC Irvine public health policy major, you may want to follow Varun’s lead and start thinking about what sort of research skills you’ll need to succeed in your own college career. 

Take time to explore your interests both inside and outside of the classroom. Be curious and open-minded. And don’t be afraid to seek out additional resources, such as those offered by Polygence, if your school doesn’t have all the tools you need to follow your curiosity. Remember, taking time to develop research skills while you’re still in high school is an excellent way to prepare for college and jumpstart your career. 

Interested in learning more about high school research opportunities? Take a look at our Polygence Pods and our more individualized Research Mentorship Program. You may also want to peruse our database of expert research program mentors as well as take a look at various completed Polygence projects.