*Shaking fists at profs!!*

cbirk

Today is the first day I have ever been turned down for something because I have too much responsibility. :(
A prof of mine asked for volunteers for undergrad research assistant. So I asked about it because usualy when they want an undergrad they want someone to copy paperwork for them. Not worth my time, as I have a son on the weekends, a part time job at the hospital and of course full time school.

But she said it was for actual research, but she does think I can do it because of time constraints, and it is a high learning curve having to learn a lot of math, Linux, C++ programing language, etc. So I told her that I can adjust my schedule for real research as it is worth the experience, I have taken up to calc 3 and currently enrolled in Differential Equations and Linear Algebra, math is not an issue. I have experiance with both linux and unix OS, mostly gained when I took a year of C++ programming.

her response?

"I had experience with other students with children and other agenda: it does not work. I need a student entirely dedicated to research 20 hrs/week"

Did I just get passed up for this great research position because I have a kid? really?

ok done venting.

Calmwaters

Seems to be like she is biased because of you having a child to me that does not seem fair or legal. I am sorry but seems to me like she is way out of line.

cbirk

Thats how I felt too. But I am not sure if actual legal matters apply, as it is a voluntary position, rather than a paid job, and she has the right to assemble her research team as she feels. The other issue is the Physics department is rather small, so making waves could hurt future opportunities :/ Not to mention if thats the kind of person she is, not sure I want to be working with her anyways.

It is just aggravating.

Calmwaters

Well I would just look at as it her loss than. She could of had a smart, bright,responsible, ambitious individual on her team and hopefully she will regret her decision down the road.