I'm an undergrad intern in a genetics lab... (Score 1)

and at first it's a lot of scut work, doing the gross stuff with the animals (fruit flies!), but as you spend more time there you are given more responsibilities, and get to do more important (and interesting) things. My best advice to give you is to ask questions, lots of questions. Show an interest in the research that is being done, and offer to help anyone that needs it. Even if it's mindless stuff that they need help with, you're going to earn their respect, and you're most likely going to learn something (even if it's just "oh, don't do this, it takes more time than doing it another way"). There is somewhat of a heirarchy, yes, but everyone in my lab is pretty young (think 35), and though I am the youngest by at least 7 years, I find that everyone is very nice, and there aren't real "seniority" issues. It may be different in a university setting, I don't know, I'm at a med school. The first day will be mostly learning your way around the lab, and safety stuff, and other paperwork, but really do make an effort to learn as much as you can-- that's why you're there! Good luck!