How do you choose a thesis lab?

Describe what a “good fit” is for you. Explain why students often choose labs that are a bad fit for them. Organize your thinking about your rotations. Identify the questions you need answered before making a thesis lab choice.

How do you pick a graduate lab?

Know the People. In any circumstance, one of the best ways to gather information about a lab is to ask people who work there. Even though it’s fine to talk with postdocs, lab technicians, and others, focus your time on people whose experience is likely to be most similar to yours: other graduate students.

What is a thesis lab?

A thesis lab is the place that you will spend much of the next several years of your life. The work you do in your thesis lab will influence the work you do in the rest of your career. The recommendation you receive from your thesis advisor will determine what options will be open to you after you receive your degree.

How do you tell a PI you want to join their lab?

Call or e-mail the PI and say you are interested in the research the lab is doing. Say you would like to talk with him or her in person. (Take note of how easy or difficult it is to schedule an appointment—generally it is better for a student to have a PI who is accessible.)

How do you set up a lab rotation?

Ask about what rotation projects you might work on, and whether there is an opportunity to join the lab. Recognize that opportunities may be driven by the stage of the projects and the people in the lab. Determine when you will rotate in the lab—set the start date and decide how long the rotation will last.

What do you do in a lab rotation?

A lab rotation is a trial period to assess a lab and its people, while they assess you, to see if you if you are a good match for each other. The best way to think of rotations is like a test for a potentially (very) long-term relationship.

How do I choose a professor for a PhD?

Here are seven suggestions from psychology professors and fellow students.

1. Identify potential advisors. Start your search by matching your interests to laboratories doing similar work.
2. Consider key qualities.
3. Reach out.
4. Meet the advisor.
5. Find a good fit.
6. Work hard.
7. Watch for a mismatch.

What should I ask my PI before joining a lab?

give everyone’s project sufficient attention? Or are they too busy? What do you think about the scientific ideas that the PI has? Are they well thought out?