Grad Diary 3/9/10

I'm two days into my "spring break" and so far, it's been nice.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I don't have classes this week (and the undergrads are gone! no long lines at the carts for lunch!). In addition to taking the time to focus on lab stuff, I decided that I would take this week to seriously weigh my options between Una and Jian's lab, and try to come to a decision by the end of the week. To that end I've set up meeting times with both PI's (on different days) to talk seriously about potential thesis projects (both what they are interested as well as my own ideas) as well as wrapping up other concerns/expectations that come with being a full time graduate student.

Bob Doms, the chair for the Microbiology Department, has been very helpful. He works very closely with the graduate students who work in his faculties' labs (mostly MVP students) and meets with them at least once a semester (if not more) to check in, talk about upcoming decisions, etc. A few weeks ago he and I chatted about my vacillation between the two labs, and was happy with the extent and seriousness I have been considering the decision up till now. He did offer some helpful perspective and commentary, and we decided I would check in again when I thought I had made a decision. I will meet with him on Friday to talk about what I feel is the best decision for me (after having met with both PI's) and then make a "formal" announcement to both groups.

To that end I've been making lists and thinking about what the realities might be in both labs, the pros and cons, the differences in lab demeanor and philosophies, the opportunities, and the unknowns (recall that Jian doesn't have any full time grad students...I would be her first). I feel i am coming to a decision already, but I definitely want to take the time to hash it out with both PI's first.

I'll wait until next week to post again with my formal lab decision and how things are moving forward. Wish me luck!