sunhydros

Hi, I'm currently a first year MS student in geology and considering applying for PhD programs next fall focusing in geomicrobiology. My thesis is focused on groundwater chemistry and microbial contributions to denitrification. I'd be interested in continuing with hydrology, biogeochemistry, and aquatic microbiology related research, but would also be open to other topics that are broadly related to geomicrobiology. So far I've identified U of Michigan and CU Boulder as potential programs to apply. If anyone has advice for other programs to consider, I'd appreciate your insight. Thanks!

Thank you for the feedback. At this time, I am not interested in going into academia. I currently work for an environmental government agency and will probably go back to the public sector after I finish school, but I do want my work to have a greater research focus and not so much data checking and regulatory work (which is what I do now). I am interested in the career options that going to a more highly ranked school may bring me; given that I've worked for almost four years since undergrad before returning to school, I think I may be able to work relatively independently and succeed. However, adviser fit is also pretty important to me and I think I may produce better work in an environment where I feel more comfortable socially, which would probably be at the second program. Given that I'm not planning to go into academia, I'm not sure if I can really go wrong either way. Unfortunately that does not really help me make a decision. But at least I have a little over a week to think about it before I need to make the choice.

I've been accepted to two universities for M.S. programs, both with funding as an RA. One university is ranked within the top ten in the country for geosciences. The other university is a lesser ranked state school, but it still has a good program for my research interests. At the top ten school, I would probably be my adviser's only student (he has a few PhD students who will be finishing either this semester or in the fall); however, after speaking to his students, some expressed concerns about being advised by him given that he is rarely available (often not in his office, travels a lot for leisure, doesn't respond to emails, and sometimes has a short temper). At the lesser ranked state school, I would be one of eight students in my adviser's lab. The students there seemed generally satisfied with their adviser, even though many mentioned that he is very busy, given all of the students he has. I received a good sense of lab group community and that the students worked together to help each other. The adviser also has three post docs (one of which who was identified to help mentor the students who are working in my research area). I know one school has a much better ranking than the other, but I'm concerned about potential issues with my adviser at the top ten school. Students do change advisers after arriving, so that could potentially be an option, if I am having issues; however, it could be stressful to have to find another adviser who would choose to supervise me and has funding for another student. I would appreciate any feedback/insight from anyone who has had to make a similar decision. Thanks!