acewolf

He is a faculty member with administrative duties. I've talked to his current grad student. She seems very happy and suggested I work for him.

I'm a first year grad student in the physical sciences, and I love the department I'm in. There are a number of excellent research opportunities I am exploring before I make a formal request for a specific research advisor in November. I have found myself interested in the research of a senior administrator who is also a professor in my department. He seems reasonably accessible, currently mentors a very successful student from his previous university (where he was also a senior administrator), and I get along great with his secretary. His research is awesome and may be exactly what I am looking for, although, like I said before, there are lots of excellent opportunities throughout the department. This type of advisor is going to expect a motivated and mature self-starter, and I think I fit the bill. I am older than most grad students and I have several years of industry experience. What else should I keep in mind as I consider this administrator as a potential advisor?