jessiebee

So the way I've been thinking of it is like this, currently my research is on responses (adaptation/evolution, range shifting, plastic changes) due to climate change in insects which has led me to some fascinating things and wondering how humans/hominids have adapted to climate changes in the past. In general I'm really interested in hominid evolution, specifically issues of local adaptation. It would be awesome if I could use my current evolutionary background to help make the jump into human evolution, but I haven't really heard of anyone who has done that. I feel a bit like I am in such a weird place because I'm not jumping completely out of my field, but yet I am hoping to make a sort of big switch into a more anthro themed field. Perhaps those who are further along in their PhD might know if it's even possible to take a postdoc with a strong evolutionary background, but in a different system? I don't think I could see my advisor taking on a post doc who previous research varied from what he is currently working on. I'm not to hopeful that something like this could work out.

So I should start with a little background. I attended undergrad at a prestigious university and I started doing research on responses to climate change while there I graduated with at BS in Environmental Science. I liked doing research and so I continued and eventually applied for and began a PhD in biology at a big southern university with a very well known advisor right after graduating. This all sounds great except, during undergrad I had a classes in geology and history of life where I was completely enthralled. I sort of ignored at the time because I was on a PhD track in biology and I didn't want to create any bumps in the road. Over the next two years I've been in my PhD program just going along and doing fine, but I'm really unhappy with my research. I love asking questions and doing research, but I can't stand my project/field anymore. I'm realizing that I should have listened to my doubts previously about this field of research. I've kept up with the what's going on in the paleoanthropology world a bit and I'm constantly checking out programs and the cool research that people are doing. I am trying to figure out the best course of action, and if I work my butt off I could complete my PhD in another 2.5 years at which I'll only be 27 years old. At that point how could I try and either go back to school for find a way to switch fields? Or do I just leave now and try to get a MS in biology with one more semester? It's a little more complicated as I can't leave my geographical area because my husband is a PhD student in biology here at our current institution as well. Or is it hopeless as I didn't have much anthro training as an undergrad and should I just try and focus on something else (I'm just curious as to what the bioanthro culture is as far as non traditional tracks)? So what do you guys think, is it too late for me?