procrustean_bed

So it's too late to change anything now that the deadline has passed, but I'd like to see what folks here think of this: I wrote my research proposal based on the rotation project I've been working on. I formatted it so that there was a separate section at the end marked Broader Impacts (with three sections in the body of the proposal marked Background, Hypothesis 1, and Hypothesis 2). The research program I proposed was highly collaborative, with several of the collaborators being mentioned by name in the proposal, so in the sections describing my experimental plan, I used the pronoun "we" rather than "I". Later, in the Broader Impacts section, I switched to using "I", because the outreach program I participate in is independent of my lab/labmates and will not involve my research collaborators. When I sent my proposal to a former P.I. for his advice, his only input was that he thought the use of "we" in the research plan was inappropriate given the use of "I" later in the proposal. Unfortunately, his input came in after the deadline, so I couldn't change my proposal to make the pronouns consistent. Will this kill my application? I'm nervous about it...

I'm one of those people who very frankly doesn't care what so-and-so said yesterday, who's sleeping with whom, what the current department scandal is, etc. Having lived in a major metropolitan area for a long time, I just wasn't socialized that way -- it was considered pretty lame/gauche to care about what strangers were up to in their personal lives, to say nothing of talking about that kind of thing in mixed company, where I came from. I prefer to keep my nose to the grindstone, if at all possible. But you're right: if you don't put in at least some face time with the drama kings/queens, you do get a reputation for being a "snob" or, worse, pathologically shy or reclusive. Eigen's also correct in pointing out that academia thrives on this stuff. I look at it this way: academia is a little like a Greek system for people who never would've been accepted to a frat or sorority. It's where bookish, slightly awkward nerds go to finally have their own little social club. The status games may be played according to different rules, but played they are, and on a very small playing field. Might as well have some fun with it. Just stop short of getting involved in the nastier stuff where lots of money is at stake, try to avoid tarnishing your own rep too much in the process, and you'll be fine.

I'm interested in hearing more from Sigaba. Please, elaborate: what are some of the new rules, in your experience? I know something about the "unwritten rules" of academia, from personal experience in tertiary education, but this experience has been as an employee of a university rather than a grad student. Any advice would be appreciated. To the OP: bear in mind, this kind of thing can happen anywhere. In fact, outside academia, you're very likely to experience inconsistent bosses who give something a cursory once over, give you a thumbs up, and then proceed to get very picky and even freak out about the details just as a deadline approaches. I wouldn't take it personally -- being in managerial or overseer positions comes with its own unique stressors. What you might do is meet and tell her that you're happy to work harder to make your drafts better, but that you'd be able to deliver a more polished product earlier if she gave more careful attention to the first draft. Typically, in these situations, the sooner you address the issue, the better -- otherwise, they tend to turn into "personality clashes" and power struggles that can spiral downward quickly. She may not even be conscious of the fact that she's making it harder for you to present your work. My advice is to give your colleagues (remember: you're training to be a professional and a future colleague of your advisor) the benefit of the doubt. Approach them as rational adults who are probably just stressed and oblivious to the effects of their behavior, rather than aggressors who are trying to make your life difficult, even when they're obviously being a little irrational. People appreciate being given some leeway, and you're more likely to make allies that way.

I'm in PMB, moving to North Berkeley in a couple of weeks.