Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'science'.
Found 49 results
-
I have had issues with my lab-mate since I began my PhD work last August. I entered the program with a MS. I have to keep the details vague due to the immensity of this situation. I joined a lab of two other graduate students, let’s call them Sarah and Veronica. I entered the lab at the same time as a lab tech, John. When I interviewed for the lab I sensed that something was off with the graduate student dynamic. Which, in hindsight, should have been a red flag. Sarah became the person that my PI wanted me to work with. Our research areas overlapped and she was a very smart, productive student. I was even placed on a side-project with her. It soon became evident that she was a very controlling/micromanaging person. She works seven days a week and is always in lab. This personality type is very common in the sciences, so I wasn’t immediately put off. I did however have problems with how she talked about people. She held no trust for anything that anyone did. She ridiculed the skill set and work ethic of others constantly. She was also very close with my advisor. She was deemed that she was the only person in lab that was allowed to mix solutions. She was also the only person in lab training John and myself, even though Veronica is the most senior student. John was placed on a project using techniques that only Sarah uses. He had previous experience with these techniques. His results showed consistent, unexplainable contamination. He spent many weeks troubleshooting this work and eventually had one successful run. He was then taken off of the project, because of the failed attempts. I worked on a protocol that takes three days to complete where my materials must sit out in lab for three days. The first time that Sarah trained me my results were, “better than she had ever gotten them to work”. I then spent months trying to replicate them. Each time I would run this work I would get weak to no signal in the results. I knew that I was following the protocol. Other people weren’t having any issues, including undergrads. I even ran at the same time as Sarah using all of the same materials. Still the same result of nothing happened. Each week I went to my PI with zero data. I am not uncomfortable with laboratory procedures and didn’t have any problems with them during my masters. I optimized an old protocol of Sarah’s (tweaking concentrations) and began another type of lab work. It was working with beautiful results. Sarah began to hover over me. She began to go through my notebook every time I turned my back. She was monitoring me and tattling to my advisor about solution volumes and concentrations. She told me that my methodology was completely inconsistent. I asked her why she thought that, because I knew that I was doing everything in my power to reduce variation. She was talking about a run from 1.5 months prior in which one of my 5’s looked slightly like a 3. It had been consistent. It seemed she was looking for problems. This is when I started to think that she may be sabotaging my lab work. I talked to Veronica. I told her that I couldn’t breathe in lab and that her level of micromanagement was not appropriate. I then told her that I felt crazy, but I was starting to think she could be sabotaging me. Veronica’s face dropped and she said, “I wish I could dispel that completely. There is no proof, but other’s have felt this way as well.” She explained that her and a previous lab mate had thought that. I was terrified at this point. Things escalated with her and I was very paranoid. I talked to John and said the same thing, “I feel crazy, I feel like she is messing with my stuff.” He then told me that he had thought the same thing. He said that he put out decoy reagents and hid his reagents. That was when he had the one successful run. This fact only furthered my suspicions. I waited for her to go out of town for a conference and performed the protocol that had not worked for me since the very first run. It worked. I didn’t do anything differently. I had spent over 300 hours and thousands of grant money troubleshooting this. It worked. When she came back, she was very off. She spent three hours in my advisors office having what Veronica said was an existential crisis. Veronica claimed that Sarah said, “If science is going to make me a bad person, I think I should quit.” I have now had two more successful runs. Now I am at a crossroads. I think she will back off, but I can’t be certain. I now have complete disdain for Sarah, yet have to see her everyday. I can’t talk about it to my PI, because it is such a bold accusation without concrete proof. This could result in funding being pulled or affect my PI’s tenure. I also believe it be a disservice to the scientific community as a whole to let an individual like this continue. At this point, all I can do is get past it or provide evidence. I can’t focus to write or read. If anyone can give me advice I would be very gracious to hear it. Thank you for letting me get this off my chest.
-
Hello All! New to the forums but have been browsing and saw some good information that answered a good amount of my questions. With that being said, I do have a question still.. As someone that has a degree in business, with minimal science background, what is the best route for gaining admissions into a PhD program? I didn’t see a thread for neuroscience but that is my interest. Building my credentials with an MS program seems out of question as most seem to require prerequisites. Would it be best to really hit the books and try to perform extremely well on a GRE subject test OR do some type of post-bacc? I mean, both can be an answer as well. I want to hear your thoughts! Also, if this helps, I live in New Jersey and would love to stay on the East Coast for a PhD program. I appreciate your time and help! Thanks!
-
Materials Science and Engineering Fall 2018 Applicant Profiles and Admission Results
agentlerose posted a topic in Applied Sciences & Mathematics
Hey fellow MSE gradcafe residents! Based on @shur42's thread from last year, I thought it would be good to start a thread for MSE students applying for the Fall 2018 cycle, to get to know each other and learn about each other's application profiles. Would also be helpful for those from the Fall 2017 cycle to contribute their profiles and any tips This is the template that they used (from a biology thread) for application profiles: Undergrad Institution: (School or type of school, such as big state, lib arts, ivy, technical, foreign (what country?))Major(s):Minor(s):GPA in Major:Overall GPA:Position in Class: (No numbers needed, but are you top? near top? average? struggling?)Type of Student: (Domestic/International, male/female, minority?)GRE Scores (revised/old version):Q:V:W:TOEFL Total: (if applicable, otherwise delete this)Research Experience: (At your school or elsewhere? What field? How much time? Any publications (Mth author out of N?) or conference talks etc...)Awards/Honors/Recognitions: (Within your school or outside?)Pertinent Activities or Jobs: (Such as tutor, TA, etc...)Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:Special Bonus Points: (Such as connections, grad classes, famous recommenders, female or minority status etc...)Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:Applying to Where:School - Department - Research InterestSchool - Department - Research InterestSchool - Department - Research Interest -
Hey Everyone! Trying to get some last second opinions about a physics MS. I'm intending to continue on to a Ph.D in astronomy, astrophysics, or cosmology. I got into Case Western, Stony Brook, UCSC, Miami of Ohio (17k stipend), and NYU. I've talked a bit with some professors and I could probably get into a research group at Case and Stony Brook. I'm leaning between those two, but money isn't much of an issue, what do you guys think?
-
-
Hello! I was recently admitted to the SDSU MPH program. Are there any admits out there? I would love to chat with anybody else who was accepted into the program or those who are already attending the institution! Feel free to pm me, would love to hear from you!
-
I am from India and I have taken about 70 courses in my bachelors. Do I have to fill the details about every one of them to complete my masters application? I am applying for Master of Science in Robotics, System and Control.
-
Is Audiology considered a STEM major? I am applying for something and it is specifically for STEM majors. Is the PhD only considered STEM maybe or does anyone know if the Au.D. counts. I am aware it is a science, but there are specific majors under this umbrella. I read a super old article saying it was not, but since the article was super SUPER old, I didn't know if someone had more updated information. It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
-
Hi Everyone! Saw a very informative thread with some active discussion for Fall 17 (link above) so thought I should replicate it for Fall 18. Lets get to know each other better!
-
Hey guys! So I have been fortunate enough to have a choice in PhD programs to attend in the fall, but I'm a really indecisive person. This is a big decision, and I'm so worried about making the wrong choice and regretting it. I've basically narrowed it down to two schools, but don't know what should be the deciding factor to make my choice. The first school I really like how the program is set up and the location, but they don't have the exact research I was hoping for; although, they do have good research that I could see myself liking if I tried it. The second school has a ton of the research that is exactly what I'm interested in, but I don't really like the location and the way the program is structured. Should I make my decision based on the research or the area? I don't want to be stuck in an area for 6 years that I'm not comfortable with, but at the same time there is a chance I could like it since I've never been to an area like that. I also don't want to rule out the one school based on research because I'm sure there's other options that I would be ok with. One of the schools is considered a prestigious school, but I wasn't sure if that should affect my decision. Any help is appreciated!
-
Hello Gradcafe, Struggling with a good problem to have. Got admitted to Yale's School of Forestry (FES) as well as University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and the Environment (SNRE). Yale degree is Masters of Environmental Management; Michigan is Masters of Science. My research interests are renewable energy, green chemistry, arctic climate policy, and life cycle assessment. Both gave me equivalent financial packages. Visited UM before visit day and Yale at the open house. I'm torn about which to choose. Part of me feels like it would be silly to turn down Yale because its the golden key that will open a lot of doors. Something tells me the folks at Michigan seem a bit more realistic and pragmatic. They work in Flint and Detroit. Yale has opportunities (so many) around the world. Another major difference is structure: FES has no required courses (candy shop), whereas SNRE has a few core classes and a larger emphasis on tracks. So does anyone have any thoughts? Did anyone suffer with a similar decision? Anyone have any comments on the structures, outcomes, and attitudes of the two programs? So much help..seriously... I have eaten so many Tums (tm) the last week. With thanks and gratitude, greenisgood
-
NRC Research Associateship Programs The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine offers postdoctoral and senior research awards on behalf of 23 U.S. federal research agencies and affiliated institutions with facilities at over 100 locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. We are actively seeking highly qualified candidates including recent doctoral recipients and senior researchers. Applications are accepted during 4 annual review cycles (with deadlines of February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1). Awardees have the opportunity to: · conduct independent research in an area compatible with the interests of the sponsoring laboratory · devote full-time effort to research and publication · access the excellent and often unique facilities of the federal research enterprise · collaborate with leading scientists and engineers at the sponsoring laboratories Benefits of an NRC Research Associateship award include: · 1 year award, renewable for up to 3 years · Stipend ranging from $45,000 to $80,000, higher for senior researchers · Health insurance, relocation benefits, and professional travel allowance DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Applicants should hold, or anticipate receiving, an earned doctorate in science or engineering. Degrees from universities abroad should be equivalent in training and research experience to a degree from a U.S. institution. Some awards are open to foreign nationals as well as to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. ABOUT THE EMPLOYER The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Fellowships Office has conducted the NRC Research Associateship Programs in cooperation with sponsoring federal laboratories and other research organizations approved for participation since 1954. Through national competitions, the Fellowships Office recommends and makes NRC Research Associateship awards to outstanding postdoctoral and senior scientists and engineers for tenure as guest researchers at participating laboratories. A limited number of opportunities are available for support of graduate students in select fields. For more information or to apply visit the NRC Research Associateship Programs.
-
Hi everyone! I am an applicant for Genetic Counseling at the University of Pittsburgh. My application is officially being reviewed as of a few weeks/a month ago and I'm basically just playing the waiting game. A few stats about me: 26 years old, graduating with a BS in Biology April 2018, 3.34 GPA, 5 years pharmacy experience, GC shadowing experience, bereavement counseling volunteer, research experience, and personal GC experience. I only applied to UPitt -- kind of scary, but hoping for the best. Anyone else applying to GC programs for Fall 2018?
-
Career/Academia Options in Data Science or Statistics
kingduck posted a topic in Mathematics and Statistics
Hi, This is my first post on the Grad Cafe. I'm encouraged by all of you guys because now I know that I'm not alone in this hectic time of grad applications. I am writing SOPs for MS/MA in statistics and MS data science. I eventually do want to pursue a PhD though I'm not sure which aspect of the mathematical sciences I want to be specialize in. My question is essentially: 1) What roles (software, data engineer, analyst etc)would MS data science graduates have in the industry? (whether government or commercial) 2) Would I easily have enough prior knowledge to pass qualifying exams as a Stat PHD candidate coming from a background with an MS data science degree? 3) What are the backgrounds of the data science masters cohorts? (what undergraduate majors, which industries, gpa, research interests etc.) 4) (Optional - for better insight) Finally, what would be your ranking of data science master programs and by what aspect are you ranking them (academic rigor, size of research projects, location etc.) I look forward to hearing your input. -
Hey all, I'm applying to a mix of math and computer science PhD programs and took the October mGRE. I was wondering, since most computer science programs don't require it, what would be a high enough score to consider it a positive addition to my application? I got around the 75th percentile, which from what I can gather is just on the bottom end of what top math programs are looking for. I'm applying to some very competitive schools and don't want to put anything on my application that won't help.
-
Hi everyone! I wanted to create this thread for (Fall 2017) MS operations research, industrial engineering, management science & engineering applicants to get to know each other a little better. Who else is applied this cycle? What are your research interests, and what are some of the schools that you're looking at? I applied to Columbia, MIT, Michigan, Stanford and Univ of Florida
-
What are my chances of being accepted into a Neuroscience PhD Program?
ckp2001 posted a question in Questions and Answers
Hi! I'm going to be a senior undergrad and was wondering how competitive of an applicant I am to get into a (behavioral) Neuroscience PhD program. I was also wondering what I should do to improve my application. Some stats: Major: Dual- Psychology (honors) and Neuroscience Minor: Fine Arts Overall GPA: 3.6 (will rise to about 3.65 by graduation) In-Majors GPA: 3.75 Research: 3.5 years Grants: URA (undergraduate research award) GRE (not taken yet...assuming I score average) Extra Curricular Activities: Biology Tutor (1 semester), Resident Assistant (RA) (1 year) Presented at a URC (undergraduate research conference) Will also have a Senior Honors Thesis in which I will have conducted my own experiment I would really appreciate constructive criticism; anything to improve my application will help! -
a 4th recommendation letter from a Nobel Laureate?
idrev posted a topic in Letters of Recommendation
I know grad schools usually need three recommendation letters, and I think I have a good three from my department lined up (I haven't asked yet though!). However, I could also add a 4th one, as the professor offered to write me one (more as a character reference though, and not really speaking to academics/research) - is that okay and not overkill? Some more info: the 4th recommender is outside of my university (and outside of my field), but he is a fairly recent Nobel Laureate and is a well-respected researcher in his field! Thanks very much! -
NYU Master of Science in Public Policy- Any Information?
anderlme posted a question in Questions and Answers
Hello, I'm interested in the one year Master of Science in Public Policy program at NYU's Wagner School. It seems like a pretty unique program to me, and I'm having trouble finding any information about acceptance rates or thoughts on past applicants. etc. Does anyone have any thoughts about this program or is anyone else applying/does anyone know any admissions statistics? Thank you! - M -
Mater of Science for international medical doctor?
Reizenu posted a question in Questions and Answers
Hello, guys! I'm going to apply for MA in Canada (University of British Columbia) and I've got a few questions about it, so maybe smb had similar experience. I've got Russian diploma in Medicine (M.D.) and also it is veryfied in Israel. But I'd like to change my speciality and apply for MA in Science (kinesiology in priority, biology, genetics are also possible). I looked through application requirments and it's said there that I'm able to apply for these programs because I've got a diploma in related field.The problem is that all these programs are connected with researches and I don't have any background in research, just a few weeks of work in clinic. However, I have to find a supervisor before application. The main question is: is it possible to find supervisor without any background? I'm going to join volunteer programs in lab, visit conferences and so on, but I actually don't have appropriate credits, experience and documents. I thought about applying for PhD in Russia and spend there a year or smth for experience and credits, and then apply for MA in Canada, But it would be such a waste of time... So please tell me about your experience in situations like mine, I'd really appreciate that! -
Will I be accepted onto LSE's MSc International Relations?
Nickman20 posted a topic in Political Science
Hello, I am a political science undergrad student at a comprehensive university in Ontario, Canada. I currently possess a cumulative GPA of 3.78/4.00 and a major GPA of 3.91/4.00. I recently (two days ago) finished my 3rd out of 4 years of university and will be applying in September/October of 2017 with the marks I have already attained. I have work experience as a teaching and grading IR assistant at my university (going to be 8 months), as a trade policy intern at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC (4 months), as a legal intern for a prestigious international law firm (1 month), and as a Corporate Affairs intern at a Fortune 500 company (4 months). In terms of university extracurriculars I am the President of my university's pre-law society. I also have three strong letters of recommendation from my professors who specialize in IR--they attended St. Andrews, UofT, and UCambridge respectively. My dream MSc program is The London School of Economics & Political Science MSc International Relations. As an aside, it is my goal to pursue a PhD and a career in academia after completing this program. I wanted to know (from individuals who have been accepted/rejected to this program or similar) what my chances are of being accepted? I am also applying to the MSc in Conflict Studies (second choice) so an estimate of my chances for that program would be most appreciated as well. Canadian LSE MSc Minimum GPA entry requirement: 3.3/4.0 (No GRE or GMAT required) 2017/2018 MSc International Relations acceptance rate: 11.14% (101/907) 2017/2018 MSc Conflict Studies acceptance rate: 17.14% (55/321) -
Has anyone been to/ know anything about the United Nations University in Tokyo? I have applied to the MSc in Sustainability 'UNU-IAS', but I'm finding it a tough time to find alumni to speak to. Surprisingly the university is rated at 1000+ in the world as a university (or not mentioned at all in all the major rankings) but 6th in the world as a think tank. Does that mean its teaching quality is high/ its a good idea to do a post-grad there? - Is it a good experience to study there? - Does it set you up for a global career? - Is the teaching staff well reputed? Any comments, opinions or speculations are welcome!
-
Since I will be out of school until the Fall of 2017, I decided to make my New Year's Resolution to read more frequently. I have always regretted not reading as much of the classics as I would like. I will be studying psychology, so I may want to avoid books on that subject, but I love anything educational and enhancing. If you have a list or recommendations for must-reads, please share them! I'm currently focusing on The Classics according to Good Reads.
-
Is there anyone applied for TUM Summer semester 2017? Waiting for admission results :/
-
Hi, I was wondering if anyone applied to the new PhD program in Rehabilitation Sciences at NYU? I haven't been able to find any info about it so if anyone has any insight, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks
