question asked my POI by mail .... no idea how to answer .... plzz help

[ah233]

So ....... I accepted an admission offer ..... which was followed by an email from POI regarding possible research topics and other things ...... So, she asked me in email wht r my interests and what is that I would like to learn about during my ph.d..!!

I have no idea how to answer the second qs. i.e " what is that I would like to learn about during my ph.d " ...

Plz help ......

[go3187]

In my case, I would answer both questions with something like, "During my undergrad I've been doing some research on ................ using integral field spectroscopy, so this is one field I'm interested in. However, I also became interested in X-ray observations of .........., so if a research topic on this is available, it would be my first pick. Particularly, I would like to study how ......................"

BUT... I'm 3 years into my grad studies, and I don't remember having such a clear view of what I wanted to do when I applied for grad school. So, if I didn't know for certain what I wanted to do, I would take a look at the professor's research, figure out what her other students do, and base my answer on that, while also mentioning that I'm not certain at this point. Projects morph a little anyway, and professors have projects that might not match EXACTLY what you have in mind, or projects that are more urgent than others.

[kneebuz]

I think you're worrying a bit too much about her question man. She isnt going to ask you "What do you want your thesis to be on?".. at least not so soon! Just answer geniunely what you find interesting. Base your answer off your research experience as an ungergrad particularly since you will be more well versed in that subject matter. Also you can probably just rephrase whatever it is you said in your statement of purpose too.

Edited March 29, 2012 by kneebuz

[rockandroll]

What are your goals while you're in the program? What are your ultimate career goals, and how can the program help you to get there? What are skills you will need to do what you want to do that you don't have yet, but which the program could potentially help you to gain? What are some particular interests of yours that you would love to learn more about? What is your thesis about, and what types of courses and research can help you to flesh it out more? I feel like these are things that you must already know by this point if you're getting your doctorate- you must be over thinking it.

Edited April 4, 2012 by rockandroll

[Riotbeard]

Sounds like she is just reaching out to start a conversation with a new advisee. Just answer with what you are interested in, etc. No big deal.