Lab switch dilemma

[TropicalCharlie]

I am a first year MS student in a small dept. The majority of the students in my program plan to pursue med/vet/dental schools. Because of this, first year students who wish to pursue research/ PhD are required to volunteer and show some sort of commitment to research before they get a thesis project. At the beginning of this semester, my advisor whom I will refer to as Dr. A, asked me to check with them two weeks later about doing lab work since they were extra busy when fall semester started. I checked in after two weeks, and Dr. A asked me check later since they had not had time to think about things for me to do. At this time, I asked Dr. A if it was ok if I explore volunteer opportunities in other labs which they were fine with. That's what I did and began working in another faculty's lab. I'll refer to them as Dr. B.

About a month into the semester, I followed up with my advisor about when I might be able to do some work in their lab and was told that they were busy with a project and wouldn't have anything for me to do until spring semester. Needless to say, I was disappointed as I had hoped to be more productive by then. Last week, I approached Dr. A about applying for a NSF grad fellowship grant, and they were receptive about the idea and asked for further info on the application process. Today Dr. B asked what my plans are with Dr. A's lab. Dr. B basically said that they would be happy to have me in their lab and talked about all sorts of potential thesis projects that are available.

Here's a break down of the two profs:

- Dr. A and I get along well and have a lot in common which is why I picked them as my advisor. While they said there would be some work for me to do in the spring, there is no guarantee and it may not lead to a thesis project. Dr. A is spontaneous, so I never know what's around the corner. They also employ a hands-off approach when it comes to students and projects.

- Dr. B is more organized and has allowed me to work and get experience in their lab, knowing that I may not stay in their lab. Dr. B is hands on and loves working with students. Now Dr. B has offered me a spot in their lab.

I'm leaning towards joining Dr. B's lab because (1) I can get started on a thesis project relatively soon, (2) I don't want to waste my first year doing volunteer work that may not lead anywhere, (3) Dr. B is easy-going (and also lives two doors down from me which could be good or bad...)

I'm not sure how to broach this subject with Dr. A. Any suggestions?

[fuzzylogician]

You approach it straight and to the point. Keep the conversation collegial and impersonal. You explain that you've been working on a project in Dr. B's lab (which A should already know) and that you think it's going well and has the potential to develop into a thesis project. Dr B. has offered you a spot in their lab and you'd like to take it, so you can continue working on this project. Thank Dr. A. for their time and investment in you. Ask if you could stay in touch, maybe get help with your NSF grant if that's appropriate, and part ways as friends. If you do it like that, Dr. A. shouldn't get offended. It's understandable that you prefer to pursue an existing option over one that may come up in the future.

[TropicalCharlie]

Thanks Fuzzy. I agree that a straight and to-the-point approach is the way to go. I'm just nervous about it given that I put myself in this awkward position. I will meet with my advisor next week and will let you know how it goes.