Rotation Issue

[diamedic17]

Hi!!

 

So I have a question and thought maybe I'd come on here for some advice.

 

I'm currently doing my rotations and have been hearing rumors (a 3rd year grad student, and a post-doc from the lab in question) that my 3rd (and final) rotation is not going to be taking students this year.  The PI has taken 3 rotation students on from my program and he has not mentioned this whatsoever to either of us.  Unfortunately when I set up the rotation I did not ask him if he'd be taking students because I assumed (incorrectly and naively) that he wouldn't take a rotation student if he wasn't going to allow any in his lab.  I know he has funding because he is the PI on a huge grant within the program among a few others as well.  I'm worried because I wasn't a big fan of my first rotation.  I loved the people and atmosphere but it wasn't what I thought it would be on the science end of things and I just wasn't as passionate about it as I would like.  This means if my 3rd rotation isn't taking students, I'm basically putting all of my eggs in one basket with my 2nd rotation.  I'm very interested in the research and extremely excited about it but I don't want to have only one option.  A few people have said to just directly ask the PI if he's taking students but I don't know if it's bad form seeing that I've already set up the rotation.  Any suggestions???

[rising_star]

I'm not in the sciences but it doesn't strike me as bad form. Because really, if the PI isn't taking new students, it would behoove you to try to make different arrangements for your 3rd rotation so that you are in a lab that will be taking students, rather than spending your time in one that won't.

[Eigen]

Directly ask. 

 

Faculty will take rotation students even if they don't have room, as rotations serve a dual purpose: they expose you to a different lab, and give you a chance to learn techniques as well as letting you see if you fit in the lab. 

 

If you're interested in the 3rd lab (I assume you are), especially if it's your first choice, now is a good time to sit down with the PI and inquire about joining the lab permanently, and see if they have space. 

[diamedic17]

Thanks guys...I will go and ask him next week.  I appreciate it!!

[LMac]

Just agreeing with previous posts. I went through this exactly last month. I directly asked the PI and when he said he didn't think he would be taking students, I told him thank you but I need to use my third rotation on a lab that will be taking a student. I believe that as long as you give a bit of notice, they should understand.