Professor is new to school and does not have any students in his lab yet. I'd be one of the first. Cause for concern? Master's program in marine bio.

[BattlePope]

Hi guys,

 

So I have been applying to Master's programs (marine biology/population ecology) and have a quick question. One of my potential advisor's is new to the school and does not have any graduate students in his lab yet. If I choose to go to this school, I would be one of his first students (he's accepting 3 students total). How big of a deal is this? Obviously, I would love to go work for a professor that is a big name and has a ton of students in his/her lab but right now, this is what I've got. I like him and the work that he does but am a little bit worried that I would be one of his first students. Is this a legitimate concern? I don't think he's a huge name in the field (although I don't really know who is and who isn't so he might be) but he has worked at some great institutions in the past. I feel that as long as I work my hardest and get some stuff published it shouldn't be a problem but I was curious to see what you guys thought.

 

Thanks!

[Queen of Kale]

I think it's a big risk, high reward prospect.  You might need to be more independent but as your professor attempts to have the best possible case for tenure he will also have an extra invested interest in your success.  He just might be spread a little thin.  If you believe in his research and the department doesn't have a history of leading people on (tenure-wise) I would take a leap of faith.  

 

Strangely, I've noticed a large number of my professors over the years have been "1st students" and I wonder if they benefitted from the independence and extra push to publish early that this situation can create.  In either case - good luck!