Gauging Expectations of Prof. for Research

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In summary, the conversation revolves around the individual's plan to get research experience in theoretical physics before applying for a PhD program. They are considering working with professors for free, but have concerns about the differences between working with Ivy League PhD professors at Ivy League research-universities, Ivy League PhD professors at non-Ivy League research-universities, non-Ivy League PhD professors at Ivy League research-universities, and non-Ivy League PhD professors at non-Ivy League research-universities. The other participant in the conversation advises against this plan, stating that it may be difficult to find a professor willing to work with someone not enrolled at their university. They also caution that the individual's expectations for research may
  • #1
bjnartowt
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Hi all, I am about to get my M.S. in physics after next year, and wanted to spend some time doing research in theoretical physics. I understand this can be done at a distance, without being anchored to some lab instrument, of course. So: I am offering my services to professors for free, without funding, hoping to pick up some skills, and study in the meantime. I plan to live with and work for my parents for a year. Hopefully, I'll have published something after that year, and can write that on a PhD-program-application. I might even buy myself a little extra time to study for the Physics GRE.

So...that brings me to my question: in choosing a professor to do research for...what is the differerence between:

1) an Ivy League PhD prof researching at an Ivy League research-university (e.g., prof got their PhD from Harvard, and researches at Harvard)
2) an Ivy League PhD prof researching at a not-Ivy League research-university (e.g., prof got their PhD from Harvard, and researches at Joe-Backwater college)

3) a not Ivy League PhD prof researching at an Ivy League research-university (e.g., prof got their PhD from Joe-Backwater college, and researches at Harvard). This may be a rarer species, of course..
4) a not Ivy League PhD prof researching at a not-Ivy League research-university (e.g., prof got their PhD from Joe-Backwater college, and researches at Joe-Backwater college)


I'm imagining (1) will have crazy expectations, and I won't be able to keep up with them with a state-university graduate physics education (though I'd like to believe I could). I am therefore looking predominently for species (2), and any young professor with displayed passion and humour about their field who is species (2) or (4).

Thanks very much.
b
 
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  • #2
Joe-backwater college?... lol

I think it depends on the person.
 
  • #3
bjnartowt said:
So...that brings me to my question: in choosing a professor to do research for...what is the differerence between:

1) an Ivy League PhD prof researching at an Ivy League research-university (e.g., prof got their PhD from Harvard, and researches at Harvard)
2) an Ivy League PhD prof researching at a not-Ivy League research-university (e.g., prof got their PhD from Harvard, and researches at Joe-Backwater college)

3) a not Ivy League PhD prof researching at an Ivy League research-university (e.g., prof got their PhD from Joe-Backwater college, and researches at Harvard). This may be a rarer species, of course..
4) a not Ivy League PhD prof researching at a not-Ivy League research-university (e.g., prof got their PhD from Joe-Backwater college, and researches at Joe-Backwater college)


I'm imagining (1) will have crazy expectations, and I won't be able to keep up with them with a state-university graduate physics education (though I'd like to believe I could). I am therefore looking predominently for species (2), and any young professor with displayed passion and humour about their field who is species (2) or (4).

None of that matters. And the quality of education isn't as straightforward as you seem to think. Why shouldn't you be able to work with someone that works at an ivy league university? They're still just a person at the end of the day. You would have competition that will make it extremely difficult to get the opportunity but other than that... What matters for research is the person you're working with. It's never as simple as 'ivy league = best' at post-graduate level: different universities specialise in different things. There are hundreds of universities but thousands of subjects. Lots of very small universities do exceptional research - it depends what your subject area is.


I don't think this is a very good plan, either. You have to be realistic. Finding a professor that will guide your research is difficult enough, nevermind trying to find one when you aren't even at a university - nevermind not being at their university. If professors want a student to work with, they'll almost always have an abundant supply at their own institution. You need to remember why they're doing it, too - professors don't help with research because it totally benefits them. It takes them time, and undergrad research output is very slow compared to what they could do themselves. Sure, there will be some numbercrunching etc it would be nice to 'out source' as it were, but that's not why we choose to supervise students.

Choosing theoretical physics because 'you can do it at home' also isn't a good idea. Experimentalists often aren't 'wired to their equipment'. Most experimentalists I work with spend their time analysing data - albeit real-world data rather than a model. Also a lot of theoretical work will involve things like programming - which you couldn't do on your own unless you bought academic licenses for the relevant packages (if it was something like MATLAB).

Also, 1 year to get a publication isn't a long time. I've submitted papers that have taken a year since the initial draft was finished to publish - and it can take a few months of research + a few months of writing to get that draft.

Finally, it might even be against the institutions regulations for a supervisor to take a student that isn't enrolled at the university.
 
  • #4
Hi, thanks for your reply.

fasterthanjoao said:
None of that matters. And the quality of education isn't as straightforward as you seem to think. Why shouldn't you be able to work with someone that works at an ivy league university? They're still just a person at the end of the day.

You're right:they are just a person at the end of the day, and they have runny noses and gas just like the rest of us. But: I'm afraid that I may be left behind in the dust if they are simply too advanced, and have no patience for any ignorance of mine. I'm 27 and am in just my first year of physics, after a big career-switch. I probably can't work with someone who is especially brilliant. I also struggle with depression, and having too large an initial learning curve could just get me overwhelmed. I'm sure I have to climb learning curves wherever I go, but I need my research experience to be a bit more gradual.

fasterthanjoao said:
You would have competition that will make it extremely difficult to get the opportunity but other than that... What matters for research is the person you're working with. It's never as simple as 'ivy league = best' at post-graduate level: different universities specialise in different things. There are hundreds of universities but thousands of subjects. Lots of very small universities do exceptional research - it depends what your subject area is.

To corroborate what you're saying, there's this university in Albany where my friend is doing some pretty cool research. He derived the Schrodinger equation from mathematical hidden variables and some diffusion-stuff. (Don't know the details). It's information-theory, I think. Really neat-o, and that may be "Exceptional" research coming from this no-name physics department.


fasterthanjoao said:
I don't think this is a very good plan, either. You have to be realistic. Finding a professor that will guide your research is difficult enough, nevermind trying to find one when you aren't even at a university - nevermind not being at their university. If professors want a student to work with, they'll almost always have an abundant supply at their own institution. You need to remember why they're doing it, too - professors don't help with research because it totally benefits them. It takes them time, and undergrad research output is very slow compared to what they could do themselves. Sure, there will be some numbercrunching etc it would be nice to 'out source' as it were, but that's not why we choose to supervise students.

It is a risk ... I may be hurting my application to a PhD program by taking a year off without a gaurantee of success and productivity attached to that year. But...do you have a Plan B esque suggestion for publishing something before I start applying to PhD programs?

fasterthanjoao said:
Choosing theoretical physics because 'you can do it at home' also isn't a good idea. Experimentalists often aren't 'wired to their equipment'. Most experimentalists I work with spend their time analysing data - albeit real-world data rather than a model. Also a lot of theoretical work will involve things like programming - which you couldn't do on your own unless you bought academic licenses for the relevant packages (if it was something like MATLAB).

Oh, well, portability of research is not why I picked theoretical physics. I just like having nothing standing between me and simulating Reality than a pen, paper, my imagination, lotsa math, and perhaps, as you say here, a whole lot of computer code. : )



In any event...I just am coming to the end of a summer's worth of research, and realized I did not work at a satisfactory pace because I was still learning a lot of the mindset you need for research. I want to gain more experience doing that. Perhaps, also, if I don't get something published, I could show another professor better skills, and gain at least a letter of recommendation.

My goal right now is to just get better at research before entering into PhD program. I see taking a year off as a possibility, but perhaps that ain't as good an idea as I thought it was. Do you have any other suggestions? :-|
 
  • #5


I can understand your desire to gain research experience in theoretical physics and your plan to offer your services to professors for free. However, I would caution against making assumptions about the expectations of different professors based on their education or institution. While it may be true that an Ivy League professor may have higher expectations, it is not fair to assume that all non-Ivy League professors have lower expectations. In fact, the expectations of a professor may vary greatly depending on their individual research interests and goals.

I would recommend focusing on finding a professor who is actively researching in your area of interest and who is willing to mentor and guide you in your research. It is also important to have open communication with the professor about your goals and expectations for the research experience. This will help ensure that both parties are on the same page and can work together effectively.

In terms of your question about the differences between the four types of professors, it is difficult to generalize. Each professor is unique and it is important to approach them as individuals rather than categorizing them based on their education or institution. Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a professor who is passionate about their research and who is willing to support and guide you in your own research journey. Good luck in your search for a research opportunity.
 

FAQ: Gauging Expectations of Prof. for Research

What is the purpose of gauging expectations of a professor for research?

The purpose of gauging expectations of a professor for research is to gain a clear understanding of what the professor expects from their students in terms of research projects and assignments. This helps students to better prepare for their research and ensures that they meet the professor's expectations.

How can gauging expectations of a professor for research benefit the students?

Gauging expectations of a professor for research can benefit students in several ways. It helps them to understand the grading criteria, format, and scope of the research project, which can improve the quality of their work. It also allows students to plan their time and resources more effectively, leading to better results.

What are some common expectations that professors have for student research?

Some common expectations that professors have for student research include originality and creativity, critical thinking and analysis, proper citation and referencing, adherence to formatting guidelines, and timely submission. They may also expect students to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject matter and to present their research in a clear and organized manner.

How can students clarify expectations with their professor for research?

Students can clarify expectations with their professor for research by asking questions about the project or assignment, seeking feedback on their ideas and progress, and reviewing the course syllabus and assignment guidelines. They can also schedule a meeting with the professor to discuss any concerns or uncertainties they may have.

Are there any potential consequences for not meeting a professor's expectations for research?

Yes, there can be potential consequences for not meeting a professor's expectations for research. This can include a lower grade on the project or assignment, which can affect the overall grade for the course. It can also reflect negatively on the student's academic performance and may impact their relationship with the professor. Therefore, it is important for students to make every effort to meet their professor's expectations for research.

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