Fluid Mechanics/Geology research with geologist useful?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential implications of conducting research in fluid mechanics with a geologist, particularly in relation to graduate program admissions in fields such as astrophysics or high-energy physics (HEP). Participants explore the perceived value of interdisciplinary research and the qualifications of the geologist involved.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern that research with a geologist may be viewed unfavorably by graduate programs in astrophysics or HEP.
  • One participant suggests that research with a physicist or engineer specializing in fluid mechanics might enhance a resume more than research with a geologist.
  • Another participant notes that the geologist in question has a background in physics and atmospheric science, which may lend credibility to their expertise in fluid mechanics.
  • There is skepticism about the geologist's specific involvement in fluid mechanics research and the potential questions that graduate faculty might ask regarding the geologist's qualifications.
  • One participant argues that labels are less important than a record of scholarly achievement, indicating that co-authorship on a relevant paper could mitigate concerns about the geologist's background.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether research with a geologist is advantageous or disadvantageous for graduate program admissions. There are competing views regarding the value of interdisciplinary research and the qualifications of the geologist involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific contributions that a geologist might bring to fluid mechanics research and the criteria that graduate admissions committees prioritize beyond academic credentials.

Lagraaaange
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If I were to do research in fluid mechanics with a geologist, would this be looked down upon by grad programs if I went into, say astrophysics or HEP? I don't know what I want to specialize in yet?
 
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Lagraaaange said:
If I were to do research in fluid mechanics with a geologist, would this be looked down upon by grad programs if I went into, say astrophysics or HEP? I don't know what I want to specialize in yet?
It would probably look better on your resume if you did research in FM with a physicist or engineer who specializes in studying FM. IDK what special skills or insights geology or geologists bring to the table where FM is concerned.

It's not for nothing that Sheldon Cooper refers to his colleagues in the Geology Dept. as "the Rock People". :wink:
 
Well in this case, the geologist has a MS in physics and PhD in atmospheric science.
 
Lagraaaange said:
Well in this case, the geologist has a MS in physics and PhD in atmospheric science.
Still not convinced. What FM research has this geologist himself been involved with?

Look, if you have to explain things in detail to someone like me, what kind of questions do you think the faculty in a grad program is going to ask, assuming, of course, that they think this geologist is the proper mentor for someone studying FM? You'll have to submit this geologist's C.V. and research history along with your own information.
 
Lagraaaange said:
If I were to do research in fluid mechanics with a geologist, would this be looked down upon by grad programs if I went into, say astrophysics or HEP? I don't know what I want to specialize in yet?

My graduate advisor has a PhD in Geology, our work together (while he was a member of the Physics department) was in fluid mechanics, and now he's Dean of an engieering college- labels don't matter.

What does matter to a grad admissions committee (besides grades and test scores) is a record of scholarly achievement. For example, if you are a co-author on a paper that is in a top-rate fluid mechanics journal, nobody will care that you worked with a geologist.
 

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