PhD Thesis: Searching for the Right Lab

  • Thread starter Thread starter fufu
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Head School
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges of selecting a suitable lab for a PhD thesis, particularly after attending a conference where an inspiring talk was given by a researcher from a prestigious American university. The participant expresses concerns about their competitiveness for admission to top-tier programs despite having good grades. They seek advice on finding alternative labs that align with their research interests and inquire about potential collaborations or connections within the academic community.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of PhD application processes
  • Familiarity with academic networking strategies
  • Knowledge of research collaboration dynamics
  • Awareness of the competitive landscape in academia
NEXT STEPS
  • Research potential labs focusing on similar topics to the inspiring talk
  • Investigate the researcher's collaborators and past students for networking opportunities
  • Explore nearby institutions with relevant programs
  • Learn about academic conferences and how to leverage them for networking
USEFUL FOR

Prospective PhD students, academic researchers, and anyone navigating the complexities of finding a suitable research lab for their thesis work.

fufu
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
So, I've been very busy shopping around for labs to apply to for my Phd thesis. Last week I went to a conference where I heard a talk on a new discovery that really captured me and made me want to to my thesis work there. I looked the guy up and it turns out, he's from one of the top tier American universities. And here's where the problems start. I have close to zero chance of getting into that program. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a bad student. I'm standing on solid ground, with good grades (and a few shortcomings in my educational history), but I'm far enough from being outstanding enough to not even consider applying there.

So I've been looking around for labs that work on similar topics, but haven't had any luck so far. I'm also not able to find any information of collaborations or some such things on the net.
Well, I'm ready to move on and look for something else, but I thought if I laid it all out on here, maybe one of the smart PF members would have another suggestion what to do.

?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, what field are you interested in? What research does the guy who gave you the talk do?
 
Can you look up his collaborators and his past students? friendly competitors?
Is there a nearby institution?
 

Similar threads

Admissions Non-thesis masters in Material Science to Material Science PhD
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Studying My thesis supervisor resigned....
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Other What Makes a Strong PhD Applicant in Physics?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Courses Looking for recommendations for topics for a master's thesis
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Other Am I compatible with a PhD?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Programs Distance/Remote Masters in Computer Science while working before PhD
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Other Switching department of my PhD (keeping same supervisor)
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Admissions Comments on PhD Statement of Purpose
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Other Could/Should I still go for a PhD?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions Plasma Physics PhD from an EE undergrad
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K