Programs Working at the center for Computational Quantum Chemistry

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the process of working under Dr. Henry Schafer at the University of Georgia's Computational Quantum Chemistry center. The original poster, a physics master's student, seeks advice on whether to contact Dr. Schafer regarding potential Ph.D. supervision despite being in a different department. Key points include the importance of reaching out to Dr. Schafer to determine if he is accepting new students and the potential for a joint appointment across departments. The consensus emphasizes the value of networking and the significance of a well-regarded advisor in advancing one's academic career.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ph.D. program structures in academia
  • Familiarity with the role of academic advisors in graduate studies
  • Knowledge of interdisciplinary collaboration between departments
  • Awareness of the importance of networking in academic career advancement
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application process for the University of Georgia's chemistry and physics departments
  • Learn about the role of joint appointments in academia
  • Explore strategies for effective academic networking
  • Investigate the impact of advisor reputation on career opportunities in academia
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Graduate students in physics or chemistry, prospective Ph.D. candidates, and anyone interested in navigating academic advisor relationships and interdisciplinary studies.

gimak
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Hello,

I'd like to work in the above named center at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia under Dr. Henry Schafer. However, he's a professor in the chemistry department. I'm guessing if I go in the university as a physics graduate student I can't have him as a Ph.D advisor. However, is another way around this getting a physics advisor who works closely with him and then having him on my thesis committee? Or are there other options? Or should a apply to the chemistry department as a grad student? Note that I'm currently working on my masters degree in physics and want to transfer there in a year or 2.
 
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Have you contacted him? What did he say?
 
I didn't contact him yet. I think that since he's busy (he's one of the highest cited scientists in world has 15 grad students and is professor emertus at Berkley), he won't have time or my just tell me to just apply. Should I still contact him? Other options?
 
A lot of chemistry and physics professors have worked together in other places, if you contact him and go see him, when you decide to transfer he might help grease the skids.
 
gimak said:
I didn't contact him yet. I think that since he's busy (he's one of the highest cited scientists in world has 15 grad students and is professor emertus at Berkley), he won't have time or my just tell me to just apply. Should I still contact him? Other options?
(1) What's the harm in contacting him?

(2) You should find out whether he's even accepting new PhD students.

(3) Professors often formally hold joint appointments in two or more depts. Even if there is not a formal arrangement, some schools might allow a case-by-case exception for an advisor in another dept. You won't know until you ask.
 
gimak said:
Should I still contact him?

And if you go to all the trouble of getting in to Georgia only to discover he's not taking students, then what? Talk to him.
 
Ok thanks! I'll definitely contact him. Another question. I'm looking to transfer there because it seems less competitive than say, Harvard/Columbia. Also, if I do get there and work under him, since he's a world-renounced researcher (one of the highest cited in world), it seems that having his recommendation for a job/academia would help me a lot. Also, I'm genuinely interested in his work. Additionally, the 'do you want to be a physicist thread' states (I think) that who you know/who PhD advisor is has more importance than where you go. Is my logic sound or flawed?
 
gimak said:
Ok thanks! I'll definitely contact him. Another question. I'm looking to transfer there because it seems less competitive than say, Harvard/Columbia. Also, if I do get there and work under him, since he's a world-renounced researcher (one of the highest cited in world), it seems that having his recommendation for a job/academia would help me a lot. Also, I'm genuinely interested in his work. Additionally, the 'do you want to be a physicist thread' states (I think) that who you know/who PhD advisor is has more importance than where you go. Is my logic sound or flawed?
I would phrase it this way: If you continue on in the same field of research, the reputation of a well-established advisor will take precedence over the name of the school. If you transition to a different field, however, a brand-name school can help further your career.
 
Ok I sent him an email & he didn't respond. Should I try again or take this as a sign he's too busy to have me as a grad student?
 
  • #10
gimak said:
Ok I sent him an email & he didn't respond. Should I try again or take this as a sign he's too busy to have me as a grad student?
it is the holidays, he might be taking some time off...
 
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  • #11
Update: He didn't respond to the 1st email. So I sent him a 2nd email a week ago and he hasn't responded. Any advice?
 
  • #12
gimak said:
Update: He didn't respond to the 1st email. So I sent him a 2nd email a week ago and he hasn't responded. Any advice?
If he doesn't respond after 3 weeks from when you sent the second email, send him a snail mail.
 

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