Working at the center for Computational Quantum Chemistry

[gimak]

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.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Have you contacted him? What did he say?

 

[gimak]

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?

 

[Dr Transport]

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.

 

[CrysPhys]

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.

 

[Vanadium 50]

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.

 

[gimak]

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?

 

[CrysPhys]

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.

 

[gimak]

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?

 

[Dr Transport]

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...

 

[gimak]

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?

 

[CrysPhys]

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.

 

[Dr Transport]

give up and move on