Working at the center for Computational Quantum Chemistry

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of seeking a Ph.D. position at the Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry at the University of Georgia, particularly under the supervision of Dr. Henry Schafer, a professor in the chemistry department. Participants explore the implications of departmental affiliations, the importance of networking, and strategies for contacting potential advisors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether they can work with Dr. Schafer as a physics graduate student and considers the possibility of having a physics advisor while including Dr. Schafer on their thesis committee.
  • Another participant suggests that contacting Dr. Schafer could be beneficial, as professors often collaborate across departments.
  • There is a concern about Dr. Schafer's availability and whether he is accepting new Ph.D. students, with some participants emphasizing the need to inquire directly.
  • One participant reflects on the perceived advantages of working with a well-known researcher and the potential impact on future career opportunities, questioning the importance of the advisor's reputation versus the institution's name.
  • Several participants discuss the lack of response from Dr. Schafer after multiple attempts to contact him, with suggestions ranging from sending a physical letter to considering moving on if there is no reply.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of contacting potential advisors but express differing opinions on the implications of Dr. Schafer's lack of response and the best course of action moving forward. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take in light of the unanswered emails.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential impact of the holiday season on response times and the uncertainty surrounding Dr. Schafer's availability for new students. There is also a lack of consensus on the significance of institutional prestige versus advisor reputation in academic career advancement.

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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