Programs Working at the center for Computational Quantum Chemistry

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a graduate student seeking to work under Dr. Henry Schafer at the University of Georgia, despite his position in the chemistry department while the student is in physics. The student considers options such as having a physics advisor who collaborates with Dr. Schafer or applying directly to the chemistry department. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of networking and the potential benefits of having a well-known advisor for future career opportunities. The student expresses concerns about contacting Dr. Schafer due to his busy schedule and high citation rate but is encouraged to reach out regardless. After sending two emails without a response, advice is given to wait a few weeks before considering alternative communication methods, such as sending a letter. The discussion highlights the significance of advisor reputation over institutional prestige in certain fields, reinforcing the value of personal connections in academia.
gimak
Messages
56
Reaction score
2
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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 ALOT. 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 ALOT. 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...
 
  • Like
Likes Vanadium 50
  • #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.
 

Similar threads

Quantum Workforce Elements, Toolbox for QIS Programs at Universities
Replies
1
Views
2K
What's the best major between Physics & Chemistry for entering MS in Nuclear Engineering?
Replies
12
Views
2K
Programs Help me decide: physics or chemistry?
Replies
43
Views
7K
Studying Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?
Replies
7
Views
173
Programs Doing a PhD in both computational and experimental condensed matter physics?
Replies
5
Views
3K
Other How can I fill course requirements for Physics Master's program?
Replies
4
Views
881
Programs General Engineering/Chemistry/Biosciences/Physics - what to choose?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Programs Which physics concentration should I declare for my degree?
Replies
7
Views
2K
2nd BSc or MSc in physics for physics-PhD in top program in USA
Replies
28
Views
3K
Programs Need advice about choosing Physics or Chemistry for my Master's degree
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top