In February and March, we will be rolling out a series of programs and support for PhD students designed to help them choose their thesis lab wisely.
Over the years, we have consistently heard that many students leave rotations feeling unsure. They are uncertain how to evaluate their rotation experiences or they wish they had known what questions to ask while they were still rotating.
In response, we are offering the following support:
1. February 3: Office hours + community support
On February 3 (12–1 pm), we are hosting Conducting Successful Rotations Office Hours, a virtual community-focused session designed to support first-year students as they navigate their rotations. Register on Handshake
This session will:
- Bring together first-year students and more senior trainees
- Create space for an OCPD-facilitated peer-to-peer guidance session with shared learning
- Surface the questions students wish they had asked earlier
- Help participants think more intentionally about how to use their remaining rotation time
2. March 18: Choosing a thesis lab workshop
We will host a follow-up session on March 18: Choosing a Thesis Lab. (registration on Handshake coming soon!)
Matt Arvedson (one of our senior career peer leaders and a 5th year BMS student) and the team, will be leading an in-person conversation and offering 1:1 support for students who want help thinking through their options. These conversations focus on helping students clarify their priorities, reflect on their experiences, and prepare for conversations with potential advisors. Students will:
- Discuss and consider their rotation experiences
- Evaluate their different options in relation to their professional goals
- Consider what additional questions they may have and how to answer them
3. Resources: Choosing a successful thesis lab landing page
For students who want support in considering their options, but don't want a lot of people interaction, we've got something for them as well. They can check out a whole page of resources on how to select a thesis lab! Developed in collaboration with Assistant Dean D’Anne Duncan, this guide helps students think more intentionally about:
- What to observe during a rotation
- How to reflect on fit, mentorship, and lab culture
- What information to gather before making a thesis lab decision
Our goal is for every student to have with the information, decision-making skills and support they need to choose a thesis lab where they can remain, progress, and succeed.