Advising and Mentoring
As Associate Head of Chemistry
Graduate students in Chemistry should consider me as a source of support and mentoring in addition to their research advisor and advisory committee members. I'm also happy to help advisors in supporting their students' progress through the program and beyond. As Co-Chair of the Graduate Program Committee, I deal with many of the day-to-day or urgent questions that come up.
Understanding Ph.D. requirements
- Providing general information about available options, procedures, and timelines during the process of joining a research group
- Clarifying details about program requirements and expectations, including discussion of exceptional circumstances affecting progress
Dealing with difficult times:
- Advising on interactions between students and advisors to facilitate better communication or more feedback on research progress
- Finding strategies to get through periods of low motivation or high pressure
- Helping to identify resources to deal with special needs (either personal or research-related)
Graduation planning:
- Preparing for post-ABD advisory committee meetings, especially meetings approximately one year from the desired defense date in preparation to graduate
- Preparing for a job search, either industrial or academic, including help with cover letters and CVs
Career/Professional Development
- Preparing applications for graduate fellowships, postdoctoral fellowships, or awards
- Discussing long-term career goals and plans
As Graduate Ombudsperson
I also serve as ombudsperson for graduate students who would like to seek confidential assistance on academic or personal concerns. Please note that students should indicate when making an appointment if the matter involves confidentiality and ombudsperson. For example:
- Students may wish to discuss ideas to handle communication problems within their group or other circumstances that are affecting their academic progress.
- Students who are experiencing personal, health or family difficulties that are affecting their academic progress may seek help to identify resources and options to assist them.
Useful Links
- Carnegie Mellon University Graduate Education web site, including university policies relevant to graduate students (e.g. leave of absence, in absentia status) and a variety of professional development resources http://www.cmu.edu/graduate/
- Mellon College of Science policies on degrees and dissertation committees