Advising and Mentoring
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. The areas where I can be helpful include:
- Clarifying details about program requirements (link to Guide for Graduate Studies) and expectations, including discussion of exceptional circumstances affecting progress
- Improving interactions between students and advisors to facilitate better communication or more feedback on research progress
- Preparing for post-ABD advisory committee meetings, especially meetings approximately one year from the desired defense date
- Finding strategies to get through periods of low motivation or high pressure
- Discussing long-term career goals and plans
- Preparing for a job search, either industrial or academic, including help with cover letters and CVs
- Helping to identify resources to deal with special needs (either personal or research-related)
- Preparing applications for graduate fellowships, postdoctoral fellowships, or awards
I also serve as ombudsperson for Chemistry graduate students as well as other MCS graduate students who would like to seek confidential assistance on academic or personal concerns. (Policy on Ombudspersons for Graduate Affairs)
Additional Links
- Useful college policies on degrees and dissertation committees
- Additional university policies for topics such as leaves of absence and in absentia status