Getting Into ResearchPhysics Graduate Student Council8/26/2013

Where to StartGo to a professor’s office

They don’t always return emails (it’s not just you)In person means they know who you are by faceRead papers (but don’t worry if you don’t understand)Ask lots of questions, it shows that you are interested!

Check out the posters outside their office or lab

Talk to older grad studentsSee what life is like in his/her labGet idea about interaction/communication with advisor

Start attending weekly seminars/talksFor example: ENCOMM talks, Astro coffee, CEM talks, IRG-1 and IRG-2 talks

What to Say/Ask Tell them you’re a first year and interested in learning more about their research – its that easy!

Funding - How likely will you be able to get funding by the start of your 3rd year

Can be hard to get direct answersHow many possible openings in next few years

Facilities – office/lab space

Travel – how much traveling is involved in this groupEx: CERN

Graduation Rate/Length – some groups get students out more quickly

Career options

When to start looking for a group?

• Today is not too early!

• Reasons to get into a group early:– Take candidacy exam earlier– Get a GRA earlier– Head start on learning physics in field– Head start on training and learning how to

use equipment– You have more time available for switching

groups if needed– Some fields require 2 years of work with

them before a GRA– You can graduate earlier

How to find an advisor?We provide a list of people actively looking for students

www.pgsc.physics.osu.edu

Not all professors advertise on here. If you are interested in a group go and talk to them.

Talk to older grad students in a group in the field you are interested in

Often know of openings in their group (or lack thereof)

Attend seminar classes and ask questions.

Joining Process Multiple people will be looking at the same group as you

Pursue the research you’re interested in – don’t be intimidated by competing with othersThe sooner you foster a relationship w/ a possible group/advisor, the better If you are not happy in a group, it is okay to switch. The sooner you figure that out, the better

You are allowed to look into multiple groups at the same time.

Keep an open mind about different research areas

Remember: You are not in a group until you are on a GRA

Tentative Research Plan: First Year

Autumn semester: begin talking to groups Talk to professors Attend group meetings and read papers in the field (ask

for recommendations from advisor) Good to shop around

Early spring semester: begin doing some small research project(s) with group

Summer: Department-supported GRA, work on research projects full time and get to know older students in group

2 weeks of vacation Can get additional vacation time with pre-approval from

the department and your adviser.

Do NOT wait until April to find a summer GRA advisor!

Tentative Research Plan: Second Year

Finish classes

Autumn: Switch groups if the group you worked with over summer did no work out

Winter: Talk to advisor about taking candidacy exam

Spring: If you plan to take Candidacy over the summer, begin finding your committee and setting dates

All Year: Work on small research projects to show you’re interested

Summer: Be on GRA and take candidacy exam (if possible)

Good ResourcesDepartment Website: http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/

Course Information Meeting room availability Department News Graduate Wiki

PGSC Website: www.pgsc.physics.osu.edu GRA Information Graduate student events Information specifically for 1st year students

OSU Library Website: http://library.osu.edu/ ISI Web of Knowledge OhioLink Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) Free use of RefWorks and EndNote Web

Paying Quarterly Estimated Taxes:

This is only important for people who do not have taxes removed automatically from their paychecks (ex. fellowship students). If you’re not sure then check your first paycheck. TA and RA appointments have taxes taken out automatically.

You will need to pay 2 sets of estimated taxes. The main pages which provide info on how to calculate how much you should pay are at:

Federal: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Estimated-TaxesOhio: http://www.tax.ohio.gov/ohio_individual/individual/estimated_payments.aspx

Some more IRS info: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/ch01.html#en_US_publink100020737

Quarterly taxes are typically due (check exact dates): mid-April, mid-June, mid-September, mid-January