Getting Into Research Physics Graduate Student Council 8/26/2013

Where to Start Go to a professor’s office They don’t always return s (it’s not just you) In person means they know who you are by face Read 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 students See what life is like in his/her lab Get idea about interaction/communication with advisor Start attending weekly seminars/talks For 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 3 rd year Can be hard to get direct answers How many possible openings in next few years Facilities – office/lab space Travel – how much traveling is involved in this group Ex: 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 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 others The 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 Resources Department Website: Course Information Meeting room availability Department News Graduate Wiki PGSC Website: GRA Information Graduate student events Information specifically for 1 st year students OSU Library Website: 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: Employed/Estimated-Taxeshttp:// Employed/Estimated-Taxes Ohio: nts.aspx nts.aspx Some more IRS info: k k Quarterly taxes are typically due (check exact dates): mid-April, mid-June, mid-September, mid-January