Advice from our graduates

Advice, insight, and words of wisdom. Here, we have compiled departing words from the graduates of our group so that incoming students can learn from their experiences and start their graduate student careers on the right foot.

 

Erik Askin, PhD in 2024

1. All data is meaningful- don’t overlook seemingly trivial details.

2. Heed the advice of those who came before you- We all learn things on our own but, if you can, take time to internalize the wisdom of previous generations.

3. Don’t spread yourself too thin- early on I struggled with quarter-efforting 4 projects but I saw much better direction and success when I gave full attention to 1 or 2.


 

Alice Zheng, PhD in 2024

1. Take charge of your projects and be self-motivated- Analyze the data, even the seemingly “bad” ones and write down what you learned. Learn how to find relevant papers and read them before, during and after working on experiments.

2. “Life is tough, that’s its stuff.” - We are but fledglings to the universe and the realms yonder, the microcosm and what lies beyond the indivisible. Be humble but brave. Explore. Seek truths.


 

Matthew Drummer, PhD in 2023

1. Don't listen to other's - I’ve heard some people say, “Don’t worry about your grade in this class, only research matters.” But I don’t see it that way. Work as hard as you can, get as good of grades as you can, people will notice and you will be rewarded.

2. Making connections and collaborating - Making connections and collaborating- don’t shy away from opportunities to work with people outside your institution. Present to them, share with them


 

Ravindra Weerasooriya, PhD in 2021

1. Never struggle on your own - If you hit a wall in your research, talk to people about it. Your fellow group members and your supervisor are there to help you and there is no shame in asking for help.

2. Never give up! - Set realistic goals for yourself and don't give up until you've reached those goals.


 

Marija Zoric, PhD in 2021

1. You can never be too curious - When reading the literature, question all experiments and conclusions you see in the paper.

2. Do not become too narrow-minded - When doing research, do not be too focused on your aim, but explore other research directions as well.

3. Maintain thick skin - Do not take manuscript rejections personally.


 

Varun Singh, PhD in 2021

1. Be patient - Good things take time.

2. Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone - This is where you will grow.