We strive to be a group that values inclusivity and takes advantage of the bonus that comes from diverse opinions, backgrounds, and experiences.
The principles we operate under can be stated as:
"Academically the volcano group is involved in a range of topics and techniques and I will work to identify your strength, build them up while also helping with any weaknesses."
"On a personal level, we all have the need to recharge and follow other passions besides our love for volcanoes. Finding that individual balance is important."
"Personal goals vary, there is no single path to success."
A few thoughts on philosophies that I’d like to establish as a graduate advisor:
These thoughts have evolved out of experience as a graduate student myself and by watching advisor/student relationships and by talking to both sides over the years. My experience is that often problems arise purely because of poor communication or expectations being different between the advisor and the student. Needless to say that communication is not always going to be enjoyable …, but probably ensures a long-term harmonious working relationship. Maybe all of this is common sense to you, but you would be surprised how things sometimes evolve in the wrong direction. Of course for every unfortunate development, there are many many more good examples.
"Academically the volcano group is involved in a range of topics and techniques and I will work to identify your strength, build them up while also helping with any weaknesses."
"On a personal level, we all have the need to recharge and follow other passions besides our love for volcanoes. Finding that individual balance is important."
"Personal goals vary, there is no single path to success."
A few thoughts on philosophies that I’d like to establish as a graduate advisor:
These thoughts have evolved out of experience as a graduate student myself and by watching advisor/student relationships and by talking to both sides over the years. My experience is that often problems arise purely because of poor communication or expectations being different between the advisor and the student. Needless to say that communication is not always going to be enjoyable …, but probably ensures a long-term harmonious working relationship. Maybe all of this is common sense to you, but you would be surprised how things sometimes evolve in the wrong direction. Of course for every unfortunate development, there are many many more good examples.
- My commitment and expectations
- I strive to be available for questions, discussion, and concerns at all times: Always reach out to me if you need to talk, I am there to help! Knock at my door, send me an email, …
- Through time, I expect that you become the expert, that you take full ownership of your project(s) and that I turn into a sounding board for ideas that you develop. Of course, this applies mostly to PhD students, for Master’s students this is not my expectation. But I hope you develop a clear sense of ownership, while I give guidance on how to proceed.
- Please give me feedback on how I am doing as advisor. Where and how can I make your life better as a graduate student?
- I hope you teach me in the process as well. As a Master’s student this again, is not a major point, but I sure hope that I learn from you. Again, this shows that you really think about your work and explore your own ideas.
- Publications
- Publications are a central part of being part of the scientific community. Of course, everything you work on is yours to take credit, which means lead authorship. As a Master’s student this may be a big challenge and we can work together on how this gets accomplished. I have an expectation that you try hard to be the primary person writing it, but I understand that this is a hard and difficult process in the beginning. In the extreme case that you move on and the vast majority of the writing falls on my shoulders, we may discuss whether it is appropriate to have you only as a co-author.
- Did I mention that papers are important in our field? Therefore, feel free to put things on paper early and often. Keep a good record of your work. Nothing is more annoying than a murky memory of what was done or even worse mix ups between samples/procedures/data. I prefer if you “loose” time by being careful and document your work, then if you rush along. We all make mistakes; it is best, if we own them and have a way to clean them up.
- Accountability goes both ways … nothing can be more frustrating than an advisor that does not turn around manuscripts in a reasonable time frame. I will always try to get them back to you within two weeks.
- If you ever feel like you have made contributions to other manuscripts and you are not recognized properly (through co-authorship): Speak up! I am the last that would not want to acknowledge your contribution.
- Networking and conferences
- Exposure and networking is another key for success.
- If you want to go to a meeting/workshop talk to me early; we can discuss, if it is useful and how to fund it. I expect that you present some of your work, thus having some results is a pre-requisite.
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- I will cover the cost as much as I can. Whenever you budget a trip: please, be reasonable! It is important to establish rules on what is covered and what is not (let's talk).
- Please remind me of these points, if I forget to follow them. Rarely, there may be specific reasons, why I might not follow these guidelines, in which case it is always best to clarify what is going on.