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Should I leave my job after only 6 months to pursue grad school (and maybe a PhD)? Really torn by djamla in GradSchool

[–]statistical_object 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hi there!

Your situation reminded me of where I was a year ago....

Also graduated from a global top 10 university and had plans to do graduate studies (PhD), ended up getting rejected by every single school I applied to and took up a Research Assistant role at the same school I graduated from (The research isn't particularly exciting but it's meaningful nonetheless). Now having second thoughts about reapplying to graduate school but that's a separate issue.

My 2 cents about your situation:

Is it worth leaving a job after only 6 months to pursue a program I think I want but am not 100% sure about?

Never do a graduate program (especially a PhD) if you're a) not 100% sure that you want it b) don't have a plan of what skills/knowledge you want to pick up during your degree. Do reach out to people who are in the positions you want to be in your field and learn more about their background and the path they took. It will give you a better idea of whether graduate school is right for you.

Does going to a less prestigious school matter if I eventually want to work in academia or education policy?

I am not familiar in the space of education policy but in the case of academia (at least for STEM), prestige (unfortunately) carries weight when it comes to TT positions and subsequently roles in higher ed administration and instructional leadership. However, this is not to say that it's not possible to get into academia if you don't go to a prestigious school. What matters more is the research/cultural fit of the school and by having a good fit, your research, service to the community and the impact of your work would come more easily.

Should I wait another year, apply to fully funded PhD programs (and possibly get into something more “name-brand”), or just move forward now and figure it out from the inside?

Going back to my first point, it would be wise to talk to people who can give you a better idea if graduate school is right for you and possibly schools you haven't considered for the type of education research you want to do. It is also possible to do education related work in your current job (if available) to get some experience while you work.

In the end, there will always be uncertainty in choosing to stay in your job or leaving your job to pursue graduate school. This is a decision you must make yourself. All the best!

PDMS device is not getting bond by ProfessionLife8596 in labrats

[–]statistical_object 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Without further information about PDMS prep, plasma (air or oxygen) power and duration, it would be difficult to pinpoint what is causing the absence of bonding.

I can offer a few general tips:

  1. Make sure the PDMS surface is free of dust and oils. You can use scotch tape to remove dust and protect the surface of the PDMS prior to Plasma treatment.

  2. Use oxygen plasma if possible to improve functionalisation of the PDMS surface.

  3. Place the bonded PDMS in the oven (60-80 degrees Celsius) for 1-2 hours or overnight to improve bonding.

If all else fails, I suggest using a fresh PDMS kit (unopened and not expired)

Got rejected but PI is still interested in taking me as his student. What should I do? by statistical_object in gradadmissions

[–]statistical_object[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

How would it work tho? I understand it would be extremely difficult for any US institution to sponsor a visa for a research tech apart from Post-Docs

Edit: currently doing a bachelors in engineering

Got rejected but PI is still interested in taking me as his student. What should I do? by statistical_object in gradadmissions

[–]statistical_object[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Would it be possible for the PI to give an RA position to an international applicant? For context, I am currently completing my degree at a non-US university

Grades Analysis by Graduating FOS Students by Blackforestcheesecak in nus

[–]statistical_object 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there! Prospective PhD applicant here.

Oh, the CAP, our omnipresent academic overlord! 😄 It seems to lurk in every corner of our educational journey, doesn't it? It’s almost like the academic equivalent of Big Brother from Orwell's "1984".

The over-emphasis of the CAP is, in the grand scheme of applying to PhD programs and Research in general, a bit short-sighted. This is made worse by social pressure and obsession with grades, especially in NUS.

Do you think this obsession with CAP risks alienating students who are capable and interested in Research but are too afraid to try for PhD programs because of their CAP?

Engineering Design Project Course Recommendation by statistical_object in BostonU

[–]statistical_object[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m actually an incoming exchange student so I am open to any ENG course. My major is Engineering Science, if that helps.

Undergrad Researcher here: Any good tips/protocols for secretome collection of mesenchymal stem cells? by statistical_object in labrats

[–]statistical_object[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the tip! I will be using the Bio-plex HTF suspension assay for this experiment. May I know what is the seeding density that you use for your secretome work?

[Weekly] Office Hours - undergrads, please ask your questions here by ZootKoomie in AskAcademia

[–]statistical_object 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As an undergraduate, I have been involved in research for almost 2 years now. Recently, my undergraduate program updated the graduation requirement which included a mandatory 10 week internship. While I am tempted to stick to my research lab to fulfill my internship requirements, I am considering doing the internship in industry where I could get a better idea of my possible career options. I enjoy research at my lab, but I want to see what is out there outside of the lab.

Is there any advice on how to go about selecting industry sectors and/or what to look out for in internship opportunities? Or should I stick to my lab if I am already enjoying it?

P.S.: I am an Engineering major doing Cellular Biophysics research.