choosing graduate mentor

[S. Chakrabarty]

On 12 Feb 1995, Tiamariaaa wrote:

> The problem is that I am very clear about the type of research
> I want to do, but there isn't anyone doing exactly that.  A lab
> or two comes close, however, but I _really_ like and respect
> the director of a third lab which is involved with something
> other than my main interest.

It is always better to have different interests and be flexible as 
certain procedures that you may come across in the lab doing work in 
another aspect of your field is what you might require to use in the 
longrun.

> So-what is the most important thing to go by at this point 
> in the game?  Get into the lab doing work in the area of my
> interest?  Or try to get into a lab with a great mentor and
> hope to post-doc in the field of my interest?

Use this program to learn more about the subject and the various 
procedures that you may really put to use in future work. It is easy to 
come up with new ideas, but very difficult to design protocols if 
youaren't very adept with the procedures

> I should say that the whole reason I am going to grad school
> is because I want to "devote my life" to my interest, and 
> don't really want to study something different (the difference
> is like between studying Substance P and studying dopamine-
> similar in technique, maybe, but different in the long haul).

I hope this does help you intaking adecision.I too have faced the same 
dilemna but,am now enjoying my work in the field that's closest
to what I intend to do in future.

Samit.