Evolutionary Ecology of Fishes Laboratory: Graduate Student Expectations

Beyond the basic course requirements, I have certain expectations of my graduate students, as follows.

1. My students will engage in publication-quality research. The research topic will be worked out in collaboration with myself. This kind of research requires a minimum of 10-20 hours a week devoted JUST to research (this is in addition to classes, working, etc).
2. I expect my students to present their research at as many conferences, symposia, student research competitions, etc as possible. If you are shy, get over it. I will teach you how to present effectively. Our lab has a strong history of making excellent presentations, winning student awards, etc. I can teach you how, but you must be willing to learn.
3. I expect to be involved in the intellectual development of the research and to provide guidance throughout. I expect the student to be the primary author on this work with me as a co-author. The work will be submitted for publication, prior to graduation.
4. I expect my students to seek out and apply for any available sources of funding to assist in their graduate career such as small research grants.
5. The student will be involved in the operation, maintenance and development of the lab and laboratory group. This includes helping maintain the fish room and other facilities.
6. I expect the student to be motivated to complete the program in a reasonable period of time. My goal is for students to finish in 2.5 years. This is not always possible, but the key point is that the student must be working toward this goal.
7. I expect the student to keep me informed of their progress. This will involve regular one-on-one meetings and thrice-yearly progress reports detailing exactly what they have done and what they intend to do.
8. I expect each student to recognize and understand that doing a Masters degree is not just about getting something done; it is about being part of our research lab and being part of the Department and University. I expect students to contribute to the betterment of each and all of these in any way that they can, e.g., assisting fellow students, volunteering for such things as Open House, serving on departmental committees if possible. Our lab has a history of involvement in student leadership.

To ensure that all students understand these expectations, each student must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prior to joining the lab. The purpose of this document is to spell out the requirements and expectations for prospective graduate students. Here is the MOU. Please read it before inquiring about joining the lab.

CSUS BIO SCI