All PhD students and any MS students who intend to do a research-based Thesis Master’s degree must take part in research rotations during their first year of study to familiarize themselves with the research efforts in faculty laboratories.
The academic year is divided into three rotation periods which begin in Mid-September, Early January and Mid-March. During each rotation, students are assigned short research projects to pursue, often in collaboration with another graduate student or postdoctoral fellow.
Students present 10 minute summaries of the results of their research at the end of the rotation. Faculty mentors and other first-year students are encouraged to attend these seminars.
What is the Purpose of Rotations?
Rotations provide an opportunity for students to assess faculty mentors and vice versa, while exposing students to new approaches to research. By actually becoming engaged in research under faculty direction, the student can make a better informed choice of laboratory for PhD and research-based Master’s study.
Rules for Rotations
At least two rotations must be completed with members of the student’s PhD or research-based Master’s program. Students with an earned MS degree are required to complete only two rotations.