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turning back to square 1


Recently, I have started applying to graduate schools for a PhD. I have received one rejection letter already. It was written in a very ,say, measured (if that is the right word) way such that it only pulls you by a thin thread from falling off into a deep cliff of depression. It was a really nice and kind gesture. Others had specified that they will get back if they would like to interview me. Fair enough. But for me, this experience marks the beginning of the second most faced situations in the life of researchers-getting rejected. From journals, editors, publishers etc etc. (concentrated optimism dripping all over, I know)The first one is, in my honest opinion, is the developing a habit of contesting an idea.

 I had joined The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, in 2016 for a PhD program and did a Molecular Dynamics simulation project. This is more of physics than what I had imagined. The techniques and training people need to do this kind of job is very different from what I have done in Master's thesis (protein purification and crystallization).

 Now, just like many other places in India, the process involves one year of coursework followed by a project which may or may not result in a PhD thesis. But here they don't have a process of lab rotation which I think most of the biology institutes have(and must have). Turns out that my project is not going to result in a thesis for a number of reasons and I have to look for other opportunities. This time I am going to stick with Biology. It is annoying when you have to go around to find out something that lay next to you :/

 So, anyway, the purpose of writing this is to put what I am thinking at 2 AM everyday into words. Everyone knows what are the rational choices at this point in the career are. It is the stressful time that passes very slowly. As far as the question of the research institutes, labs to  apply to is concerned, I believe that even if we start from small facilities, it takes time and effort to build up and grow. Of course, people who take off from better places get better opportunities down the line but that cannot belittle the effort that scientists in smaller towns make and contribute to science. I think more public engagement can solve these issues. India is doing much better in this generation than the previous one in this regard.

Comments

  1. Unknown26 November 2018 at 18:08

    So did you get a chance to start your research this year ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deepika6 September 2019 at 03:59

      Hey Ashwin! Sorry for replying so late. I started as a Project student at RCB, Faridabad few months back.

      Delete

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