"Interesting" research background, but dated
Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 1:44 pm
Hi All,
I am getting ready to start my applications to physics PhD programs in the fall (see my profile). However, given that research experience is extremely important, I am concerned that my only relevant physics research was in 2001 helping automate an experiment for measuring electron spin relaxation times in doped semiconductor nanocrystals. I had also participated in research for applied math in 2003 and did a masters project in 2004 in biological engineering. Since then, I have been in industry as a consulting engineer (now have a Prof. Engineer licencse) in the environmental/civil industry.
My question is whether any of the above would show that I have capacity for complete "independent" research? My main problem is that I have never known enough about a subject to go at it "solo". I am now in a position where I am starting to get that knowledge (via studying on my own), but usually the projects I help with would require advanced graduate corses to do "independently". As such, I have always been in a more of a "helping" role rather than a lead researcher. However, I like the reserach environment and asking and trying to answer questions, so I like the type of work, but I've never had the concentration in knowledge required to do truly "independent" research.
Has anyone here also had this problem yet still got into a PhD progam? Its too late to jump on to any new research, but I know I would like it and good at it, but will any of my experience show this?
Thanks!
I am getting ready to start my applications to physics PhD programs in the fall (see my profile). However, given that research experience is extremely important, I am concerned that my only relevant physics research was in 2001 helping automate an experiment for measuring electron spin relaxation times in doped semiconductor nanocrystals. I had also participated in research for applied math in 2003 and did a masters project in 2004 in biological engineering. Since then, I have been in industry as a consulting engineer (now have a Prof. Engineer licencse) in the environmental/civil industry.
My question is whether any of the above would show that I have capacity for complete "independent" research? My main problem is that I have never known enough about a subject to go at it "solo". I am now in a position where I am starting to get that knowledge (via studying on my own), but usually the projects I help with would require advanced graduate corses to do "independently". As such, I have always been in a more of a "helping" role rather than a lead researcher. However, I like the reserach environment and asking and trying to answer questions, so I like the type of work, but I've never had the concentration in knowledge required to do truly "independent" research.
Has anyone here also had this problem yet still got into a PhD progam? Its too late to jump on to any new research, but I know I would like it and good at it, but will any of my experience show this?
Thanks!