Common Q&A for 1st Years

General Questions as a First Year Graduate Student

Please note that these are general questions.
The UCI Chemistry Current Student page is an excellent resource for current graduate students if you have any specific questions.

Research/Academics

Q: What are rotations and how do I ‘rotate’?
A: Rotation is a formal way to know your prospective lab and to get familiar with the projects you will work on if you join a group. Expectations for rotations vary depending on the field of study and labs. It is always best to ask the graduate students/PI for rotation expectations. This year, all rotations will be conducted virtually. 1st-years (regardless of track) will undergo 4 rotations, each 3 weeks in length.

Q: I’m interested in another group that is not on my rotation schedule. Can I still rotate with them?
A: You are not limited to the groups that are on your rotation schedule. If you are interested in a lab, contact the professor and express your interest. Meet with the PI (over Zoom) and set up an additional rotation or go to their group meetings. There are more ways to get to know a group besides rotation!
For a link to the group meeting schedules for all labs, click here. (**link upcoming)

Q: What kinds of questions should I ask during rotations?
A: Below are examples of questions you may want to ask, but please note that this is not an exhaustive list. We recommend asking the graduate students to a 1-on-1 meeting (via Zoom) , but we understand that it is not feasible for some labs.

Questions for Prospective PIs While Rotating:

What are the current projects being funded in your lab?
What is the funding for the projects in your lab?
Does the group attend confernces and which conferences are memeberrrs suggested to attend?
If I join your lab what are my expectations as a graduate student?
What are the expecations for teaching and how do your students balance this with reaserch? (If your interested in teaching)
What Is the major acreer opath of your students (ie. industry, national lab, academia, etc.)
What would you say is your mentorship style?
What are the major safety concerns present in your lab and how do you address these concerns? (if you’re interested in safety)

Questions for graduate students while rotating:

What are the hourly expecations for the week?
In general what are the expecations of the lab?
How often are Group meetings and how are they structured?
What are the classes you have taken, expected classes to take, and which are related to your research?
What are some pros and cons of working with your PI?
Do you feel supported and encouraged by your PI and Group members?

General Questions:

Q: I talked to a professor before coming to UCI and am already “in a lab” – should I still rotate?
A: You should definitely put in effort to rotate will all of the groups on your schedule. Even if you have a mutual understanding with a prospective PI, your official group assignment will not be finalized until after rotations are completed (mid-Winter Quarter). So, give it your all for your 4 rotations! Who knows, you might find a group that you like more than the original group! This actually happens quite frequently.

Q: How do I know which classes to sign up for?
A: Contact your area advisor. Tentative course plans should be provided to you at Orientation.
Atmospheric/Analytical – Dr. Jim Smith (jimsmith@uci.edu)
Inorganic – Dr. Bill Evans (wevans@uci.edu)
Materials/ChaMP – Dr. Shane Ardo (ardo@uci.edu)
Organic/ChemBio – Dr. Chris Vanderwal (cdv@uci.edu), Dr. David van Vranken (david.vv@uci.edu)
Physical/Theory/Computation – Dr. Eric Potma (epotma@uci.edu)

Q: I am thinking about switching labs. Who should I talk to?
A: Contact Morgan Sibley, Dr. Craig Martens, or your area advisor. Talk to your mentor and see where they guide you. It is also helpful to talk to the graduate students in your lab and to other students in the program who have switched labs.

Mental Health

Q: What are some fun things to do off-campus or on the weekends?

A: Here are some favorites:

Farmers markets by Mariners Church on Saturrday morning.
beach days at Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, crystal cove state park.( List of local beaches in Orange county here .)
Trail running at Bommer Ridge.
Cycling/ running at Back bay.
UCI barclay Theatre Dance, and Music shows. (Chjap tickts and sometimes free for students! More info here.
Climbing at Sender One
Camping at Mt. San Jacinto
Great food!
**cannot guarantee these things are available/open during COVID-19

Q: How do I make an appointment at the counseling center?
A: Follow the directions on this page to make an appointment at the counseling center.
https://counseling.uci.edu/services/appointments.html

Q: How can I get referred for off-campus therapy/counseling?
A: Call the Counseling center at 949.824.6457 and ask to make an appointment for referrals off-campus. Generally, someone from the counseling center will call you at your appointment time and discuss your needs for a therapist and will refer you to 3 therapists. You can ask to find ones close to campus if you do not have means of transportation or one that is farther away.

Q: I am worried about therapy/counseling sessions being expensive. How much does it cost?
A: Great question to ask the counseling center when making your appointment. We found that our hourly sessions are $10-15 out of pocket with UC SHIP.

Q: How do I talk to about support in hrad school outside of the chemistry department?
A: you can make an appointment with Phoung Luong at the wellness center ort speak with any mmebers on the wlnnes team here.

Physical Health

Q: Where is the best low cost place to get exercise?
A: The Anteater recreation center (ARC) is a grrat space for exercse both indoor and outdoor, plus its included thoughout the year (excludes summer).

Q: Are there prescription lab glasses?
A: Yes! they are at no cost all you have to do is make an appointment online and have your PI fill out a form. Here is more information about the program.

Q: Do we as students have access to other health srvices (ie. chiropractor)
A: Yes! If you contact the student health center there are a variety of options such as seeing a chiropractor and physical therapists. You can even get free shoe inserts. More information here.