PERC 2024 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | "It was awkward to leave, and I wish it wasn't": Physics PhD students' perceptions about switching research groups |
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| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Abstract: | When physics PhD students struggle in their research group, one option is to switch advisors. However, the way physics students approach changing groups is not well understood. Using interview data from 19 physics PhD students who considered switching research groups, we explore the experiences that motivated them to think about switching and the factors that influenced their ability to switch. About half of interviewees were motivated to switch by negative group experiences, while others considered changing if they believed another group could offer them a better research experience. However, students were commonly discouraged from switching due to feelings of obligation to their advisor, a sense of security in their current group, and a lack of clear expectations and procedures. Minimizing these barriers is important for supporting graduate students who wish to change into a group that improves their chance to persist and thrive in their programs. |
| Session Time: | Poster Session 2 |
| Poster Number: | B08 |
| Contributed Paper Record: | Contributed Paper Information |
| Contributed Paper Download: | Download Contributed Paper |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Mike Verostek University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY 14620 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Casey W. Miller (he/him), Rochester Institute of Technology Benjamin M. Zwickl (he/him), Rochester Institute of Technology |
Contributed Poster | |
| Contributed Poster: | Download the Contributed Poster |
