Kevin's Advising Philosophy in a Nutshell

Our students are the most valuable product of university, even more so than the research we perform here.  New ideas come and go; students continue to contribute to society for their entire careers.

In addition to the obvious skills required for sound experimental work, success requires the talent to work independently, be a self-starter, write well, and be creative!  I work one-on-one with my students to develop these capabilities.  Although my strategy will be unique for each student and evolve as they progress through the program, in general I try to adhere to the following principles.

• Students should develop their own research ideas.  I help guide the research in directions that I think will have the most impact and likelihood of success, but the Ph.D. program is about learning how to do research.  Taste in selecting a good research project and effective approach are essential skills
• Students should do their own writing.  If students can't express their ideas clearly and persuasively, they won't have impact.  I coach the writing, but generally expect the students to develop initial drafts and revise themselves.
• Students should present their own work.  An effective conference talk is a great advertisement for the student, and I encourage frequent presentations in group meetings to help develop the necessary skills in crafting the slides and delivery.
• Students should be involved in professional activities that are aligned with their career goals.  This develops skills that will be necessary after graduation and helps ensure that students appreciate the various activities their career will entail.  Depending on specific career goals, this includes participation in proposals, reviewing, and reports; organizing workshops and tutorials; releasing open-source tools; and sitting in on various forms of professional meetings whenever possible.
• Students should network.  This includes attending professional events such as conferences, spending time with visiting speakers, and emailing directly with colleagues working on related research (without me as intermediary)
• Students should collaborate.  Almost every career, whether in academia, industry, or government service requires collaboration in the development and implementation of ideas.  Collaboration during graduate school is valuable training.  Furthermore, collaboration usually produces a synergy as ideas and implementations, are combined, challenged and improved, making collaboration one of the most effective routes to success and impact.  Most of the work in my group involves collaborations in groups of 2-3 students and often with the guidance of 2-3 faculty members.
• Students must learn how to balance work and personal lives.  Grad school can be consuming, and the department can easily become the extent of one's social life.  It is important to work when at work and have fun when away from work!
• Students must learn time management skills.  It is increasingly rare to be able to dedicate oneself to a single task.  I try to help students learn how to multi-task and avoid procrastination. 
• Students should stand up for their ideas.  I expect and encourage students to challenge their peers and me in a tactful way when they have ideas, questions, or clarifications.  This is an essential skill for career success.