PhD Interview Questions Flashcards
Tell me about yourself
I’m a first-generation college student, and as a kid I’ve always wanted to know how things worked especially processes pertaining to science. So, I decided to get my BS in geology, and that is when I took classes in geochemistry and igneous and metamorphic petrology and fell in love with the subjects. Our department was small, there weren’t many opportunities to conduct research, especially on volcanology. I enrolled in a volcanology field camp in Hawaii and really became passionate about the field. That’s when I found my current advisor, and the work he was doing seemed really interesting. I found my research project and just conducting research in general to be really enjoyable and decided I would like to pursue a career in it and felt like a PhD is a fundamental step. I will also be doing geochemical monitoring on Cumbre Vieja on the Canary Islands this summer.
What did you do in your master’s project? What did you find out?
Presentation
Did you have any problems? How did you solve them?
I started my research during the pandemic and lived two hours away from campus. So I needed to quickly become independent and adaptable. I conducted EPMA work alone, and learned how to use igneous thermobarometry models by reading and watching videos. I interpreted my research findings with limited guidance from my advisor. The EPMA was down for a few months, and so I used that time to focus on my thermobarometry calculations and interpreting results as well as reading more literature.
How did you manage your time? Did you meet your deadline?
By becoming more organized and prioritizing my most important tasks first. Organization helped me keep my weekly schedule in line, and helped me set aside and block off time for research, research meetings, classes and assignments. My priority has always been my research and so I tend to finish smaller tasks and assignments first so I can spend more time analyzing data and interpreting results. This approach has worked for me as I have maintained a 4.0 GPA and have met all my deadlines.
Why this project?
For one, this project offers the chance to work on really cutting edge work. I also believe my research interests and this research align in a few ways. For instance, they both aim to analyze and understand mechanisms that happen within earth’s interior by utilizing volcanoes and their eruptive products. While I don’t have direct experience working with trace elements or isotopes, I believe this project provides an exciting opportunity to specialize and develop new expertise and that is something that very much attracts me.
Can you discuss your knowledge of the project?
To study an eruption on Ischia island and Mt. Vesuvius. Intend to study the pre-eruptive magmatic processes and to constrain their timescales.
Why do you want a PhD?
My interest in volcanology and igneous petrology are what led me to a career in research. A PhD is a way for me to dive into a challenging scientific question that embodies my interests and contributes to a relatively new field. My ultimate goal would be to work as a research geologist or volcanologist, thus I look forward to applying the knowledge obtained through a PhD to help find answers to important scientific questions. My long-term goals are to work in academia teaching earth science courses at the university level.
Why should we offer this position to you?
I know when to take initiative. I am the first person in my department to attempt to publish a paper before graduating and I have relevant and proven experience in this field through my own research. This research strongly aligns with my field of interest. I am highly motivated which is evidenced through my quick willingness to learn new things, whether that is a new method (such as thermobarometry calculations) or reading about an unfamiliar topic. My advisor will let you know in his letter of recommendation that I work very well on my own and take initiative – that is why I have maintained a 4.0 GPA and have met all of my deadlines pertaining to my research.
What are your strengths?
Strengths: Independence, curiosity and problem solving skills.
My MS research highlights all of these qualities. I believe my curiosity and independence are represented by my passion and work ethic in approaching my data collection, data analysis, and reading of the peer-review literature. I have done this work, with little guidance from my advisor. A lot of my independence comes from the fact that I had to quickly adapt during the pandemic, and find solutions through unconventional means. My curiosity is also evident by my desire to collect diffusion profile data, even though it’s not necessarily needed for my thesis. My problem-solving skills are evident in my ability to work through the thermobarometry calculations for my research, again with little to no guidance from my advisor. It can also be highlighted by my research findings that address an important scientific problem about tectonics and magma transport.
What are your weaknesses?
I believe my writing can be stronger. I tend to have a hard time knowing how to keep my writing concise without losing important information. I am working on getting a paper published and look forward on improving through practice and criticism. I hope to also gain more experience as a PhD student by taking classes and development.
Any expected difficulties?
I can see from the project description that I will need to develop and apply polybaric melt models. I do not have experience in this area, and will likely need training.
How will you motivate yourself to not give up?
I believe I am at my best when I am collecting data and interpreting results and that is evidenced by my own research. I have a great passion for this field and so even though some sacrifices may be inevitable to reach my goals, that is something I am willing to do. I believe people often overlook their own mental and physical health when dealing with stressful situations, and that leads to burn out. I plan on putting my health first to avoid that situation by taking time to exercise weekly, and knowing my workload limits, and organizing my weekly tasks so I know what to expect.
What do you intend to achieve with this project?
I hope the data we produce can be used more broadly in a variety of other geologic sub-disciplines. Specifically, for the subject of volcanology. I want to produce data that will help other researchers in their risk hazard assessments, such as the evolution of a magmatic system over time.
How do you handle defeat or failures?
I have built a strong network of professionals in my field. So when I struggle with something, I look to my professional colleagues in similar jobs and peers at my university for suggestions on how to improve. I am also aggressive about taking workshops and online tutorials to upgrade my skills.
What strategy do you have to ensure success for this project?
Coming up with feasible deadlines for each milestone for the project. Scheduling will help me and my supervisor to be on the same page and know what to expect. This will help me stay on course and complete my research on time.
