<p>I am a 1st year student in a biological sciences program. I am coming to the end of my lab rotation period and I am extremely confused about the best decision to make regarding choice of an advisor/lab. In my department student typically do 2-3 rotations and I have already completed 4 rotations, so I need to make a final decision about a dissertation lab. I have narrowed it down to 2-3 advisors/labs. Here are my prospective choices:</p>
<p>Lab 1:
Peforms high impact research in a field that is not extremely interesting to me and uses a number of techniques that are of no interest to me. Lab 1 produces exceptional students. Students publish at least 2 first author papers in high impact journals, but the expectation for time in lab is extremely strict. The professor is friendly, but during my rotation it was easy to see that he was kind but demanding. The lab is also well funded, but there will a large turnover of senior students in the next six months leaving only one student and a postdoc. </p>
<p>Lab 2:
Performs high impact research in a field that is extremely interesting to me. The lab is well funded and there are a number of postdocs and research scientists available for consultation and troubleshooting help. The lab has the reputation of producing excellent graduate students. The primary potential problem lies with the PI. The PI is known to have extremely high standards that he expects all members of the lab to uphold. To date our interactions have been extremely pleasant.</p>
<p>Lab 3:
The final lab peforms interesting research and the PI is extremely nice. Funding has been/is an issue with all the students teaching. The PI is extremely busy with departmental obligations and getting an appointment to see the PI is challenging. The lab has only been at the university for eight years but they have failed to produce any graduate students and have not published in six years. The lab is extremely casual and will have 2 students (of lower quality) graduate within the next six months leaving only 1 student and a post doc. </p>
<p>I have spoken with a number of professors at my university and my undergraduate research advisor and they believe that lab 2 is the best choice. After considering my options, I believe that I have nearly eliminated lab 1 as interest in one's research field is extremely important. </p>
<p>Do I take a chance and follow my instincts to the challenging lab with high expectations where excellence and critical thinking is the expectation or do I choose the lab where I am the most comfortable (lab 3) that is currently not productive (with the hope that things will change)?</p>