Hi all:
Not sure if this is the best place to ask for advice on this but
I'm just starting out on the road of developing a thesis and I find I'm in a bit of a pickle. I'm hoping I can snag some advice from folks who have had similar difficulties or have good insight into academic dealings.
I think my lack of political tact has put me at a disadvantage currently. I made some poor decisions, for I've enrolled in a research program with a sub field emphasis for which I'm not a good match. My reputation is a bit aloof with the lead faculty in this area, and I'm kind of already on their **** list as a troublemaker for not committing to doing research with them. My current supervisor/department chair basically helped me into the program with a letter of rec. but we have absolutely 0 connection and our interactions are always very awkward. I used to do research with this person but not long enough to really establish myself. I find if I'm not passionate about the research, I'm of little help to people.
I'm considering whether I should switch my thesis chair to a researcher for which I have a good connection. We're both interested in the same sub-field and we have worked fairly well together in the research lab. She seems willing to do so, but I have to convince my current supervisor without angering him. I definitely need him to on my committee, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to change my thesis to fit his area of interest if he denies the switch.
Anyway, I guess my question is how should I approach him on this matter? I have a meeting next week where I was going to pass along my thesis ideas, but I feel I need to make a move early before the proposal process is in full swing.
Thank you for reading this insecure diatribe.
Not sure if this is the best place to ask for advice on this but
I'm just starting out on the road of developing a thesis and I find I'm in a bit of a pickle. I'm hoping I can snag some advice from folks who have had similar difficulties or have good insight into academic dealings.
I think my lack of political tact has put me at a disadvantage currently. I made some poor decisions, for I've enrolled in a research program with a sub field emphasis for which I'm not a good match. My reputation is a bit aloof with the lead faculty in this area, and I'm kind of already on their **** list as a troublemaker for not committing to doing research with them. My current supervisor/department chair basically helped me into the program with a letter of rec. but we have absolutely 0 connection and our interactions are always very awkward. I used to do research with this person but not long enough to really establish myself. I find if I'm not passionate about the research, I'm of little help to people.
I'm considering whether I should switch my thesis chair to a researcher for which I have a good connection. We're both interested in the same sub-field and we have worked fairly well together in the research lab. She seems willing to do so, but I have to convince my current supervisor without angering him. I definitely need him to on my committee, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to change my thesis to fit his area of interest if he denies the switch.
Anyway, I guess my question is how should I approach him on this matter? I have a meeting next week where I was going to pass along my thesis ideas, but I feel I need to make a move early before the proposal process is in full swing.
Thank you for reading this insecure diatribe.
