Stage-specific expectations and timing
Dissertations typically take 5-7 years (aim for 5; 6 is typical; 7 is usually required if you write for your own postdoctoral funding). Dissertations require at least 3 data chapters, but it is usually advisable to try for and plan for at least 4 because something will gowrong (we work with wild animals after all). So, plan to produce at least 3 data papers during your dissertation (probably more). As a lab we try to also develop collaborative projects that will yeild co-authorships as being competitive for postdoc positions likely requires at least 5 published papers.
Here is a hypothetical timeline for a PhD:
Year 1:
Preliminary Project: using archived data or existing samples and an aim of an existing project as a foundation develop and run a preliminary project. This project will generate data you can base your subsequent work upon and might be a first conference presentation or part of a publication. It will motivate your training in your central project.
Annotated Bibliography: review literature in your area of interest
Prospectus: see Grad Program Guidelines - students present their prospectus to their committee during their first committee meeting during their second semester of grad school. Work with Kendra to draft this document in your first term.
Year 2:
Research: Use the fall to finish lab work and analyses from the first spring/summer project. Use the spring/summer to conduct a project that will go in your dissertation.
Apply for Funding: apply for grants, including NSF predoc if eligible
Year 3:
Research: use the fall to finish analyses/labwork on the Y2 summer project, and design a plan for
your subsequent chapters. Submit your first paper. Spring = dissertation proposal defense,
more writing/analyses and conduct another experiment. Give a talk on your work at a
national conference. Apply for grants.
Apply for Funding: If your work is NIH related consider taking the F31 class and submitting a proposal based on your preliminary data
Prelims: I strongly suggest you submit your first chapter before taking prelims
Conferences: You need a completed project and data with a story to tell to attend and present at a conference. Generally this means a poster presentation in the 2nd or 3rd year.
Year 4:
Research: Finish analysis and writing of Y2 work and start on Y3 work. Submit your second paper and start writing your 3rd.
Apply for Funding
Conferences: Give a talk.
Year 5 & 6:
Research: The same as Y4 but you might not be conducting experiments while lab work is ongoing. Keep writing and getting papers out. Decide if you plan to write an NSF Postdoc or NIH F32.
Defend: Stay in communication with Kendra about your progress and funding. Schedule your defense and know the Grad School requirements at least a semester before you plan to defend.
Career Advancement: It’s time to explore post-PhD career choices. Contact mentors,
network, apply for jobs.
Postdocs should aim to produce the same amount of research and papers in about half the time.
Undergraduates should apply lab values/expectations to the scope of their project. Work with
your day-to-day mentor to develop a feasible plan and timing. Try to play a central role
in the development, execution, and interpretation of your project, earning co-authorship on a
scientific paper.