How To Succeed in Graduate School

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How To Succeed in Graduate School

• Deland J. Myers, Sr. Ph.D.
• Professor
• Food Science and Human Nutrition
• Center for Crops Utilization Research
• Iowa State University

2
Presenter Bio

• Deland J. Myers Sr.
• Professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition,
  Iowa State University
• M.S. and Ph.D. from ISU

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Presentation Objectives

• Target Audience Students Interested in Attending
  Graduate School
• Define Graduate Research
• Discuss the Process of Graduate Research
• Identify Strategies for Successful Graduate
  Research

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What is Graduate Research?

• A process of learning that leads to increased
  understanding of a particular subject in an
  academic field.
• The process includes
• Research Project
• Graduate Coursework
• Communication with Professors and Colleagues
• Program of Study Committee (POS)

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Key Steps in the Graduate Research Process

• I. Choice of a Topic
• Typically Influenced By
• Area of Interest
• Choice of Major Professor University
• Availability of Assistantship Funds

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Key Steps in the Graduate Research Process
(continued)

• II. Learn What Is Known Or Has Been Done
• Books
• Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
• Communication w/ Professors and Colleagues
• Department and University
• Conventions and Meetings

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Key Steps in the Academic Research Process
(continued)

• III. Expand on Current Knowledge Through
  Collection and Analysis of Data
• Review Paper
• Original Laboratory Research
• Surveys and Observations

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Key Steps in the Academic Research Process
(continued)

• IV. Present Results for Peer Review
• Department Seminars
• Local, Regional, National International
  Meetings
• Oral vs Poster Presentations
• Committee Meetings and
• Defense

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Key Steps in the Academic Research Process
(continued)

• V. Production of a Written Document
• Summarizes Research Effort
• Dissertation, Thesis or other Document
• Publish Research in Peer Reviewed Journals

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Strategies for Successful Graduate Research

• Use Graduate Coursework to Support Research
• Statistics
• Professors as a source of POS member
• Self Motivation
• Great Researchers have a passion for their work

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Strategies for Successful Graduate Research
(continued)

• Resourceful in Finding Information
• Network w/ colleagues
• Local, National and International
• Universities, Government and Private Industry

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Strategies for Successful Graduate Research
(continued)

• Take Advantage of Opportunities to
• Attend Professional Meetings
• Present Research to Peers
• Travel Internationally
• Participate in Short-Term Research Internships
• Opportunity to apply and learn new skills

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Thank You For Your Attention

• Questions??