In their first year, doctoral students adjust to the demands of grad life
"My relationships with my professors are definitely more personal and casual," Alton Hare, a first-year chemistry Ph.D. student, said. ?"I feel more comfortable with them."
Classes at the graduate level tend to be smaller and composed of students involved in studying the same fields, meaning that students in the same departments will end up taking many classes together. Many also collaborate on research projects.
Indeed, particular departments' specialties and professors' research draws many students to Hopkins.
"[I came to Hopkins] because outstanding scholars in my field of research are faculty members of Hopkins' Department of Sociology - (namely, Professor Giovanni Arrighi and Professor Beverly Silver)," Filomeno said.
Kate Vickery, another Sociology grad, was interested in a different aspect of the program.
"The department has a program in Cross-National Sociology and International Development (PCSID), which I was very attracted to since I have been interested in international development since doing an internship with the World Bank and spending my junior year in Thailand with the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute," she said.
Most Homewood grad students come straight from an undergraduate or a masters program, though some take time off before heading back to school. This creates different challenges for students in making the transition.
For Noel Davison, a student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, the culture shock was a significant aspect of his transition.
"I think I'm still transitioning," said Davidson, who completed his undergrad work at the University of Florida.
"After going to a big state school with outrageously successful athletics, the entire mindset and culture of Hopkins is different. But if you have a strong self-identity you realize where you go to school doesn't define who you are or what you like to do."
For history student Khalid Kurji, it was the both the academic and social lives that were significant changes.
Classes at the graduate level tend to be smaller and composed of students involved in studying the same fields, meaning that students in the same departments will end up taking many classes together. Many also collaborate on research projects.
Indeed, particular departments' specialties and professors' research draws many students to Hopkins.
"[I came to Hopkins] because outstanding scholars in my field of research are faculty members of Hopkins' Department of Sociology - (namely, Professor Giovanni Arrighi and Professor Beverly Silver)," Filomeno said.
Kate Vickery, another Sociology grad, was interested in a different aspect of the program.
"The department has a program in Cross-National Sociology and International Development (PCSID), which I was very attracted to since I have been interested in international development since doing an internship with the World Bank and spending my junior year in Thailand with the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute," she said.
Most Homewood grad students come straight from an undergraduate or a masters program, though some take time off before heading back to school. This creates different challenges for students in making the transition.
For Noel Davison, a student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, the culture shock was a significant aspect of his transition.
"I think I'm still transitioning," said Davidson, who completed his undergrad work at the University of Florida.
"After going to a big state school with outrageously successful athletics, the entire mindset and culture of Hopkins is different. But if you have a strong self-identity you realize where you go to school doesn't define who you are or what you like to do."
For history student Khalid Kurji, it was the both the academic and social lives that were significant changes.
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