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WORKING ON YOUR THESIS RESEARCH AND STAYING MOTIVATED Sheila Tejada Wednesday, October 10, 2001

WORKING ON YOUR THESIS RESEARCH AND STAYING MOTIVATED Sheila Tejada Wednesday, October 10, 2001. Challenges of working on the thesis. At least a year to finish thesis – how to manage my time? Thesis avoidance What if experiments don’t go the way you expect? When do I stop research?

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WORKING ON YOUR THESIS RESEARCH AND STAYING MOTIVATED Sheila Tejada Wednesday, October 10, 2001

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  1. WORKING ON YOUR THESIS RESEARCH AND STAYING MOTIVATEDSheila TejadaWednesday, October 10, 2001

  2. Challenges of working on the thesis • At least a year to finish thesis – how to manage my time? • Thesis avoidance • What if experiments don’t go the way you expect? • When do I stop research? • Writing the thesis • Combining notes, technical reports, papers into a thesis draft • Creating a detailed, coherent story • Might need to rerun experiments to make them consistent

  3. The Grad Student's Lament(Courtesy of Ben Smith) • "I'm stuck. I must be an idiot. I'm just not cut out for research.“ • Most people I've talked to have felt this way from time to time - research is hard! • "I'm a genius! My research is the greatest thing since the Turing machine!""I'm an idiot. My research is obvious, irrelevant, and trivial.“ • This manic/depressive cycle is apparently quite common, even among Nobel Laureates. • "I don't feel like I'm making any real progress." • "How come I'm the only one having so much trouble?"

  4. Getting Feedback • You probably are making progress, but just can't see it. • Get feedback as a reality check • Talk to others about your research • Advisors • Graduate students • Committee members • Write papers/Conferences

  5. Time Management • Make a to-do list with deadlines • Know that it will change as things get added • Prioritize your to-do list • Find the time of day when you work the best • Taking breaks to recharge and tackle next the problem

  6. Staying Motivated • Finishing the thesis is like running a marathon that lasts over a year • Make progress everyday • No matter how small • Reward yourself for accomplishments

  7. Conclusions • Finishing the thesis has many challenges • You’re not alone • Get feedback • You’re running a marathon • Pace yourself • Look at the bigger picture

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