Hi there,
I stumbled across this forum and have read a number of posts concerning PhD program at ETH - thanks to all for the great info so far. I'm interested in applying to two labs at ETH, in Biomechanics (Ferguson's lab) or in the SMS lab (R. Riener). I have a MSc with a 3.7 GPA, some publications and abstracts, tonnes of teaching experience, and clinical work as a neurophysiologist.
As I'm coming from Canada, making a decision to study here is one I do not take lightly. After some investigation, I feel ETH could be a great start to my research career. I also have some ideas about what I'd like to do, and a direction in which I'd like to focus my subsequent career. I'm currently working on an application and familiarizing myself with each lab's projects, before making the initial contact. I haven't yet solidified a specific plan for each department, however. I'm fully aware of the workload involved in a PhD, and am not put off by it.
In any event, some questions:
1. My biggest concern is supervisor-student relationships, and fit within the group(s). Is anyone familiar with Ferguson's or Riener's labs? If so, could you give me the low down on the environment, personalities etc? If not with these labs, with these programs in general? Anyone to strongly avoid?
2. If you are familiar with these labs, do you have any suggestions on how I should approach Dr. Ferguson/Dr. Riener?
3. I know ETH pays their students well, and although it is not my main concern, it is still somewhat of a concern. I know that the % salary is largely dependent on the lab/supervisor. Is anyone familiar with approximate salaries for these two labs? In previous graduate work, I've been given a contract with a specific salary, and ended up not receiving anything for months. I definitely don't want to have this experience again.
4. I come from an exercise science background, with graduate courses and RA experience in a biomechanics lab. Could anyone tell me how math/computer science/engineering-based these programs are? What kind of preparation should I undertake to ensure I could keep up? I am going through some Matlab, calculus and linear algebra study right now.
5. If I want to begin work in roughly a year, when should I approach the supervisors with whom I am interested in working?
6. Do all departments require an interview?
I think this is it for now. Many thanks for your help.
I stumbled across this forum and have read a number of posts concerning PhD program at ETH - thanks to all for the great info so far. I'm interested in applying to two labs at ETH, in Biomechanics (Ferguson's lab) or in the SMS lab (R. Riener). I have a MSc with a 3.7 GPA, some publications and abstracts, tonnes of teaching experience, and clinical work as a neurophysiologist.
As I'm coming from Canada, making a decision to study here is one I do not take lightly. After some investigation, I feel ETH could be a great start to my research career. I also have some ideas about what I'd like to do, and a direction in which I'd like to focus my subsequent career. I'm currently working on an application and familiarizing myself with each lab's projects, before making the initial contact. I haven't yet solidified a specific plan for each department, however. I'm fully aware of the workload involved in a PhD, and am not put off by it.
In any event, some questions:
1. My biggest concern is supervisor-student relationships, and fit within the group(s). Is anyone familiar with Ferguson's or Riener's labs? If so, could you give me the low down on the environment, personalities etc? If not with these labs, with these programs in general? Anyone to strongly avoid?
2. If you are familiar with these labs, do you have any suggestions on how I should approach Dr. Ferguson/Dr. Riener?
3. I know ETH pays their students well, and although it is not my main concern, it is still somewhat of a concern. I know that the % salary is largely dependent on the lab/supervisor. Is anyone familiar with approximate salaries for these two labs? In previous graduate work, I've been given a contract with a specific salary, and ended up not receiving anything for months. I definitely don't want to have this experience again.
4. I come from an exercise science background, with graduate courses and RA experience in a biomechanics lab. Could anyone tell me how math/computer science/engineering-based these programs are? What kind of preparation should I undertake to ensure I could keep up? I am going through some Matlab, calculus and linear algebra study right now.
5. If I want to begin work in roughly a year, when should I approach the supervisors with whom I am interested in working?
6. Do all departments require an interview?
I think this is it for now. Many thanks for your help.