Before doing anything related to the first proposition, make sure you read the corresponding section in the Graduate Student Handbook first.
Written Document
The written document is due in early December and will cover both your research accomplishments to date and proposed work that will set the stage for the rest of your graduate research.
A first proposition document will generally include the following:
An abstract.
An introduction section that motivates the problem(s) you are interested in tackling. This is the "big picture."
A background section that accomplishes two main goals: 1) presents a relatively brief but clear description of the methods you are using and why; 2) provides a description of published research that sets the stage for the problems you are interested in tackling. This is all meant to provide context for your proposed research.
A writeup of your preliminary research and how it ties into part of the proposed work, either directly or indirectly. This can go before or after the research aims depending on how it flows best.
Three distinct yet related proposed research aims. You must strike an appropriate balance such that they are ambitious but doable in the timespan of a PhD. For each research aim, you should also ask yourself "what if [XYZ] doesn't work?" and have an answer to that question written down. As needed, put your proposed research in the context of the published literature.
Your cited references, ideally in ACS format (using Zotero).
Suggested Timeline
A draft of your first proposition document should be sent to Andrew approximately 2 weeks in advance of the submission deadline. There will be a significant amount of revising, so do not neglect this step. Create a Word document and share it via the group SharePoint so that it is updated in real-time.
The following is a suggested timeline, but there is likely no one-size-fits-all approach.
Title
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March — May
Get acquainted to the kind of research we do in the group and start running some calculations relevant to your initial research area. Read the literature as needed to understand the scope of your future projects. This is a time for learning.
June — July
Focus on generating preliminary results that you can use in your first proposition presentation and document. You should be taking time to make your results are polished and presentable, such that you can use them as-is for the first proposition and any future manuscript.
Discuss possible committee members with Andrew if you have not done so already.
August
Continue generating preliminary results. Start thinking about the "story" you want to tell with your results thus far and how it will mold your future directions.
Brainstorm with Andrew about three distinct but related research aims for the first proposition. One will typically be a natural extension of your current work.
If you are a domestic student not on a fellowship, we will work on fellowship applications together during this time.
September
With your research aims in mind, write up the introduction to your first proposition document as well as an outline of prior work in the literature. Share this with Andrew to iterate on it.
Continue generating preliminary results.
October
Begin writing up the three research aims and iterate with Andrew. Do one research aim at a time and share each one with Andrew as you finish so you can get feedback as you go.
Continue generating preliminary results.
November
Write up your preliminary results and complete the draft of your first proposition document. Share it with Andrew and address feedback. This will be iterative.
December
Finalize and submit first proposition document.
Prepare your first proposition presentation.
January
Schedule two practice presentations — one with Andrew and then one with the group. The one with Andrew should ideally take place about 1 week in advance of the actual defense. Incorporate feedback. The one with the group should take place about two days in advance of the actual defense and is for fine-tuning things.