Coping with the Rigours of Graduate School: A Seven Step Survival Guide By Nijole Young

"Being a graduate student is like becoming all of the Seven Dwarves. In the beginning you're Dopey and Bashful. In the middle, you are usually sick (Sneezy), tired (Sleepy), and irritable (Grumpy). But at the end, they call you Doc, and then you're Happy." ^[1]

Graduate education constitutes an investment in human capital with the intent of producing highly skilled professionals who are able to identify and address specific issues relevant to their national contexts and the wider globalised society. ^[2] What is less often acknowledged, is the fact that this intense education requires an equally arduous psychological transition. This transition is even more critical in the scientific realm, where the pursuit of a research based degree requires the intellectual evolution of a student from that of an undergraduate, capable of acing tests based on textbook knowledge to that of an independent-minded and original thinker, who is willing to initiate and execute research that is often times novel. ^[3]

As a Chemistry graduate student, the journey from ignorance to enlightenment is comparable to taking a trip without a compass (or GPS navigation since we’re in the 21^st century). You will be faced with many different challenges and feelings of inadequacy which can deliver huge blows to your self-confidence. The combination of low-praise from advisors, high stress when reactions don’t work, and low pay (which is often late) creates the perfect environment that will devalue any individual.

Successful mastery of this journey will require that you remain motivated during the ebbs and flows that will accompany your research. An undeniable necessity that will help to keep you motivated is to first have a strong bond with your research topic, as your research will become the focal point of your life for the next 4 or more years. This bond will definitely prove to be essential, as it will help you to remain committed to your research topic without finding it tiresome.

In addition to having a strong bond with your research topic, the following are some general pointers that should serve as a survival guide ^[4]:

 1. Confront your fears, acknowledge your weaknesses and learn from your mistakes as graduate school for the most part is a learning experience.

2. Be organized, manage your time wisely and have a constant routine that you stick to. Take advantage of organizational tools, such as Google Calendar and even the good old paper day planners.

3. Do not let your physical and mental health slip. Quite often many graduate students skip a meal. This in turn, will adversely affect your metabolism, which can lead to changes in your sleep patterns. Also exercise at least 1-2 times a week, as this is a great way to release and lower stress levels.

 4. Establish a good rapport with your supervisor or advisor. Be curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions when in doubt as your supervisor is there to guide you.

5. Remember, that you are not alone in this process even when our work is often solitary. Get to know the other graduate students in the department plus the persons who are working in your lab. Share your ideas with them, as they may be able to offer you some insight and assistance with regards to your research.

6. Have a good support system of friends and family who can help you relax and roll with the punches that come with doing research.

7. Remind yourself regularly that being a graduate student won’t last forever. There will come a day when you will look back on this time and you will come to appreciate all the experiences and lessons that you learnt along the way.

References

1. http://www.cs.unc.edu/~azuma/hitch4.html

2. Kearney, M.L. The Role of Post-Graduate Education in Research Systems. UNESCO Forum on Higher Education, Research and Knowledge. March 5-7, 2008. http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0015/001593/159388e.pdf

3. Hall, S. Lethal Chemistry at Harvard. The New York Times November, 29, 1998. http://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/29/magazine/lethal-chemistry-at-harvard.html?pagewanted=5&src=pm

4. King, N. The Ultimate Graduate School Survival Guide...Unspoken Tips & Skills Needed To Successfully Navigate Your Way To An Advanced Degree. Cutajar, M.; Yau, D. [Kindle Edition], Amazon Digital Services, Inc. 2013.

Getting Down to Earth with Rare Earths by Stacy-Ann Parker

“‘Rare earth’ metals aren't as rare as they sound —in fact, you're probably using some right now. They're key to a variety of everyday devices, from tablet computers and TVs to hybrid cars and wind turbines, so it may be encouraging to know several kinds are actually common. Cerium, for example, is the 25th most abundant element on Earth.” Russell McLendon

                 Discovered in 1787 by Swedish Army Lieutenant Karl Axel Arrhenius, the rare earths are a relatively abundant group of 17 elements consisting of scandium, yttrium and the lanthanides. The name ‘rare earth’ metals alludes to the elusive nature as the 17 elements rarely exist in high concentrations, instead they are diffusely mixed with other minerals underground, making them costly and environmentally unfriendly to extract.

China produces over 87 percent of the world’s rare earth minerals. Thus, China’s restriction on the export of rare earths has threatened the future availability and use of the rare earths as clean-energy and defense-related technologies. Owing to this, industrialized countries – Japan, the United States and the European Union – face tighter and higher prices for rare earths and are now seeking alternatives to China as rare earth source.

From as early as the 1950s, Jamaica’s alumina industry has produced red mud as a by-product. This bauxite waste has posed an environmental hazard to many communities. Today, there is the potential to use this toxic waste material as a source for much needed foreign exchange. Jamaica red mud has the capacity to generate up to 1500 metric tons (1 metric ton=1000 kg) of rare earth annually, according to the Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining – the Hon. Phillip Paulwell. Current market prices for rare earths ranges from 13 US$/kg (Lanthanum oxide) up to 15,000 US$/kg (Scandium metal) according to HEFA Rare Earth. So, Jamaica could turn waste into gold through these commonly used rare earth elements.

Antihypergylcemic compounds from Eucalyptus sp. by Flemoi Gordon

The biannual Minister’s Innovation Award, from its inception in 2005, seeks to inspire and highlight cutting-edge Science and Technology. For 2012, research from the Natural Products Institute, Biochemistry and Chemistry Departments spear-headed by Dr Lisa Lindo and Denise Daley-Beckford copped the prize. The team, inclusive of Dr. Yee and Prof. Reese, won the Champions Innovator of the year trophy and an award in the Health and Wellness category.

The investigation of an Eucalyptus species (commonly called Gum tree), used in folklore medicine to treat cold and fever, led to a surprising and yet momentous discovery. The isolated compounds are more potent than the current drugs being used to treat diabetes. At present, there is an application for a patent for these active compounds. However, due to financial and other intricacies involved in drug creation, the drive now is to create a nutraceutical. According to Professor Reese, the  structures of the three active compounds isolated are quite simple. This should encourage other chemists to conceive and achieve in spite of the challenges.

On Your Marks! by Shannen Lorraine

The start of each academic year finds the corridors of chemistry beaming with new faces crafted by expectant and engaging smiles, exuberant personalities and an overabundance of restless vigour. Timeless in its deliverance of new knowledge, unlimited in its scope of novel ideas and unsurpassed in delivering the best that the Mona campus can deliver. In this regard, the Department of Chemistry wishes to welcome our newest Postgraduate Students:

Littlelet Scarlet, Sharna-Kay Daley, Garfield Williams and Mario Christie.

It wasn’t so long ago since I made that transition and every step has been stimulating whether in academics or social settings. The thought of personal publications, travelling to foreign countries and presenting my research at seminars motivated me to work assiduously. Far more than that, however, the thought of novel research spurred my enthusiasm; wanting to be the first to publish in my research area. As such, the journey has been exciting …and tedious, but let’s face it, who said it was smooth sailing? Certainly not the fine prints (if any) on the application form! There will be moments of doubt, tantrums, hair-pulling, teeth-gnashing and simply wanting to quit, but when one thinks of the rewards at the end of the tunnel, our passion and motivations are rejuvenated.

 It’s with that perseverant spirit, the determination and the unquenchable desire to overcome trials and frustration that new graduate students are encouraged to face research. It takes a dash of genius, but true success sprouts from that drive to strive, need to succeed and that sense of excellence which has already embedded itself in our hearts and minds.

Never feel alone; communicate with your supervisors, senior graduate students or lecturers for advice, clarifications and encouragement.

Prioritize your time; formulate your ideas and goals, the objectives of your project and how it should proceed.

But most importantly, HAVE FUN.

I encourage you to take these steps… PEPS

Be PROACTIVE…results don’t come to you; you make them happen; always read and review literature or new materials that can be applied to your research.

Never PROCRASTINATE (Enemy No. 1)

Be EARNEST…always seeking results.

   Never GIVE UP (Enemy No. 2)

Be PATIENT…Rome wasn’t built in a day.

  HASTE MAKES WASTE (Enemy No. 3)

Be STEADFAST…focus on your aims and work accordingly.

       Don’t LOSE FOCUS (Enemy N0. 4)

One last thing…GET THAT LITERATURE REVIEW DONE!!

Yes...NOW!

To our returning Grad. Students

Welcome back to another academic year! Congratulations to the students on their final leg. May God grant you success in your future endeavours. To those of us on the bench…don’t decelerate yet; Press Hard…Press On…and Stay Focused.

Lastly but certainly not least, we welcome back all chemistry staff and lecturers who have made an indelible mark on the Chemistry Department and our academic lives.