Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of research projects will I be able to get involved in the Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling Group? How soon will I be able to start my research?

You will have a lot of freedom to choose your own project within the general sphere of activity of my group. The group web site should give you a good idea of our research directions. Check out in particular our current research web page. I generally encourage students in their first year to take just 3 regular courses a...

Read more about What kind of research projects will I be able to get involved in the Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling Group? How soon will I be able to start my research?

The current research web page describes ongoing projects. What about new projects for me to get involved in?

It's not very productive to discuss future projects with much specificity at the time of your application, because I generally don't have projects "on ice" —it wouldn't make much sense to keep something interesting on ice instead of working on it right away. That being said, if you need to discuss specifics of future projects for a fellowship application or for your own agenda then sure, let's talk. I recommend that you browse through the current research web page to get a sense of the general research areas that we are engaged in, as it is likely that your future project...

Read more about The current research web page describes ongoing projects. What about new projects for me to get involved in?

What financial support can I expect?

All Ph.D. students admitted to SEAS or EPS are guaranteed tuition and stipend, i.e., a graduate fellowship, for the normal duration of their time at Harvard. During the first academic year the funding comes from Harvard, after that it comes from my research grants. I encourage my students once at Harvard to apply for external fellowships, because they look good on your CV and of course it brings some relief to my research grants. But that's not always feasible and I fully expect to be able to support you out of my grants in any case.

Can I apply for a Master instead of a Ph.D.?

If you want to work with me you need to apply to the Ph.D. program. In fact there is presently no relevant MS program to which you can apply in SEAS. Ph.D. students can pick up their MS degree at the end of their coursework if they so wish, and can also get MS degrees in Computational Science or in Data Science (to name two popular options) by taking a few extra courses. Students who enroll in the Ph.D. program and decide after 1-2 years that this is not for them have the opportunity to leave with a MS or ME degree.

Are there opportunities or requirements to teach?

A requirement of your graduate fellowship is that you serve as Teaching Fellow (TF) for 1-2 classes during your time at Harvard.  TFing a class means teaching a section, grading homeworks, and having office hours. It is expected to take no more than 10h/wk. You will typically satisfy the requirement by TFing one of the atmospheric or environmental classes. 

Is there a qualifying exam on the road to the Ph.D.? When can I expect to graduate?

You have to take a qualifying exam in the spring of your second year (at which point you'll typically have completed all or almost all your coursework). This exam consists in an oral presentation of your Ph.D. research proposal. This is an excellent opportunity for you to get feedback on your research direction from a faculty committee. Just betweeen you and me, I have never seen anyone fail the exam - sometimes a student may be asked to take an additional course to address an apparent gap, and in rare cases a student may be asked to retake the exam. So it is really more an opportunity...

Read more about Is there a qualifying exam on the road to the Ph.D.? When can I expect to graduate?

What is the typical career path of alumni from the Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling Group?

I have graduated many Ph.D. students over the course of my career. Most have gone on to become university professors or research scientists. Some have become program managers or have taken their skills to industry or to non-governmental organizations. I encourage you to browse through my alumni directory to see the variety of paths taken by my former students.