Achievement

In response to feedback from students and our advisory board, we instituted a successful new student reporting system this year. Students maintain a record of their activities in research, training, outreach, and career development, and this serves as the basis for semesterly meetings with advisors, and regular written feedback. These reports provide students with clearer guidelines on what is expected at different stages of their PhDs, and draws their attention to training elements that are highly valued. For example, it lays out clear expectations for the elements of a successful research rotation, including (i) building new skills, (ii) interacting with new research communities, and (iii) developing specific research products. Faculty members meet as a group to review student progress. This also helps faculty to understand what a wider range of students are doing. This process has greatly improved communication in the program.