Name

Richard Esteves

School

Virginia Commonwealth University

Degree Program

First year PhD student in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Temple University, 2011

Dissertation Topic

Using semiconductors to create more efficient solar panels

Research Interests

Semiconductors

Advisor

Indika Arachchige

Advisor’s Research Focus

Design and synthesis of nanoscale materials for energy conversion catalyst and sensing applications

Hobbies

Rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, hiking

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I selected Virginia Commonwealth University’s doctoral program in nanoscience and nanotechnology because it was the only program in this subject area that accepted my application. My options were also limited by the small number of universities in the world that offer doctoral programs in this field.

Knowing what I do now, I wish that I had applied earlier and spoken with the faculty. Applying early would have given me more time to research the program or visit the campus. It would have also opened up additional opportunities for financial aid.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

I prepared myself for graduate school by pursuing undergraduate opportunities that I knew would look good on my graduate application. I made sure to before familiar with lab equipment and get as much research experience as possible.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, my application required GRE test scores. I am unsure of the exact GRE scores that my program required, but I know that I scored above average. I prepared for the test by studying with a Kaplan book.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

My personal statement included information about my lifelong passion for nanoscience and my reasons for wanting to enter Virginia Commonwealth University’s specific nanoscience and nanotechnology program.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

I chose faculty to approach for my letters of recommendation primarily based on their ability to write about my proficiency with research and chemistry. I had researched with 1 professor for a year and a half. The other professor I chose because he taught a very difficult chemistry class that I had done well in. Unfortunately, I struggled to find a third professor to ask for a letter, but I ultimately decided to ask a professor who gave me a good grade in his course.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in nanoscience and nanotechnology?

The biggest tip that I have for students who are considering applying to graduate schools in nanoscience and nanotechnology is to start the application process early. Application fees were more expensive and I limited my program options because I procrastinated.

I also recommend that students take classes in chemistry during their undergraduate programs. Nanoscience is interdisciplinary, and I think that students without knowledge of chemistry may have to take additional tests to gain admission to a graduate program in this field.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My nanoscience and nanotechnology program takes 4 to 5 years to complete and emphasizes lab work and research rather than coursework. We have to take 2 required nanoscience courses and a few elective courses in the field during the first 3 years. But about 80% of our curriculum is devoted to dissertation research.

In addition to completing a dissertation, my program also requires us to take cumulative exams and get published. The cumulative exams are on a new subject each month, but the publication credit we receive has to be related to our research.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

The focus of my dissertation research is finding ways to make energy efficient solar panels. I have always wanted to do materials research, but I decided on this topic only after entering my nanoscience and nanotechnology program and looking at the research that my advisors were doing.

The most important lesson that I learned from this process has been to find an advisor whose research requirements fit my interests and preferences. Some advisors in my program required that their students work in the lab for several hours a day, for example, but I preferred to have more flexible lab hours and a deadline.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your dissertation?

The process of researching for and writing my dissertation has involved finding an advisor I want to work with for 4 or 5 years and learning about chemical synthesis before I start my work. Eventually I will start to conduct the experiments that will form the basis for my research.

One particular hurdle I face is creating a stable version of the material I want for my research. I am planning to use a few different chemistry techniques to develop it into a new form that, hopefully, will allow me to conduct my research.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

The role of my advisor in my education is to act as my general academic advisor. My program required me to speak with 75% of the faculty before I chose an advisor. The advisor I eventually chose had the research interests, requirements and funding that fit my needs. More importantly, I could imagine developing a student-teacher relationship with him.

Although all advisors work differently, my advisor helps me select my courses and work on my dissertation. If I run into a problem in an experiment, for example, I could consult with him to find a solution. I also rely on him to fund me so that I do not have to teach or apply for scholarships while I do my research.

Does your doctoral program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

Yes, my doctoral program requires comprehensive exams prior to graduation. About 2 years into my program, I will have to take a subject test on a topic that the department will select in the month of my test. I also have to give a defense of my dissertation at the end of my program.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your PhD program cost?

My PhD program costs relatively little. Although tuition typically costs several thousand dollars, I think that most doctoral students in the physical sciences receive tuition waivers if they teach or help professors do their research.

Although secondary costs, such as rent and books, are not covered by the tuition waiver, they do not amount to much. In my case, I had to move from New Jersey to Virginia for this program, but the cost of living in Virginia is quite low. Likewise, I have only had to purchase 1 book for my program so far.

How are you funding your education?

I am funding my education through a research assistantship position and stipend from my advisor. I think that students have to apply for the program by a certain deadline to qualify for funding like mine.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a doctoral degree in nanoscience and nanotechnology?

I think that the time commitments for a doctoral degree in nanoscience and nanotechnology are much like a full time job. I will be spending 40 hours a week in the lab, but I can divide up that time any way I like. Compared to my undergraduate coursework, I do not anticipate spending more than a few hours each week on homework, although preparing for finals has been time consuming. I also find that I have weekends off right now. But that may change once I start the research for my dissertation.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

The effect of graduate school on my personal life has been great. I have 5 years of job security because of my funded research assistantship and will walk away with a doctoral degree that I did not have to pay for. So far, I have even had time to exercise every day and plan a kayaking trip for later this year.

Graduate school has negatively affected my family life, however, because I had to move 400 miles from home for this program. Although I still manage to spend time with my family 2 or 3 times a semester, the distance is inconvenient.

Once I start my dissertation research, I plan to structure my time carefully. I will do my research from 9 to 5 each day and view it as my full time job, which also means that I may have to limit my hobbies. In general, however, I think that managing my research this way will help me to limit stress and have a personal life.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to be doing research. I do not care to teach because I love the lab. My goal is to develop new chemical processes and materials.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in nanoscience and nanotechnology?

I advise students who are interested in pursuing a PhD in nanoscience and nanotechnology to look at faculty research interests before they choose a program. If none of the faculty share their research interests, then students may not get to choose dissertation research that interests them.

I also think that students should know that salaries for people with PhDs in nanoscience and nanotechnology vary a great deal between industries. Petroleum work, for example, will pay a great deal more than environmental work. Some industries also choose to share their profits with their researchers.