Name

Ryan Deschner

School

University of Texas, Austin

Degree Program

Fourth year PhD student in Chemical Engineering at University of Texas, Austin

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from University of Texas, 2004

Dissertation Topic

Facilitated self-assembly of polymer particles

Research Interests

Imprint photography; Biochemical projects involving antibodies in the gene sequencing

Advisor

Grant Wilson

Advisor’s Research Focus

Functional materials

Hobbies

Soccer, learning languages

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school or program?

I chose the PhD program in chemical engineering at University of Texas because the program is strong and I wanted to live in Austin. I also had research experience here as an undergraduate. I decided to return to school to pursue a PhD after working in the chemical engineering field for several years. Although I applied to other schools, in the end I decided to return to University of Texas because I knew I could conduct the type of research I was interested in conducting, with a professor who I admired.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

To prepare for graduate school, I gained research experience and I also worked in the chemical engineering field. During my undergraduate study, I conducted lab research and I think that helped prepare me for graduate-level research.

I also worked for IBM for 4 years as a chemical engineer after I completed my bachelors degree. While working in the field, I saw first-hand that chemical engineers with undergraduate degrees worked in manufacturing positions, while engineers with graduate degrees worked in more research-oriented positions. This real world experience prepared me for graduate school by inspiring me to pursue a research-oriented career.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, I was required to submit GRE scores when I applied to my PhD program in chemical engineering. Because University of Texas consistently ranks in the top 10 chemical engineering programs in the nation, admission was extremely competitive and the GRE was an important component of the application.

Although there was no minimum GRE score, I knew I would need to earn the highest score possible, particularly on the math portion. To prepare for the test, I spent my entire winter break practicing math problems. I also took the test twice, to earn my highest possible score.

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

In my personal statement, I included information about my reasons for pursuing graduate school and my ultimate career goals. I explained why I was interested in the chemical engineering program at University of Texas and described the type of research that I was interested in conducting. I also highlighted my previous research experience during my undergraduate study and illustrated how the PhD program could help me continue my research.

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

For letters of recommendation, I asked people who knew me well and understood my work and study habits. I asked a professor from my undergraduate program because I had performed research for him. I also asked a PhD candidate who I had worked with during a summer internship. In addition, I asked a supervisor from IBM to write a letter of recommendation.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in chemical engineering?

For students who are considering applying to graduate programs in chemical engineering, I suggest speaking with faculty members in person. For a potential chemical engineering student, the type of research being conducted is more important than the overall school, and the best way to understand the research is to speak with the faculty.

I would also recommend that other students put a lot of time and effort into studying for the GRE. The math on the test is not difficult for an engineering student, but that also means that engineering programs expect near-perfect scores on the math portion. It is easy to be over-confident, but I suggest preparing more than necessary to earn a score that is as close to 100% as possible.

Graduate School – The Program

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

My program typically takes 5 years to complete, and is divided between compulsory coursework and dissertation work. During the first 2 years, students take required classes. Most students take 3 classes per semester. Some students continue to take classes in the third year, but it is not required. By the second year, students are required to select an advisor, and then dissertation research begins. For the last 3 years of the program, the curriculum focuses on dissertation research.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

For my dissertation research, I am working on the self-assembling of particles, and finding a way to induce the spontaneous organization of very small media, such as polymers or metallic particles. In essence, I deal with nano-technology. These are tiny robots and machines that are too small to see with the human eye, but because they are so small, they are difficult to build. In my research, I try and find ways for these machines to build themselves. I am specifically exploring DNA because the human body does a great job of self-assembling. I hope to channel the self-assembly property of DNA to use the process as a vehicle for creating just about anything out of tiny particles.

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

During my second year, I was required to present a research proposal to a committee. I described what research I had already conducted and I also explained where I thought the project would lead. Once I had their approval for my dissertation topic, I was able to begin my in-depth dissertation work.

At this point in my dissertation, I spend a lot of time in the lab conducting heavy research or analyzing my data. I have not started the writing portion of my paper, but I will soon. There is no firm deadline for completion of the dissertation, but the chemical engineering department prefers that students do not remain in the program for more than 6 years.

Does your program have an internship component?

No, my PhD program in chemical engineering does not require an internship but there are plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience. Some professors bring students to conferences to participate in collaborations, or to work with them in national laboratories. My program also helps interested students find summer internships. Sometimes, students can find scholarships in exchange for summer internships at private companies.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor, Dr. Grant Wilson, was my first choice when I entered my chemical engineering program at University of Texas. He has experience in both the chemical engineering and chemistry fields. He has also had experience in the industry in addition to academia so he is a very knowledgeable resource. My peers seem to have advisors who are either very uninvolved or very controlling, but Dr. Wilson falls in the middle of the spectrum. He is helpful without micro-managing, and is also available when I have questions. He supports and advises me in making choices for my education, as well as my career path.

Does your doctoral program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

Yes, at the end of the first semester, I had to take a qualifying exam in order to remain in the PhD program. The exam was formatted like a class final exam, and included topics on dynamics, kinetics and transport phenomena. I was allowed to retake the test twice if I didn’t pass, but I passed the test the first time.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How are you funding your education?

In my PhD program at University of Texas, chemical engineering students are guaranteed full tuition funding. In exchange, I work in the lab as a research assistant and I also work as a teaching assistant.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a PhD in chemical engineering?

For the most part, my PhD program in chemical engineering is like a 9 to 5 job. Sometimes I have to work into the evening or on weekends when I am completing a big project, but usually I work 8-hour days. During the first 2 years, I attended classes that required preparation and homework, but now that I am in the dissertation portion of the program, I primarily perform research. Sometimes, I am even able to take my work home and analyze data while I am watching TV.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school frequently bleeds into my personal life. I try to keep my work separate from my personal life, but it can be tricky because I have to be flexible in order to perform research. Sometimes I need to run to the lab for an hour and 1 hour turns into 5 hours. In order to balance graduate school with my personal life, I try and work as efficiently as possible. When I am supposed to be working, I try to minimize distractions that are not related to my project, such as chatting with coworkers or surfing the internet, to work efficiently and avoid procrastinating. That way, I can complete my work for the day and have uninterrupted time to devote to my wife and my personal life.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I plan to find a research position in the chemical engineering field. I am also open to the possibility of working in academia. My main goal is to find a position where I have the flexibility and resources to conduct good research. Whether I work in academia or for a company is less important to me.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in chemical engineering?

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD in chemical engineering, I have 2 pieces of advice for you.

First, do not put off graduate school. After you complete your undergraduate degree, your chances of entering graduate school diminish exponentially with each year that you work in the industry. Although I worked in the field for 4 years before returning to school, I do not recommend this path because I am the exception. Most people who do not enter graduate school within a year of graduation never will, so do not wait.

Second, be honest with yourself about what your career goals are and pursue a PhD for the right reasons. Sometimes, people get enamored with the idea of having the title of doctor, but that is not a good justification for pursuing a PhD. If it is money that you are after, it might be a better idea to enter the field immediately with a bachelors degree and work your way up the management chain. Graduate school is a big commitment and you should enter a program for the right reasons, not as a way to make money or as a plan B.