Finding a Supervisor

Determine your research interests:

• Research in Physiology is divided into four platforms.
• Read through the descriptions of each platform and see what stands out to you.
• Choose a couple of Primary Investigators (P.I.'s) from the platforms that interest you, look up their recent publications, and get a sense of their research.

Please note:

• Some faculty members publicly announce when they are seeking new students.
• Some faculty members prefer to review the skillsets of students who have reached out, and decide the needs of their lab based on that.
• If you'd like to work with a faculty member who hasn't specified that they're accepting new students, you may still contact them with a carefully tailored email. 

What's Next?

When you've narrowed down a few P.I.'s you might wish to work with, move on to 2. Contacting Potential Supervisors.

Write your emails carefully:

The emails you write to potential supervisors are:

1. A job application.
2. Your first impression on the faculty member.

Remember to:

• Tailor the email to the specific P.I. and their research.
• Explain why you are interested in their field and how you see yourself fitting into their lab.
• State your longterm goals. If you plan to go to a professional school in the future, it is advisable to note this.
• Attach a CV or resume and a transcript to your email.
• Proofread for spelling and grammar.

Following Up:

• If you haven't heard back from a potential supervisor, you may write a brief follow-up after a few weeks.
• Our faculty members have many competing demands, and are looking for students who take initiative and show persistence in a professional manner.
• If a P.I. has indicated that they will not be accepting you as their student at this time, that decision should be respected and not pursued further.

What's Next?

Once you've received a favourable response from a potential supervisor, move on to 3. The Interview - Ensuring a Good Fit.

Schedule an opportunity to talk:

• An in-person interview or telephone call will help determine if the lab is a good fit on both sides.
• Use this opportunity to ensure you understand the lab's research and what your role would be.
• Ask questions about the organization of the lab to ensure that it fits with your working and learning styles.
• Ask the professor to share contact information for some of their lab members and reach out to them as well.

Contact lab members:

• Deciding on a lab is a big decision; make sure you have all the information.
• Reach out to lab members by email and ask relevant questions such as:
  • What is the P.I.'s leadership style?
  • Do you enjoy working with the P.I.? Why or why not?
  • Is the atmosphere collaborative or more independent?
  • If I am a particular type of learner, do you believe I will be supported in this lab?
  • What is the publication record for this P.I.'s graduate students?

What's Next?

Once both you and the P.I. have established a good fit, move on to 4. Finalize the Arrangement.

Finalization happens in this order:

1. Once you secure a Supervisor, you must notify the Graduate Office.
2. Once the department approves the supervisory arrangement and you have set up your U of T email address, you will be invited to complete the GEMS Student - Supervisor Agreement Form online.

Your Committee will help you with issues:

• Early in the program you will be asked to assemble a committee, consisting of at least two other Professors, who will advise you in your studies.
• These professors will serve as your contacts should problems arise in the lap or your program.
• Ensure that your Committee members are able to meet two to three times a year.
• Use these meetings as a forum to discuss any issues, and ensure that problems don't fester.
• The Graduate Coordinator and Graduate Studies Administrative Assistant can also offer advice should you encounter difficulties.