In the beginning of the second year, the student, in consultation with the Thesis Advisor, must identify faculty to serve on his/her Thesis Advisory Committee. The Committee must consist of at least four faculty members (including the Thesis Advisor), and at least two of these Committee members (one of whom may be the Thesis Advisor) must hold a primary or secondary appointment in the MCDB Department. Although the Thesis Advisor is present at the Qualifying Exam, they are not expected to participate. The Chair of the Committee will be selected prior to or at the first Committee meeting; the Chair must hold a primary appointment in MCDB and may not be the Thesis Advisor. The student should discuss the composition of the Committee with the Thesis Advisor before asking individual faculty to serve on the Committee.
The main function of the Thesis Advisory Committee is to provide guidance to the student throughout the course of dissertation research. The Committee is expected to provide advice regarding research methods, experimental strategies, interpretation of data, and the overall direction of research. The student must meet with the Thesis Advisory Committee at least once per year but meetings may be held more often when needed. The student is encouraged to consult with individual members of the Committee whenever their advice might prove helpful.
The student should choose faculty members who are knowledgeable in the chosen area of research and/or are familiar with the methods and strategies being employed. The availability of Committee members is a factor that should be taken into consideration when assembling a Committee. Students should schedule Committee Meetings 3 months in advance.
If the student has a concern or problem that he/she is not comfortable discussing in the presence of the Thesis Advisor, the student should discuss it privately with the Chair of the Committee (or another Committee member, if preferred) and/or with the Director of Graduate Studies.