# Advising, Thesis Committee, and Research Mentor

There are several formal advising processes for MSBS students. These are:

#### **Career/Academic Advisors**  

Upon matriculation, each student is assigned a career/academic advisor. Based upon their future goals, the advisor will be either the Director or Associate Director of the MSBS program.  The role of this academic program advisor is to help students navigate the process of selecting a laboratory and advice on academic and career goals. This career/academic advisor will meet at least once a term to evaluate progress towards career goals. 

**Research Mentor-Thesis/Capstone Advisor**

Students will select their research advisor and submit the Research Agreement for their thesis or capstone **by November 15** of the first semester. Once a lab or research project is selected, the research mentor will become the thesis/capstone advisor. The student should discuss the expectations and goals for the research project with their advisor. The online Research Agreement form will be submitted by the student and signed by both the student and the faculty member. If the student or the advisor realizes that it is no longer a good match, a switch to another laboratory/research project should be discussed with the Program Director. See next section for more information and process.

#### **Thesis Committee** 

The Thesis Committee will be an important part of a student’s advisory team. The student is required to have at least two meetings with their advisory committee prior to defending the thesis. It is to the student’s advantage to populate this committee with members who can help guide the research project technically and/or intellectually. More information in the section, [*The Master’s Thesis Review Committee*](https://ismms-gs.gitbook.io/graduate-student-handbook/chapter-4-1/ms-in-biomedical-sciences-msbs/msbs-thesis/the-masters-thesis-review-committee)*.* 

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