"Being in the Tetrad program has allowed me to explore new research areas I’d never been exposed to before, which opened my eyes to entirely new fields that I fell in love with."
Claire Kokontis, PhD student, Tetrad
Year 2: Move Toward Candidacy
Your second year is a transition from structured learning to scholarly independence and interdependence with your labs, key collaborators, and faculty. You will deepen your academic rigor while preparing for qualifying exams and advancing toward candidacy.
Focus on:
- Refining your research interests
- Beginning to shape your research agenda
- Preparing for qualifying exams and dissertation proposals
We also encourage thoughtful engagement beyond the lab or classroom—service, leadership, and community involvement (such as Registered Campus Organizations) can enrich your graduate experience.
Academic
- Apply to External Fellowships (e.g. NSF, HHMI Gilliam) and Scholarships
- Choose Lab
- Learning Experience in Teaching Duties
- Qualifying Exam
Community and Resources
- Take Care of Your Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Join RCOs (Registered Campus Organizations)
- Participate in Mentorship Programs (e.g., BAYS, CURE, SEP)
- Volunteer
- Quarterly GEPA Dean's Office Hours
Career
- Create an IDP with CPD
- 1:1 meeting with CPD
- Choose a lab
- Participate in career exploration