Students typically do 3 research rotations in laboratories of their choice during their first year to gain direct research experience and to choose a mentor for their thesis research. 

Laboratory rotations provide the best opportunity for students to become familiar with specific laboratory and research areas while performing small research projects, and to determine which faculty members, laboratory environments, and research areas are best suited to their interests and skills. 

First year students are strongly encouraged to arrive in July to begin their first research rotation.  This allows the student to become acclimated to the program and become immersed in a research problem before classes begin in the fall.

In general, the selection of a thesis advisor is done by the end of the first year, and students begin their thesis project by the beginning of Year 2.