PhD Thesis Advisory Committee

Rationale:

Broad advising on the student’s thesis topic is important as soon as a general research question has been developed by the student with advice from their primary advisor. As a good working relationship is important so that a student can receive the scientific/technical advising they need, it is advised that students begin conversations with potential committee members early in their career. This permits students to explore the type and style of advising they might receive from individual faculty members so that the student can choose the most effective Thesis Advisory Committee for their research and career goals.

Logistics/Timing:

Given their different purposes, the Thesis Committee is a separate committee from the POS Advisory Committee (of course there is likely to be some overlap). The Thesis Committee must include at least three BME faculty members as well as one outside faculty member that is not affiliated with the BME department (can be within or outside of Purdue).  While the Thesis Committee is not required to be formed until the Prelim Exam, it is advisable to begin considering Committee members as soon as a student finishes their QLA.