u/CarBetter1450

I recently cold emailed a couple of professors about research opportunities, and they responded positively and invited me to meet for a “chat” to learn more about my interests and goals.

I understand these are informal conversations rather than structured interviews, but I’m curious about how they typically function in practice and what professors are usually looking for in these meetings.

For those who have gone through this process especially for science rsearch positions... What usually happens in these conversations? How evaluative are they from the professor’s perspective? What tends to make a student stand out?Are there common pitfalls or things to avoid during the in person chats?

Any advice or personal experiences would mean a lot for me

Thank you!

What does this mean?

I recently adopted two male long-haired Syrian hamsters, who had been living together for about six months in a large but little floor space, tall, three-floor wire cage from their previous owner. I know Syrians are typically solitary, so on the first night of adopting them, I separated them into individual cages.

But now, I’m noticing this behavior: both are making this chuffing or “ch” sound from their noses, and they keep pausing, listening, and kind of searching around, like they’re trying to find each other. Is this more likely them looking for their companion, or is it a territorial thing like, “who’s near my space”? I was wondering, could they still be bonded after all this time, or is this just stress from the separation? Anyone with experience in separating older Syrians or any insight in general is appreciated

May I add the weaker one is always laying flat