Very early during 1st year in the fall, the MGN hosts a panel discussion to introduce itself and cover a host of relevant topics. Coffee and cookies are provided, and the event is usually lasts 1-1.5 hours. Another panel is held just before first-year students choose their thesis labs in the spring. We have sometimes opted to host the spring panel immediately before a Friday afternoon, department-wide happy hour, in which case free drinks are provided following the event. Otherwise, we provide coffee and cookies.

General topics covered during the "Choosing a Rotation Lab" fall panel:

• Selecting rotation labs
• The purpose of rotations
• What to do during your rotation
• What NOT to do during your rotation
• Graduate courses and how they are different from undergraduate courses
• Developing healthy habits
• Optimizing your work-life balance
• Imposter syndrome
• Vacation time
• Fellowships and reference letters
• Retreats and networking
• Balancing fun and professional development

General topics covered during the "Choosing a Thesis Lab" spring panel:

• Selecting your thesis lab and navigating "awkward week" discussions
• Lab environment, culture, composition, and diversity
• Picking the PI that is best for you
• Funding situation and stability
• Communication style and constructive feedback
• Expectations for projects, independence, extra-lab activities like teaching
• Lab meetings: style, frequency, sub-group meetings?
• Work-life balance: encouraged, discouraged, does it meet your personal needs?