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I have joined a new research group as a PhD student about one month before. Few days ago my supervisor told me I should supervise an undergraduate student for a research project. However, the things this research group doing are totally new to me. When I had discussions with the undergraduate, I sometimes find he knows more about me in the project. I find embarrassed, and don't know how to supervise him when I can't quite understand his project.

I know as a PhD student, learning new things is essential (and I enjoy a lots). However, I do not have the time now. The undergraduate needs to have some results in few weeks for some sorts of mid-term review report. I agree to supervise him because I don't want to reject my supervisor, I just join the group and it seems inappropriate to turn down.

What should I do in this situation? I don't know if it is common for a fresh PhD student to supervise undergraduates even you are coming from a different field. Of course, I am doing a lot of reading for this, trying to beef my background knowledge up.

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    I know as a PhD student, learning new things is essential (and I enjoy a lots). However, I do not have the time now. The undergraduate needs to have some results in few weeks for some sorts of mid-term review report. I agree to supervise him because I don't want to reject my supervisor, I just join the group and it seems inappropriate to turn down. - Talk to your supervisor. It's more inappropriate to agree to do things that you don't have time to do properly, especially if your supervisor isn't necessarily fully aware of the time issues involved.
    – ff524
    Nov 30, 2014 at 2:16
  • In your situation I would let the undergrad decide what he wants to do with the project and just give hints and comments along the way, rather than telling him what to do. Let him come up with most of the ideas, and you can just fuel the fire a bit. This will take a lot of pressure off of you and guide the student towards becoming a more independent researcher.
    – Ben Bitdiddle
    Nov 30, 2014 at 5:49
  • Another thing you could do is introduce him to some of your labmates, and maybe they can give him advice too.
    – Ben Bitdiddle
    Nov 30, 2014 at 5:54

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The situation may be challenging, but you don't need to be uncomfortable with it. In academic research, it is not uncommon that the one doing the actual project is more familiar with the material than the one supervising it. While it's probably rarely the case in an undergraduate - PhD student relation, it almost becomes the norm in the PhD student - professor relation, at least as the PhD student becomes more senior. Keep in mind that supervising is not only about teaching the material, but also about how to act and conduct research professionally. I hope you feel more confident about the latter aspect!

In your specific situation, there seem to be two possible steps if you feel you need to do something about it.

  • Talk to the student you supervise, explain that your background is in a different field, and openly state that you may not be able to fully help on the content side of the project. If the student is sufficiently confident in working more independently, you should be able to be more relaxed as well.
  • Otherwise, you may need to talk to your supervisor again and explain the problem. Maybe he can point out an additional member of the group who would be able to help with the aspects you can't cover.
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    +1 I've been the undergrad in a similar situation, and frank openness (on the supervisor's part) about their limitations in understanding the content, is essential for a good working relationship. Also, allow the student to teach you--this is one of the best ways for them to truly understand their own work.
    – J. Zimmerman
    Nov 30, 2014 at 23:24

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