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Questions regarding your interests in the field?

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 1:00 pm
by namvuong
I recently accepted an offer to the Ph.D program in a university. The director of graduate studies contacted me and noted that "you may want to contact Prof. X for any questions regarding your interests in the field". As the title indicated, I want to ask what kind of questions can I ask?

Let me clarify the situation a little bit. I majored in Algebraic Topology and my bachelor dissertation was on this topic, too. But like other fields, Algebraic Topology has many topics to study. Prof. X seems to be interested in my achievement and dissertation (he contacted me before the offer was made). However, I have to say that I do not see the connection between my knowledge and his recent articles. So I really want to ask if he can illustrate his topics. But I am afraid this question could leave a bad impression as this is a matter I can figure out myself (but having someone point it out is nicer).

To sum up,

1) Can I ask him to illustrate his work because I do not see the connection?
2) What are the questions I can and should ask?

Thank you in advance

Re: Questions regarding your interests in the field?

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 2:11 pm
by Yello
If your question is sophisticated enough (which seems to be the case now), they will be very happy to help you see the connection. Mathematicians live for these kinds of conversations.