PhD Research

[Doubleshadow]

Soon, I will have to choose a professor to work under during the next five years for my Ph. D. I have narrowed it down to two, pretty much, but I have hit a snag.
The one does research on Alzheimers Disease, something I have wanted to work on since a friend of mine watched it slowly kill her grandmother. The grunt work of the project isn't as exciting to me as it could be, but my conscience is smiting me about not automatically asking for a place in the group, especially since I like the prof. and people in it, and especially another Christian I have become friends with.
The other group does molecular diagnostics and is working on biosensors (Crohns Disease, diabetes), and is working on a project that I hope to work on that is trying to develop a way to regrow bone tissue in patients who have lost chunks of bone, like bone cancer patients. The next step (projected right now) is to try to regrow damaged arteries around the heart.
However, while I'm excited intellectually, I still feel like I should be working on AD, but I don't know if that is God or just my sentiments which could be tricking me. I would really appreciate prayer for direction.

DS

[uc pseudonym]

That decision will have to be your own, so all I can do is pray for you in this regard. I'm sure that either choice would be beneficial in the years to come.

[SP1]

Perhaps if both PhD paths look good, it's time to look beyond 5 years? What do you want to do then? The course of study will play no small part in career decisions (networking, job security - or lack thereof, etc.) later on. These are both really cool fields. Speaking personally, we have a relative with mild dimentia that is probably early Alzhimers AND my youngest daughter was just diagnosed a couple of weeks ago with Crohns. So, really, I'm good either way

I don't think you should have any regrets either way you choose. Praying for God's guidance and a clear head.

[Mithrandir]

Perhaps if both PhD paths look good, it's time to look beyond 5 years?

Wise advice should be quoted for truth.

[Technomancer]

The most important thing I think is to do something that interests you the most. You're going to have to keep at it in depth for 4-5 years, and believe me, you really need to be doing something that stimulates you intellectually. It's got to be what keeps you reading journals, sitting at a lab bench, preparing slides, etc.