challenging grad school experience
Pros
UC Davis is big enough to have a variety of laboratories in which you can work and study. Funding varies by P.I. Some amazing people and brilliant scientists live and work in Davis. It can be a great community to grow in.
Cons
Naive graduate students, beware. Like anywhere else, there are great P.I.s and there are terrible ones. Interactions with your boss should be respectful, of course, but don't defer to him/her without question. Especially those who are new to their role. Look at the quality of their publications. Find labs with a consistent and timely graduation rate for their students. Just because a P.I. tells you he has funding, does not mean it is true. Do what you can to get your own funding, and cross check what the P.I. tells you with his staff and other members of the department and graduate group.
