After a strong start and the ups and downs that are inevitable during your first few months in the lab, you’ve found your feet as a Ph.D. student and have gotten your project up to speed. You’ve been working long hours in the lab and sacrificing evenings and weekends to get ahead. Some time ago you sketched out, with your adviser, your research objectives for the coming year. They seemed reasonable on paper, and the planning looked realistic. You’re ready to make a real contribution to your field.

Link (Science Careers, 10/2006)