======= Date Modified 10 Jul 2011 23:31:52 =======
As I said, my committee deemed me sufficient. They already know what my work entails and what I submit to them as the dissertation should be fine. It is the DEFENSE in front of the whole department that is worrisome. I don't think that rewriting/revising will not make a difference at this point. Whatever I have accomplished so far in terms of experiments is all that I have to work with because I am no longer in proximity to the university.

======= Date Modified 11 Jul 2011 10:08:28 =======
============= Edited by a Moderator =============
Here's my story: the last four years were just a f-ing nightmare. My "mentor" was completely useless and had no money or any scientific knowledge. Basically, he could not give two $&*%$ whether I succeeded or not, he's tenured. I had no guidance. He spent at least two months out of each year on vacation. Given that environment, I did the best that I could, but I just feel that my project is not up to snuff. I mean, I don't really have that much data and there are a lot of holes/unanswered questions in my thesis project. A lot more experiments are warranted. None-the-less, I was granted sufficiency and through some personal circumstances had to move away from the University to another state. I am now on a leave of absence trying to publish my work and write up my thesis. My issue now is that I am dreading my defense due to the fact that my work is not air tight (more like swiss cheese). I can't exactly get up there and start making excuses. Any advise out there for me?