many stories float around of students who speak to their committee members only twice; once to ask them to be on their committee and once at their final degree defense. this places the pressure of convincing your professors of your ability in a matter of hours, rather than over a matter of years! your committee is there to help you and guide you along the way, so keep in contact with them. set a goal of speaking to your members every few months to keep them informed of your progress. this will also allow your committee members to get to know you and your abilities as a scientist. along with 