If one has a supportive advisor and adequate non-grant support (e.g., a fellowship), it is possible to work on self-drive ambitious projects. However, typically

If one has a supportive advisor and adequate non-grant support (e.g., a fellowship), it is possible to work on self-drive ambitious projects. However, typically an advisor only wants to invest significant time if the work is interesting to them. Also, often I've been approached by students who want to do their own thing in terms of high risk work, but they don't have adequate skills or enough existing work to graduate with. Mt goal is to ensure students advance knowledge, graduate, and get the kind of job they want. Ambitious projects that fail will significantly impair positive outcomes. The billion dollar endowments don't usually go toward supporting research directly.