Rotations

I’m an incoming PhD student, and before starting the program, I talked with a professor to discuss potentially rotating in their lab. I have a meeting with one of the profs to discuss rotating with them further and their projects. I have not met yet, but we will in 2 weeks.

Since then, I’ve learned more about the other labs in the program and found several that may fit my research interests better. We only have a limited number of rotations, and I’m now worried that rotating in this lab mainly because I already spoke with the PI would mean losing the opportunity to explore a lab that may be a stronger fit.

The professor was very kind, and I don’t want to seem flaky, damage the relationship, or create a bad impression before I even start the program. At the same time, I don’t think I ever made a formal commitment to rotate there.

Is it normal to change your mind after an initial meeting about potential rotation projects? How would you communicate this respectfully to the professor?