Do you get along with your advisor? How much time do you spend looking at publications in your field? Is most of your new knowledge from these publications, or do you perhaps rely on books you...
Do you get along with your advisor?
Oof, ask me next week. I started a relationship with a woman in my lab. Her mom's cancer metastisized to her everything so she asked to take a leave of absence to take care of her...our boss decided that was not going to happen, despite it being allowed by our handbook. She talked to the department and quit. It's a whole thing, because she completed everything but her thesis. I'm currently sweating my rec letter and writing my thesis while supporting us.
How much time do you spend looking at publications in your field?
4ish hours a week.
Is most of your new knowledge from these publications, or do you perhaps rely on books you have not yet read?
Uh, yes. But there are books I..have read.
How has your own funding (e.g. NSF fellowship) or lack thereof impacted what you do with your day?
I spend 12 hours a week teaching and about 6 grading. It sucks, but my personal life has evaporated anyway.
What do you anticipate doing after you finish
Ideally, an academic position somewhere. I could go for a national lab, though.
What (open source?) tools do you find the most useful in your work?
Uh...Scidavis is a great alternative to Origin.
How do you balance work/life?
I don't.
If you are/were a TA, how did you learn how to be an effective one?
I had a great mentor for a semester. I teach an intro course, so the main goal is to make students explain their methods.
How do you make sure you are on track with your research goals?
Uh, my head? I just know where I want to go and keep going. I use a Hobonichi Techno because it has a page for each day, and it's a great planner/journal.
What are your biggest wins? Your biggest regrets?
any other things you want to talk about?
I got a nice fellowship for size months - I'd advise everyone to just send out write-ups, because it works.
My biggest regret is...nothing. I'm as happy as could be. It would be nice if I wasn't harboring a deep disgust with my boss, but whatever.
Ideally, an academic position somewhere. I could go for a national lab, though.
any other things you want to talk about?