ron_swanson

So, about grades... I honestly don't understand why it's still a big deal in grad school. Isn't grad school more about research? Pass classes, pass quals... getting A's is for undergrad Plus, this semester is starting off with me scheduling appointments with the counseling center. Fun. I got my third paper submitted in Sep., but haven't respond to referee reports. Got a book deal and have to produce something by Dec. 2016, but work has diminished to 10-20 hours a week. We'll see how this plays out.

Google Maps was my guardian angel many of late nights in Lower Eastside and East Village, as I stumbled back to the subway to get me home.

Maybe I'll break out one of Griffiths books and lie down on the lawn outside my office at 3 pm. That'll surely get me some rest. Maybe I'll get one of Griffiths books put on my iphone and listen to it once my head hits the pillow. Who doesn't want Griffiths whispering in their ears at night?

No, I just zone out for a good 10 minutes daydreaming about what life would be like if I did this or that differently years ago... then suddenly an entire alternate reality plays out in my head. Suddenly I snap out of it and forget where I am and where the keys to my mercedes and why my wife hasn't called... then I realize I have neither. Yeah, I am definitely not doing my 20+ miles per week anymore. I just did a 10k and injured my ankle... not sure if I give the credit of tonight's rest to the run or the painkillers. I think my issue is relaxation. It's a struggle to slow my life down. Right now I'm trying to build a routine that doesn't involve bar hopping and/or parties. One thing I found out is reading my kindle for 30+ minutes a night puts me out.

Yeah, perhaps it's just the rapid transition for me. It is summer, so that might be a factor in the low student population and loneliness. I'll also need to expand my network here (it's only been three weeks). No negativity just yet. I do get a bit exhausted by 3 pm (more so than usual). It's just annoyance with lieing in bed for up to two hours before popping open netflix to go through several episodes of scrubs/mad men/etc.

Who here has dealt with insomnia? Or at least is dealing with it? Before moving across this little country last month my life was moving at 100 mph. Living in one of the largest cities, I was attracted to late-night parties. I was always a part of a group of friends in some downtown bar and the only thing that balanced my life was me training for a half marathon and the frequent use of sleeping pills to give me much needed rest. Now I live in a little suburb that's more than a 30 minute walk to the nearest nightlife. I also left my entire social group thousands of miles away. My goal was to enter grad school for early admission and start research to become acclimated, establish myself, and pump the brakes on my bad habits. In some sense it's working. I've made my name known in the department, am circling a new publication through the collaboration here, and already feel settled. Problem is the lack of intensity and things to do here. Now I find myself getting 4-5 hours of sleep. Even if I try to get more rest, I can't seem to. When do I start my own fight club?

In my experience long-distance relationships very rarely work out. After my first, I decided to no longer do long-distance. But I traveled a lot and in my experience, when in any major city, you're pretty much guaranteed to find strong, meaningful relationships. With relationship potential that high, why limit yourself and stifle your growth (both personally and academically)?

-"Why do we fall Bruce? So we can learn to pick ourselves up."

I just have it on my CV and mention it on the front (about me) page of my website. I think having a website is a great idea (especially for science) and maybe include the URL on your business card. I ended up purchasing the domain name of my website so the URL is pretty much just myname.com

Don't do it. You're a robot. Don't have fun. Publish or perish, concentrate only on your career, and when you're 35 with full tenure you can start dating.

That's the internet.

Takeruk I understand where you're coming from. It is sad stipends are considerably lower in certain fields than others. But it seems equal pay across the board for every graduate student is not justified in the sense that it should reflect the value and significance of the student's work/field. For example, students researching cures to vast numbers of diseases should be given preferential treatment (in terms of funding and support) over students studying dead languages or poetry of the middle ages, which I believe is the focus of many government and private funding grants, fellowships, etc. There's a lot of application to human advancement in the sciences and engineering sectors, possibly a factor for such a vast wage gap. I support this imbalance in that it makes such areas of focus more attractive to future generations (this may just reflect the selfish, narcissistic idiot I really am). When I say I can't fathom anyone living on such an income, I mean it with regards to my current, modern lifestyle. I was actually raised in a household hovering just at the poverty line, so I know the hardships, not just as a student, but as a lifestyle. It is my belief that academia is in fact not just for the upper middle class, but for those whose career is a major priority. Not the only one, but major. It was my understanding early on (first and second year as an undergraduate) that if I wanted to advance myself in any capacity with my education, I had to finance it on my own and maintain this single, seemingly selfish, lifestyle. In addition, there is no safety net under me and no one was going to help me get loans or assist me in paying them off. I acted accordingly. There are a lot of funding opportunties that are need-based in certain fields, they are ubiquitous in STEM fields. I agree, pregnancy and other health (physical and mental) concerns should be allowed a "stop" in their push through the academic pipeline with no bias or damage to their progress and reputation. I feel biases and other unforeseen issues will be, or is, prevalent in this scenario. I believe this is done already (at least in my field). It should be left to the student to allow work to coincide with the academic environment, it is up to the student to take the initiative to maybe tutor or get work as a researcher. I had to tutor basic math courses for four years, worked unpaid in research for a year before receiving a grant to complete my project and publish. Again many fields do this already. I believe most graduate programs mean it when they say they treat the applications holistically. If they don't, then maybe that graduate program isn't for you.

Putting aside stipend levels for now I'll just say that having a kid during graduate school isn't bad or wrong, but in some sense just naive and premature in one's chosen career path. If the kid came before, then I'm also not sure if the parent(s) should get an additional stipend. Yes this is a barrier in the academic pipeline, but the choice of grad school and having a kid is exactly what it is... a choice. Taking a year on leave during grad school by possibly working lesser hours, or with less demanding work (i.e., not requiring you to churn out proposals/papers in one week), would also be harmful. Especially later in the PhD or Masters program, since this would hamper one's publication record and likely cause one to fall out of the loop at conferences, etc. Overall, the same number of hours per week should be worked (nothing less), albeit with more flexibility in schedule. Although, such practice may portray these students as unfavorable to a PI since one's presence would be seen as uncertain and erratic (most likely a current bias). I do agree with having grants (federal or private) designed for parents during their travels for grad students, post docs, and faculty. But we're all adults, decisions like grad school (and kids, marriage(s), etc) are what we must face by weighing the odds and taking chances. Also, Takeruk mentioned the issue with university/department reimbursements moving at a snail's pace. They are the bane of my existence (I'm not even a grad student yet, I'm just a lonely research staff member... but still). As for the original topic of discussion, the grad student wage gap... I'm sorry to say that I stand at a privileged position (see note below). I cannot fathom spending several years at around $15k a year. But I do enjoy reading this. Personal note: As a B.S. degree holder my current research staff position offers me a modest annual pay (this is in the "hard" sciences at a more selective university) with a small research allowance. My current fellowships will likely meet or exceed my stipend offer from the grad school I'll be attending (possibly maximizing to $40k/yr for five years if I can properly leverage the three fellowships I received). In all honesty, I am not ashamed of where I stand. My push for grad school was well planned and very calculated, I even turned down offers from financial firms and start-ups to put me in the best possible position for success. My choice was because I wanted to build a stronger foundation in my education to qualify me for positions that'll, once I get a PhD, pay up to three times the amount offered by these same companies.

Dinosaur handler/trainer/hunter (been training my whole life) Tenured faculty member at prestigious university in my field (after I finish my PhD and have a couple post-docs I'll make a push for this) Researcher/analyst at Google or Bloomberg (not qualified for the position I'd like, but I'm sure I'd be able to work my way in) Quantitative analyst and risk assessment at financial firm (I've turned down a couple jobs with financial firms so far)

Gives me comfort to know I'm not the only one. Yeah, I might send emails soon if no updates come soon.

I'm working to open a new field of astronomy that is no longer restricted to electromagnetic radiation. From the infrared, to the visibile spectrum, and to the ultraviolet, our understanding of the universe came from building instruments to detect various forms of radiation, electromagnetic radiation in this case. My work is ushering in a new field, known as gravitational wave astronomy. In short, gravitational waves are produced by accelerating massive objects, which cause rapid distortions in what we call spacetime, and these propagating deformations are what we call gravitational radiation, or gravitational waves.

So, in my experience try and differentiate between those wanting small talk and having actual interests in your work. Go from there. If it's small talk, then keep it short. Just joke about it a bit, like I would say I push letters and numbers around on a paper all day or I punch symbols in a computer all day, which in the field of physics is pretty much what I do. It's good to make people realize it's your way of life, it's what pays the bills, etc. When people don't have interests in your work, lead it elsewhere (like movies, shows, music, sports, etc). If they are interested try and gauge their level of interest and maybe even their background. For me, it's them having or not having a knowledge of the importance of, or even background in, science that sets off what level I can engage people. Also, you got to understand that moments of discussing your work (as a researcher it really is your work, a type of product) gives you the opportunity to sell it. It's good practice to convince others around you why you matter, why your work matters, what place your work has in the world, etc. If you're at some posh party, flaunt that phd around (and whatever prestigious school you're associated with)... but don't do that at some dive bar or you'll be a cocky scumbag.

So, my NSF profile still says "Pending NSF Approval." I switched the school from Cornell to Caltech (application was written for Cornell, but I'm going to end up at Caltech). My document submission for the Ford Fellowship (submitted April 9) also says "Pending Approval" (or something similar). When should I start worrying about this? Anybody with experience?

Also a bit of advice to anyone willing, to reduce on cost a lot you might be able to find a two-room apartment (not two bedrooms, just literally two rooms+bathroom) in 145-157th St. area with a willing roommate. I did that first two years here and it brought my rent to $550/month (total place was $1100/month). It wasn't ideal since there can be limited privacy. But for someone that just flew into the city with nothing but a duffel bag from a summer doing fieldwork at the base of the Rockies, it was what worked best for me. If you do end up living in the 145 St. area I will recommend a coffee shop called Chipped Cup at 149th and there's two good bars next door (Harlem Public and a place literally named Bar). Yeah, the C train is just right around the corner of my apartment and the theatre in Harlem is pretty much around the corner from the 125th stop. I sometimes just roll out of bed and watch a movie in my PJs. Plus, it's never as crowded as the one on 86th.

There are places further north. The 1-train stops at 135, 145, 157, 168 (medical campus), etc. Anywhere near these areas have decent prices and take 15-30 min commute to 116th. You might be able to find a place in $1100-$2000 price range. But expect to pay a lot up front (1st month, last month, and security deposit). Monthly subway passes are ~$120 and if you use it at least twice a day it'll be worth the price. Also try places along Morningside and Fredrick Douglas. I actually know of students getting subsidized Columbia apartments in the Morningside area. Some grad students even pay as low as $1100 a month and share apartments with other Columbia students. But I these students tend to get stuck in the "Columbia bubble." It's nice to have an unlimited subway pass to roam the city on the weekends. But hope you enjoy NYC. I didn't really enjoy the city (I'm from the Southwest) and I'm glad to say I'll be in the LA-area this summer.

Yeah, I talked to both the NSF and Ford Foundation, the NSF allows you to go on reserve your first year while you accept the Ford (which can't be deferred its first year). Also, the Ford stated that they don't allow fellows to be actively funded by both the NSF and Ford on the same year (one has to be deferred/reserved). Also, I accepted the Ford and submitted documents on the 9th. The documents are still pending approval. Is it ok if the submissions are still pending approval after tomorrow?

Had lunch with Neil Degrasse Tyson. Also, several months later, I went to a party with NDT and Bill Nye amongst the attendees. I've had dinner with several Nobel laureates. Not to mention random celebrities about NYC.

Eigen Yeah, I was talking with the CO at one of the schools I was considering and he had concerns (along the lines of my concerns about the NRC being Federally funded). This was before I formally accepted their offer. I just accepted the school's offer like 3 hours ago and sent a follow-up email, so he'll probably put more thought in to my questions. I also just emailed GRFP with my questions/concerns. If the green light is given I'll like contact Ford to get their approval. Things get complicated because I have a 3rd private fellowship to throw in there... good ol' three body problem.

I got both the NSF GRFP (all E/E's) and the Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship. The NSF GRFP states that you cannot take on another Federal Fellowship. I know the Ford Foundation is private and is managed by the National Research Council (also private). Yet, the NRC receives Federal funding. I'm in the process of figuring this whole thing out. But I just wanted to know if anyone here has/will accept both. The Ford can only be deferred after the first year (for a maximum of 2 years), while the NSF GRFP can be put on Reserve for up to 2 years. It'd be great to "leap-frog" these fellowships over the full 5 years they are offered (the PhD program I'm entering is designed for 5 years, making it perfect). Right now I accepted the NSF GRFP (haven't made a decision on Tenure or Reserve for the upcoming year) since it pays more and allows me NSF GROW and NSF GRIP opportunities. If I can't accept both I'll probably just drop the Ford. But yeah, anyone have experience with this?

I am in this situation. I got both the Ford Predoc and NSF GRFP. The NSF GRFP states that you cannot take on another Federal Fellowship. I know the Ford Foundation is private and is managed by the National Research Council (also private). Yet, the NRC receives Federal funding. I'm in the process of figuring this whole thing out. Right now I accepted the NSF GRFP (haven't made a choice on Tenure or Reserve for the upcoming year) since it pays more and allows me NSF GROW and NSF GRIP opportunities. If I can't accept both I'll just drop the Ford. But overall, I made my grad school choices and it just comes down to finding which funding opportunity has the deepest pockets.