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POST: How do you stay organized in research? Note taking app advice Hi In a couple of days I'll start the second year of my PhD and looking back I see that I have a lot of space for improvement. Recently I found my self involved in several different problems and I'm finding quite difficult or even impossible to retain all the information from meetings, talks, proposals or ever papers that I need to read. I never really used a notetaking app but I guess that now I can really profit from starting to use one. I took a look at Onenote but I guess this is not what I'm looking for my head does not work in that way. Evernote looks really nice but is quite expensive and Notion looks overly complicated. But maybe I'm wrong and you guys can help me choosing and setting up the best methods for getting things done and stay organized.
RESPONSE A: I have used pretty much every app possible now and the most useful has been not an app. I use an A5 Leuchtturm squared notebook and semi bullet journal with it. I take notes from meetings and papers and whatever else, write massive to do lists (and ones for “tomorrow”) and have an index at the front I keep updated so I can quickly find stuff. Along with my calendar for appointments and a Getting Things Done-ish approach to building my to do lists (if I am in a position where I can deal with it in 2 mins, do it now, otherwise add to to do list and archive the email) I find I can keep most things under control. Might not be what you’re after, but you may find apps distract you from just doing the thing. And it often feels rude to pull your phone out in a meeting to take notes.
RESPONSE B: I quite like Trello, personally.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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POST: maybe I'm wrong and you guys can help me choosing and setting up the best methods for getting things done and stay organized.
RESPONSE A: I know you mentioned OneNote but I think it's literally been a godsend for me. Here's why: (Also excuse formatting, on the app on my phone) -It allows for multiple notebooks. I currently have classes in their own notebooks. I also have a sort of To Do notebook that lists my weekly schedule (I have different tasks assigned to different days), my running training, and long-term items like to revamp my website. I also have a journal notebook (to track my thoughts overtime), a research project notebook, and a dissertation notebook. In each notebook I have multiple sections and pages based on whatever is appropriate. It's super organized. -You can access your notebooks online and on mobile. -They can be backed up. -You can drag PDFs in (Insert as a printout) and then actually write on and highlight the PDFs. This has been amazing for classes. -All your writing will be searchable. This includes PDFs (text within the PDFs). I use this functionality constantly. If you're looking for any random term you can search your whole one note (or just within a particular notebook if you want). You definitely cannot do this with written hard copies. -The OneNote app on mobile also syncs with your sticky notes if you have a Windows computer, which is so helpful. For organizing the papers I read, I: -Use Mendeley to keep the citations and my notes. Mendeley is searchable and also plugs into word applications so that you literally can enter a citation and the app will then update your reference list. Seriously this app is totally amazing. There are other similar ones but I like it best. -Make myself bibliographies on certain topics in Word. These list my very extensive notes on all papers I read. I actually learned this from my advisor. Usually I list the citation, abstract, and then highlights from each section of the paper. I take those notes and put them in Mendeley as well.
RESPONSE B: I quite like Trello, personally.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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POST: the best methods for getting things done and stay organized.
RESPONSE A: I use a burndown chart: http://bit.ly/IGDPD_BDC_Template
RESPONSE B: I know you mentioned OneNote but I think it's literally been a godsend for me. Here's why: (Also excuse formatting, on the app on my phone) -It allows for multiple notebooks. I currently have classes in their own notebooks. I also have a sort of To Do notebook that lists my weekly schedule (I have different tasks assigned to different days), my running training, and long-term items like to revamp my website. I also have a journal notebook (to track my thoughts overtime), a research project notebook, and a dissertation notebook. In each notebook I have multiple sections and pages based on whatever is appropriate. It's super organized. -You can access your notebooks online and on mobile. -They can be backed up. -You can drag PDFs in (Insert as a printout) and then actually write on and highlight the PDFs. This has been amazing for classes. -All your writing will be searchable. This includes PDFs (text within the PDFs). I use this functionality constantly. If you're looking for any random term you can search your whole one note (or just within a particular notebook if you want). You definitely cannot do this with written hard copies. -The OneNote app on mobile also syncs with your sticky notes if you have a Windows computer, which is so helpful. For organizing the papers I read, I: -Use Mendeley to keep the citations and my notes. Mendeley is searchable and also plugs into word applications so that you literally can enter a citation and the app will then update your reference list. Seriously this app is totally amazing. There are other similar ones but I like it best. -Make myself bibliographies on certain topics in Word. These list my very extensive notes on all papers I read. I actually learned this from my advisor. Usually I list the citation, abstract, and then highlights from each section of the paper. I take those notes and put them in Mendeley as well.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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POST: How do you stay organized in research? Note taking app advice Hi In a couple of days I'll start the second year of my PhD and looking back I see that I have a lot of space for improvement. Recently I found my self involved in several different problems and I'm finding quite difficult or even impossible to retain all the information from meetings, talks, proposals or ever papers that I need to read. I never really used a notetaking app but I guess that now I can really profit from starting to use one. I took a look at Onenote but I guess this is not what I'm looking for my head does not work in that way. Evernote looks really nice but is quite expensive and Notion looks overly complicated. But maybe I'm wrong and you guys can help me choosing and setting up the best methods for getting things done and stay organized.
RESPONSE A: Not really an app, but more like a method for note-taking that might be helpful: r/Zettelkasten
RESPONSE B: I quite like Trello, personally.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Is there any reason not to publish open access? I've just had my first ever article accepted at a traditional subscription academic journal (with print copies and all that) and I discovered that I have the option for my article to be published in it open access. In this case, I can do it for free - I would not have to pay a fee myself. I'm at the stage now where I can choose whether the paper would be published open access or subscription but I don't know enough to understand what the implications are of one vs the other. Given that the open access option will be free for me, is there any reason to pick the subscription over open access? Do I lose some sort of ownership/copyright of it under open access? Would my paper still make it into the print edition (I think I want it as a keepsake)? Thanks - I don't know what I'm doing.
RESPONSE A: No reason not to!
RESPONSE B: It will still be printed and the rules around copyright are the same. The upside is more people read it! The downside is it normally is an extra fee, but that downside has been removed. Go for it! We usually pay the fee, so good for you getting this one comped.
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POST: post. They really helped, and made me feel less alone and bitter. Lol. Anyway, loads happened in these couple of weeks. I thought I'd give a brief update for anyone who is interested. 1. I found out that Prof didn't even write the 25% I thought he did. He copied and pasted big chunks of paragraphs from the collaborator's papers (we're framing the study based on collaborator's theoretical framework). How did I find out? Well, the first time I realized, I was reading the collaborator's unpublished manuscript out of interest. I felt that some parts were uncannily similar to certain sections of our paper, checked back, and confirmed that they were exact to word. Second time, the collaborator's student alerted me to it and sent me an unpublished paper from his lab. Same process of discovery, I read the paper and identified another twin paragraph. By this time, I am pretty sure that most of the stuff Prof "wrote" was a patchwork of paragraphs borrowed from collaborator. I don't know what to think. In my undergraduate years, I was taught that this constitutes plagiarism. My work ethic and values about writing and research are in distress. 2. I found out that the collaborators thought Prof was doing most of the work - the analyses, writing, additional analyses, and edits (> 20 drafts of the paper) based on their numerous email exchanges. What actually happens is that Prof copies and pastes the requested edits in his email to me, asks me to finish by the next morning, and sends it off after dropping me a word of thanks. I never saw any of the edits he claimed to have done, and he has never handled anything related to the writing or analyses of this paper on his own. Hmm....... Redditors of AskAcademia, what do you make of this?
RESPONSE A: Contact the right administration department and let them know your concerns. Between the authorship claim and plagiarism, your PI isn't fit for academia and you can find a bettor mentor. Change labs (maybe even departments).
RESPONSE B: Holy shit.. thats terrible. I would go to arbitration with the university and start looking for a new job.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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POST: Can self-publishing your research in places like Medium act as a proxy for publications in a journal or conference when applying for Ph.D.s? I am applying for Ph.D.'s and I haven't been able to publish any conference or journal paper. However, as part of my master thesis, I have done original research and I am looking into submitting it to some journal with hopes of getting it published. However, I am also applying to Ph.D.'s right now and I am wondering whether I could mention my medium profile where I self-publish my research. Will it have any impact at all? Or should I really focus on getting an actual publication (with some journal or conference) to boost my Ph.D. application?
RESPONSE A: Everyone else is essentially correct. Peer reviewed journal articles are the only acceptable academic publication. However, I've seen many successful people write book reviews for academic journals (technically this is peer or editor reviewed), and write book reviews for intellectual newspapers or lay-person magazines/newspapers. While these are less than an academic publication, they show commitment, strong writing and revision, and potential for success. Just don't take time away from academic publishing to do these other things
RESPONSE B: When I was applying for my PhD I didn’t have a published article yet, but I had a completed manuscript that I was planning to submit with a high likelihood of publication. There was also a second manuscript I was involved with that would also soon be published. My advisor vouched for me and the soon the be submitted manuscript and I also explained the situation in my application, that was enough for me. Also - I made sure to actually follow through and get the manuscripts published! I think this is your best option if you don’t want to wait until you have a published peer-reviewed article, rather than publishing somewhere like Medium. This still might not be enough to satisfy an admission committee, but it’s worth a shot! Edit: if you can submit your manuscript before your graduate application is submitted, that can go far too. Then you can explain you’ve submitted for publication and are waiting to hear back from the journal.
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POST: What is the best way to see if the citations have been redacted or replicated? I was mildly frustrated at the number of PDFs owned and organized where the citation list is a typed line and not a DOI or URL but honestly, whatever, I can manually look it up later. It exists and hyperlinks online have made me lazy. Except I have **no clue**, without manually checking every citation and authors that cited it following the publication, which works have been redacted, if any, and which have had replication studies done and what the results were. Some of these social science and econ papers have 50+ authors listed and I want to make sure if I trace everything back to a few source documents that the work isn't built on a house of lies and I'm only able to see the roof. Of course, a PDF will fail me because it won't update if or when the work is redacted or replicated. **So, what is the best way to check the status of the author's work and the work of the citations within?**
RESPONSE A: Retractions / redactions are rare. The best way to make sure you have good solid sources is just to look at more recent works that have been peer reviewed, as older works (even if never retracted/redacted) can be outdated and have newer works build upon them and improve things.
RESPONSE B: Does your field actually have so many retractions that this is a real concern? Edit: Also, I wouldn't cite something I haven't at least skimmed.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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POST: asks for her updates, she huffs and puffs and answers with things like "everything's fucked; nothing fucking worked". Last lab meeting, the PI followed up by asking "well, what didn't work?" like a mother asking their teen what went wrong at school today... In the lab space she is just as bad. She's incredibly rude and makes the lab space incredibly uncomfortable to work in. She's also regularly crying in the lab or throwing a fit of some sort, which makes it even more uncomfortable. I've talked to my PI about this before and his response was "just get along". He also says it's difficult for him to address this situation since it's technically a disability issue, which I understand. I don't want to escalate this to the department head or anything because of the delicate nature of relationships in academia and also not wanting to throw my PI under the bus. That said, I'm not sure what to do. I've been considering directly addressing these issues as they come up -- i.e., in lab meeting, directly call out the behavior and say that it's making me uncomfortable and remind her this is a workplace. I especially hate it when I'm presenting at lab meeting and she rolls her eyes or makes disparaging remarks under her breath (that are audible). I try to ignore it and focus on the discussion with my PI but it is rather offensive. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks.
RESPONSE A: My PI was a bit over dramatic. Most people can slip into cognitive distortions like black and white thinking fairly easily. I'd probably try to remind her of the successes when she's focused on failure. As for the lab, maybe there is someway you can make it more comfortable for yourself. Can you play or listen to music? Can you take strategic tea or coffee breaks if she is crying? How do the other students who share the lab feel about her?
RESPONSE B: This may be an unpopular opinion, but there's a limit to the degree you should have to accommodate people. If it's making it seriously impossible for you to work, then either you need to find an alternative way to accommodate her disability, or not accommodate it at all.
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POST: incredibly difficult to work with. Frequently, or rather, at every lab meeting, she behaves like an angsty teen. When the PI asks for her updates, she huffs and puffs and answers with things like "everything's fucked; nothing fucking worked". Last lab meeting, the PI followed up by asking "well, what didn't work?" like a mother asking their teen what went wrong at school today... In the lab space she is just as bad. She's incredibly rude and makes the lab space incredibly uncomfortable to work in. She's also regularly crying in the lab or throwing a fit of some sort, which makes it even more uncomfortable. I've talked to my PI about this before and his response was "just get along". He also says it's difficult for him to address this situation since it's technically a disability issue, which I understand. I don't want to escalate this to the department head or anything because of the delicate nature of relationships in academia and also not wanting to throw my PI under the bus. That said, I'm not sure what to do. I've been considering directly addressing these issues as they come up -- i.e., in lab meeting, directly call out the behavior and say that it's making me uncomfortable and remind her this is a workplace. I especially hate it when I'm presenting at lab meeting and she rolls her eyes or makes disparaging remarks under her breath (that are audible). I try to ignore it and focus on the discussion with my PI but it is rather offensive. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks.
RESPONSE A: This may be an unpopular opinion, but there's a limit to the degree you should have to accommodate people. If it's making it seriously impossible for you to work, then either you need to find an alternative way to accommodate her disability, or not accommodate it at all.
RESPONSE B: it's b******* that nothing can be done because it's a disability issue. Having a disability doesn't give you license to mistreat people. It just means they can't treat people with a disability worse than people without a disability who behave the same way.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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POST: difficult to work with. Frequently, or rather, at every lab meeting, she behaves like an angsty teen. When the PI asks for her updates, she huffs and puffs and answers with things like "everything's fucked; nothing fucking worked". Last lab meeting, the PI followed up by asking "well, what didn't work?" like a mother asking their teen what went wrong at school today... In the lab space she is just as bad. She's incredibly rude and makes the lab space incredibly uncomfortable to work in. She's also regularly crying in the lab or throwing a fit of some sort, which makes it even more uncomfortable. I've talked to my PI about this before and his response was "just get along". He also says it's difficult for him to address this situation since it's technically a disability issue, which I understand. I don't want to escalate this to the department head or anything because of the delicate nature of relationships in academia and also not wanting to throw my PI under the bus. That said, I'm not sure what to do. I've been considering directly addressing these issues as they come up -- i.e., in lab meeting, directly call out the behavior and say that it's making me uncomfortable and remind her this is a workplace. I especially hate it when I'm presenting at lab meeting and she rolls her eyes or makes disparaging remarks under her breath (that are audible). I try to ignore it and focus on the discussion with my PI but it is rather offensive. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks.
RESPONSE A: This may be an unpopular opinion, but there's a limit to the degree you should have to accommodate people. If it's making it seriously impossible for you to work, then either you need to find an alternative way to accommodate her disability, or not accommodate it at all.
RESPONSE B: Is there no one else in lab willing to say something to her? At some point, you just have to be direct and confrontational. Maybe she will storm out of lab afterwards and you can enjoy the rest of the day in peace. At any rate, disability or not, she needs to be put in her place.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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POST: is just as bad. She's incredibly rude and makes the lab space incredibly uncomfortable to work in. She's also regularly crying in the lab or throwing a fit of some sort, which makes it even more uncomfortable. I've talked to my PI about this before and his response was "just get along". He also says it's difficult for him to address this situation since it's technically a disability issue, which I understand. I don't want to escalate this to the department head or anything because of the delicate nature of relationships in academia and also not wanting to throw my PI under the bus. That said, I'm not sure what to do. I've been considering directly addressing these issues as they come up -- i.e., in lab meeting, directly call out the behavior and say that it's making me uncomfortable and remind her this is a workplace. I especially hate it when I'm presenting at lab meeting and she rolls her eyes or makes disparaging remarks under her breath (that are audible). I try to ignore it and focus on the discussion with my PI but it is rather offensive. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks.
RESPONSE A: In the United States, employees are protected from being discriminated against for their disability. If they can do a job with reasonable accommodations, their disability cannot be used against them. If they cannot do the job with reasonable accommodations, they are not qualified for the job and it’s acceptable to make decisions accordingly. It sounds like right now, *you* are being considered the accommodation for her disability since you’re expected to put up with her behavior that would get her fired in most work environments. Everyone having to put up with bullying/this attitude is not a reasonable accommodation. It’s possible she could be given leave while she becomes stable enough to work as a member of a team in a lab environment, but I’m not sure how things work in academia when it comes to stuff like this compared to industry.
RESPONSE B: it's b******* that nothing can be done because it's a disability issue. Having a disability doesn't give you license to mistreat people. It just means they can't treat people with a disability worse than people without a disability who behave the same way.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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POST: as bad. She's incredibly rude and makes the lab space incredibly uncomfortable to work in. She's also regularly crying in the lab or throwing a fit of some sort, which makes it even more uncomfortable. I've talked to my PI about this before and his response was "just get along". He also says it's difficult for him to address this situation since it's technically a disability issue, which I understand. I don't want to escalate this to the department head or anything because of the delicate nature of relationships in academia and also not wanting to throw my PI under the bus. That said, I'm not sure what to do. I've been considering directly addressing these issues as they come up -- i.e., in lab meeting, directly call out the behavior and say that it's making me uncomfortable and remind her this is a workplace. I especially hate it when I'm presenting at lab meeting and she rolls her eyes or makes disparaging remarks under her breath (that are audible). I try to ignore it and focus on the discussion with my PI but it is rather offensive. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks.
RESPONSE A: Is there no one else in lab willing to say something to her? At some point, you just have to be direct and confrontational. Maybe she will storm out of lab afterwards and you can enjoy the rest of the day in peace. At any rate, disability or not, she needs to be put in her place.
RESPONSE B: In the United States, employees are protected from being discriminated against for their disability. If they can do a job with reasonable accommodations, their disability cannot be used against them. If they cannot do the job with reasonable accommodations, they are not qualified for the job and it’s acceptable to make decisions accordingly. It sounds like right now, *you* are being considered the accommodation for her disability since you’re expected to put up with her behavior that would get her fired in most work environments. Everyone having to put up with bullying/this attitude is not a reasonable accommodation. It’s possible she could be given leave while she becomes stable enough to work as a member of a team in a lab environment, but I’m not sure how things work in academia when it comes to stuff like this compared to industry.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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POST: How to organize the papers you read so that they can be better remembered? I just find it hard to keep all the paper I have skimmed or read organized. Do you have any easy way to organize papers so that they can be easily remembered?
RESPONSE A: Use whatever paper app you want. Menedeley, EndNote, Papers - all the same shit it doesn't matter. Categorise in to... categories either based on projects or specific topic areas. As for remembering then. Open a onenote document and make a table. Column headings: author/s, year | title | theoretical perspective | method | key findings | relevance (to my own project) |other notes/cool quotes. Add whatever other columns you think are relevant. Fill it in when you have read a paper. Now you have a tl;dr databse of all your papers. Have a different onenote table for each project, order rows so similar papers are grouped together for easier navigation.
RESPONSE B: I use Mendeley and separate them into broad categories based on the project. For instance, all the papers on brush polymers go in one folder and all the papers on DIY instruments go in another. When you are narrowing down for a paper, you can start a folder just for that manuscript.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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POST: How to organize the papers you read so that they can be better remembered? I just find it hard to keep all the paper I have skimmed or read organized. Do you have any easy way to organize papers so that they can be easily remembered?
RESPONSE A: I use Mendeley and separate them into broad categories based on the project. For instance, all the papers on brush polymers go in one folder and all the papers on DIY instruments go in another. When you are narrowing down for a paper, you can start a folder just for that manuscript.
RESPONSE B: Stop stalling by looking for apps and programs and hints and suggestions. Read the articles, save the papers in dedicated subject or research project based folders, titled with the author, year, and paper title. Stop complicating your research with looking for shortcuts, and stop wasting your time *talking* about reading articles and how to organize them, and just read the damned things. **EDIT: To explain my response above...** Often people who are new to *anything* (a hobby, research, paper writing, etc.) get stalled out in the weeds, or (to use another metaphor) fail to see the forest for the trees. I've done it with other things... it's easy to keep trying to prepare to do something instead of just doing it. Focusing on things like apps or organizational strategies is good, but it can often lead to "over preparing" where instead of just starting reading and processing the actual literature, you spend all your time looking for new shortcuts. Because frankly, reading the literature and absorbing it is often a lot harder than downloading new apps that you think will be helpful.
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POST: Paper published in defunct journal Hi all, Earlier in my career, I contributed to an article that was published in a now-defunct Springer Nature open-access journal (I'm pretty sure it was an invited submission) which had no impact factor even when it was active. At the time, I was just happy to be published, but now it seems like a missed opportunity, as the work could have gone to a much more widely-recognized journal. In situations like this, do researchers have any options?
RESPONSE A: Journals come and go all the time, this is nothing new. Sometimes they split into new sub-disciplines or merge together as areas of research change. Or they may have been an experiment by the publisher which didn't work out. I don't see this as anything to worry about. So long as the work was properly peer reviewed it shouldn't matter where it was published. Any decent search engine or library catalogue will still pick it up for anyone interested in the topic.
RESPONSE B: Every journal I've ever submitted to requires that you attest that this work has not been published, in part or in whole, anywhere else. Attempting to rework this paper, presumably using the same data, and publish it elsewhere would almost certainly be viewed as unethical.
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POST: Turnitin flagging my thesis due to my own paper; can this be ignored? Hi folks. I'm about to submit my thesis and am going through the Turnitin process. I submitted a draft today and got the similarity report back with a value of 38%. 26% of this is from a paper of mine (co-authored with my 2 supervisors but I'm the writer/primary author)... Might be a silly question, but I'm just wondering if this is anything to worry about, if there's anything I need to do or say in my thesis? I've already mentioned the publication somewhere in the thesis of course, and have attached it in my appendix, so I'm hoping this covers me. Cheers!
RESPONSE A: Ask your advisor
RESPONSE B: I’d encourage you to check with your advisor and check your school’s individual policies. My grad school did not allow “self-plagiarism” of your own published work. Once a paper was published, it was considered property of the journal, and you were not allowed to “plagiarize” it in your dissertation. Not a popular rule, but it does exist at some schools.
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POST: Free online Turnitin alternative to make a pre-check of a thesis I am currently working on my thesis. I was told by my professor that my paper will be checked by Turnitin for plagiarism. I am looking for something like turnitin but free. My uni uses Turnitin, but I personally do not have the access to it and cannot perform the check before I submit my thesis for evaluation. Obviously, I have not plagiarized and I also don't want to sound paranoid, but I have heard that Turnitin used to give false positives, so I want to make a pre-check on my own. My professor supports this, as she is not too big on Turnitin. So, my question is: have you pre-checked your thesis before submission and what alternative to Turnitin did you use? Please suggest an accurate and if possible free online tool. Thanks a lot.
RESPONSE A: Since, your professor supports this idea, could she not help you do this?
RESPONSE B: I wouldn't bother, honestly. If you didn't plagiarize you'll be fine, and most universities know that Turnitin isn't 100% accurate. They'll only get skeptical if you reach a certain percentage of "plagiarism." Cite thoroughly and you'll have nothing to worry about.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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POST: Free online Turnitin alternative to make a pre-check of a thesis I am currently working on my thesis. I was told by my professor that my paper will be checked by Turnitin for plagiarism. I am looking for something like turnitin but free. My uni uses Turnitin, but I personally do not have the access to it and cannot perform the check before I submit my thesis for evaluation. Obviously, I have not plagiarized and I also don't want to sound paranoid, but I have heard that Turnitin used to give false positives, so I want to make a pre-check on my own. My professor supports this, as she is not too big on Turnitin. So, my question is: have you pre-checked your thesis before submission and what alternative to Turnitin did you use? Please suggest an accurate and if possible free online tool. Thanks a lot.
RESPONSE A: I wouldn't bother, honestly. If you didn't plagiarize you'll be fine, and most universities know that Turnitin isn't 100% accurate. They'll only get skeptical if you reach a certain percentage of "plagiarism." Cite thoroughly and you'll have nothing to worry about.
RESPONSE B: It's like I am reading my own experience put down by someone else. I used https://unicheck.com/ to check my thesis last year, and it was great as it recognized all citations and references in my paper. I know that they have a free option for schools, but I am not sure if it is free for individual users. When I was using it, I paid something, but it was not much.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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POST: Free online Turnitin alternative to make a pre-check of a thesis I am currently working on my thesis. I was told by my professor that my paper will be checked by Turnitin for plagiarism. I am looking for something like turnitin but free. My uni uses Turnitin, but I personally do not have the access to it and cannot perform the check before I submit my thesis for evaluation. Obviously, I have not plagiarized and I also don't want to sound paranoid, but I have heard that Turnitin used to give false positives, so I want to make a pre-check on my own. My professor supports this, as she is not too big on Turnitin. So, my question is: have you pre-checked your thesis before submission and what alternative to Turnitin did you use? Please suggest an accurate and if possible free online tool. Thanks a lot.
RESPONSE A: I wouldn't bother, honestly. If you didn't plagiarize you'll be fine, and most universities know that Turnitin isn't 100% accurate. They'll only get skeptical if you reach a certain percentage of "plagiarism." Cite thoroughly and you'll have nothing to worry about.
RESPONSE B: Do you have a writing tutorial center at your university? They may be able to scan it for you.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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POST: Free online Turnitin alternative to make a pre-check of a thesis I am currently working on my thesis. I was told by my professor that my paper will be checked by Turnitin for plagiarism. I am looking for something like turnitin but free. My uni uses Turnitin, but I personally do not have the access to it and cannot perform the check before I submit my thesis for evaluation. Obviously, I have not plagiarized and I also don't want to sound paranoid, but I have heard that Turnitin used to give false positives, so I want to make a pre-check on my own. My professor supports this, as she is not too big on Turnitin. So, my question is: have you pre-checked your thesis before submission and what alternative to Turnitin did you use? Please suggest an accurate and if possible free online tool. Thanks a lot.
RESPONSE A: there are plenty of free plagiarism scanners online, but for some of them, when you submit the essay, you give them permission to use/sell that essay in the future. They work, but do you want them to use your paper as they please? If you want a plagiarism scanner that doesn't sell your paper, you have to pay for it. Maybe you could use a reputable scanner that has a free trial.
RESPONSE B: Since, your professor supports this idea, could she not help you do this?
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Free online Turnitin alternative to make a pre-check of a thesis I am currently working on my thesis. I was told by my professor that my paper will be checked by Turnitin for plagiarism. I am looking for something like turnitin but free. My uni uses Turnitin, but I personally do not have the access to it and cannot perform the check before I submit my thesis for evaluation. Obviously, I have not plagiarized and I also don't want to sound paranoid, but I have heard that Turnitin used to give false positives, so I want to make a pre-check on my own. My professor supports this, as she is not too big on Turnitin. So, my question is: have you pre-checked your thesis before submission and what alternative to Turnitin did you use? Please suggest an accurate and if possible free online tool. Thanks a lot.
RESPONSE A: Do you have a writing tutorial center at your university? They may be able to scan it for you.
RESPONSE B: there are plenty of free plagiarism scanners online, but for some of them, when you submit the essay, you give them permission to use/sell that essay in the future. They work, but do you want them to use your paper as they please? If you want a plagiarism scanner that doesn't sell your paper, you have to pay for it. Maybe you could use a reputable scanner that has a free trial.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: I was offered a (very good) PhD in a different subject than mine, any advice? So here goes: I did a Masters in Theoretical Physics (Particles Beyond the Standard Model) and have had real difficulty in finding a PhD (I was offered one without funding which I turned down) and I was offered a very good opportunity for a spot in a prestigious institution with a great grand in... Microscopy. Any advice?
RESPONSE A: All science PhDs get paid. They're are 100s of slots available from good places. This isn't a one time deal. If you're changing fields, you need to read up heavily on that field first. What's grad school like? What's the grad salary like? What's the job prospects like? Etc.
RESPONSE B: If it's something that interests you, then go for it. Microscopy is actually physics-heavy, because new approaches to imaging structures below the diffraction limit requires a good knowledge of physics combined with some clever hacks. So actually, this is potentially a perfect fit **if** the research problems interest you. Superresolution won the 2014 Nobel in Chemistry and may win additional Nobels in the coming years, so it's actually a big deal where you can make major contributions. Something to think about.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: What do you wear to conferences? Since I started my work over the lockdowns I’ve never been to one. I’m heading up to a uni in southern England on Tuesday for a little 3 day event. What should I wear? Just a t shirt or more of a casual shirt type deal?
RESPONSE A: Varies a lot on area from "smart casual" to "I am claiming asylum at the border" depending on area. I like nice clothes and good shoes so tend to be on the more dressy side.
RESPONSE B: Specify your field. In economics I understand suits are standard. In astronomy clothes are standard.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: What do you wear to conferences? Since I started my work over the lockdowns I’ve never been to one. I’m heading up to a uni in southern England on Tuesday for a little 3 day event. What should I wear? Just a t shirt or more of a casual shirt type deal?
RESPONSE A: Specify your field. In economics I understand suits are standard. In astronomy clothes are standard.
RESPONSE B: Just got back from the Microbiology conference 2022. Seemed to be that if you were presenting on stage etc then make a little extra effort. But everyone else just went with smart casual.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: What do you wear to conferences? Since I started my work over the lockdowns I’ve never been to one. I’m heading up to a uni in southern England on Tuesday for a little 3 day event. What should I wear? Just a t shirt or more of a casual shirt type deal?
RESPONSE A: Stan Smith and nice clothes if I am just attending Full on suit if I present
RESPONSE B: Specify your field. In economics I understand suits are standard. In astronomy clothes are standard.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: What do you wear to conferences? Since I started my work over the lockdowns I’ve never been to one. I’m heading up to a uni in southern England on Tuesday for a little 3 day event. What should I wear? Just a t shirt or more of a casual shirt type deal?
RESPONSE A: Specify your field. In economics I understand suits are standard. In astronomy clothes are standard.
RESPONSE B: Business suit if presenting and smart casual otherwise. Mostly been to American Chemical Society conferences.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: What do you wear to conferences? Since I started my work over the lockdowns I’ve never been to one. I’m heading up to a uni in southern England on Tuesday for a little 3 day event. What should I wear? Just a t shirt or more of a casual shirt type deal?
RESPONSE A: Very field specific. Been to various conferences due to my work, and for STEM I would say shirt and chinos (you will see some people in band t shirts, shorts, fleece jackets, Hawaii shirts though) while in economics you would need a blazer/sport jacket at least and wouldn't be out of place in a suit.
RESPONSE B: Specify your field. In economics I understand suits are standard. In astronomy clothes are standard.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: health I stopped my research and focused mainly on my health and pushing for graduating as an undergrad, but in masters I wanted to start my first day with a different mindset yet got rejected by the same professor who was excited and motivating when I got into the program. He told me to find another faculty as I have broken his trust and I don’t deliver. This setback really upset me today and I did contemplate life for hours. Words are everything. It can definitely make or break a person. Today was just not my day.
RESPONSE A: Sounds like you learned an important lesson. If you ghost people, it's going to come back to haunt you professionally. That's just how these things work, unfortunately. Do the best you can going forward. It will take time and effort and uncomfortable situations but you can earn your reputation back. Why did you choose to enroll in a program where you knew you had ghosted people and screwed up pretty badly? Why did you enroll in a Master's at all when it sounds like you weren't exactly present for a long time? And now you've decided to have a huge life change... get up at 5, work out, etc. This doesn't seem reasonable or likely. It makes it seem like you're still all talk and no action. Just set REALISTIC goals for yourself and forge ahead.
RESPONSE B: If the faculty used the term "disappear" that implies that you ghosted with no consultation. Maybe you do that with friends and it's not a big deal, but in a professional setting that's not acceptable. On the other hand if you explained and worked it out with them ahead of time, and had a bonafide reason (e.g., family and medical leave), then that person is being a jerk. I doubt this is the last jerk you'll encounter in C.S. You're in a MS program, which is professional training. You'll be expected to be professional, and building a reputation for your career. You're a student at the start of a program -- you're not expected to already know the material yet. So don't worry about not feeling smart. Just do what it takes to learn.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: at 5am, working out, and setting out studying hours. Anyways I started master’s today and went to see professor who I had been working for as an unpaid research intern during undergrad. I set an appointment and reached his office. I was humiliated. I guess for the right reasons. He asked me what I was there of, and I told him respectfully about restarting my research. He replied infront of other students, saying why should I keep you in my team, so that you’d disappear again for few months? I replied that I take full responsibility and this time it’s different but his response was that you said that last time. Well it’s true, there have been times when due to mental health I stopped my research and focused mainly on my health and pushing for graduating as an undergrad, but in masters I wanted to start my first day with a different mindset yet got rejected by the same professor who was excited and motivating when I got into the program. He told me to find another faculty as I have broken his trust and I don’t deliver. This setback really upset me today and I did contemplate life for hours. Words are everything. It can definitely make or break a person. Today was just not my day.
RESPONSE A: Whether you like it or not, this kind of behavior will come back to haunt you over and over unless you make a determined effort to fix it. Take it as a lesson learned.
RESPONSE B: Sounds like you learned an important lesson. If you ghost people, it's going to come back to haunt you professionally. That's just how these things work, unfortunately. Do the best you can going forward. It will take time and effort and uncomfortable situations but you can earn your reputation back. Why did you choose to enroll in a program where you knew you had ghosted people and screwed up pretty badly? Why did you enroll in a Master's at all when it sounds like you weren't exactly present for a long time? And now you've decided to have a huge life change... get up at 5, work out, etc. This doesn't seem reasonable or likely. It makes it seem like you're still all talk and no action. Just set REALISTIC goals for yourself and forge ahead.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: I set an appointment and reached his office. I was humiliated. I guess for the right reasons. He asked me what I was there of, and I told him respectfully about restarting my research. He replied infront of other students, saying why should I keep you in my team, so that you’d disappear again for few months? I replied that I take full responsibility and this time it’s different but his response was that you said that last time. Well it’s true, there have been times when due to mental health I stopped my research and focused mainly on my health and pushing for graduating as an undergrad, but in masters I wanted to start my first day with a different mindset yet got rejected by the same professor who was excited and motivating when I got into the program. He told me to find another faculty as I have broken his trust and I don’t deliver. This setback really upset me today and I did contemplate life for hours. Words are everything. It can definitely make or break a person. Today was just not my day.
RESPONSE A: Make sure you're getting treated for depression. Mine has not gone away but is totally controlled by medication. Grad school can push you over the edge. There are a lot of good mentors out there, but also plenty of narcissists who would get a kick out of driving you to suicide.
RESPONSE B: It sounds like, during a difficult time for you, you disappeared and may not have communicated this well. This professor has good reason to not wish to work with you again. That said, it also sounds like you set up what you thought would be a private appointment and the professor dressed you down in front of other students. I feel that that was unnecessarily humiliating. He could have either given harsh but honest feedback in a more private setting, or if that was not possible, simply said "I'm not able to have you on the research team at this time" without elaborating on the specifics. People can grow, and it sounds like this is a lesson for you. Clearly, the department thinks highly enough of you to have admitted you to a graduate program. You will be okay, but you may just have to work on research with someone else.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: . I set an appointment and reached his office. I was humiliated. I guess for the right reasons. He asked me what I was there of, and I told him respectfully about restarting my research. He replied infront of other students, saying why should I keep you in my team, so that you’d disappear again for few months? I replied that I take full responsibility and this time it’s different but his response was that you said that last time. Well it’s true, there have been times when due to mental health I stopped my research and focused mainly on my health and pushing for graduating as an undergrad, but in masters I wanted to start my first day with a different mindset yet got rejected by the same professor who was excited and motivating when I got into the program. He told me to find another faculty as I have broken his trust and I don’t deliver. This setback really upset me today and I did contemplate life for hours. Words are everything. It can definitely make or break a person. Today was just not my day.
RESPONSE A: My adviser always used to say if one is good at finding excuses they can’t be good at anything else. Ghosting an adviser for months it’s unacceptable.
RESPONSE B: If this faculty member is aware of your past physical and mental challenges, that response is crass, and frankly perhaps even illegal. If they don't know about it, I think you owe them an explanation (and by email so that you can trace it back in case shit hits the fan later in the year). But regardless of whether they knew or not, faculty should never respond or discuss these things in such a way in front of other students. Obviously we only have very partial info, but this person sounds a bit toxic to be honest, and perhaps the fact that they don't want to work with you is a blessing in disguise. In any case, you should make sure to let some admin in the department, and that faculty member, know about your past struggles. And don't beat yourself too much, perhaps you had a very particular project in mind, but now that opens to a lot of possibilities. BTW, great attitude to go and see faculty to discuss projects! (But don't work for free!) Enjoy!
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: How to include publication with incredibly long author list on CV? I'm a co-author on a paper with a large number (>100) of authors, where I'm somewhere in the middle. Usually I'd put the full author list on my CV with my name underlined, but clearly I can't do that in this case. Is there a 'normal' format to use in this case? Just [first author] et al. with the et al underlined?
RESPONSE A: “et al. (Including <my name>)” is what I normally do, regardless of length.
RESPONSE B: I would simply put the paper, with "\[first author\] et al." quoted as the authors. Also, if these kind of papers are common in your field (I assume they are) you could also check how other people solved the issue, since it should not be so uncommon
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: How to include publication with incredibly long author list on CV? I'm a co-author on a paper with a large number (>100) of authors, where I'm somewhere in the middle. Usually I'd put the full author list on my CV with my name underlined, but clearly I can't do that in this case. Is there a 'normal' format to use in this case? Just [first author] et al. with the et al underlined?
RESPONSE A: I don’t think there is a standard thing to do here, but your proposed solution is a fine one. I think I have also seen ellipsis used. I.e., First Author… My Name, et.al.
RESPONSE B: “et al. (Including <my name>)” is what I normally do, regardless of length.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: How to include publication with incredibly long author list on CV? I'm a co-author on a paper with a large number (>100) of authors, where I'm somewhere in the middle. Usually I'd put the full author list on my CV with my name underlined, but clearly I can't do that in this case. Is there a 'normal' format to use in this case? Just [first author] et al. with the et al underlined?
RESPONSE A: I have this issue for two publications and this is how ii handled it (slightly differently for each): FirstAuthor, A. B., […] MyName, A. B. […], et al. “Title.” Journal. Volume, (Year). FirstAuthor, A. B., […] Collaborative Team. […], et al. “Title.” Journal. Volume, (Year). (note here that i am a member of collaborative team)
RESPONSE B: This one has 5000+ authors: https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.114.191803
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Using "we" in a single-author paper Hi all! I'm a grad student studying in the US and english is not my first language so I was hoping you all could settle a question for me. A professor recently questioned if I had written a paper by myself or not because I used the royal/academic "we". I obviously wrote the paper by myself, but I used "we" since that is how I was taught. My professor made it a point to tell me that they had never heard or seen anyone write as "we" in a single-author paper before. Is it really that unheard of? Also, would you say this usage is merely out of date or is it flat-out wrong? Thank you!
RESPONSE A: Mathematics is generally an exception to this rule. The explanation is that “we” includes the author and the reader. In this setting, the reader is expected to be able to verify each claim (as opposed to other STEM fields) and is assumed to be an active participant.
RESPONSE B: I agree with you supervisor: in a single-authored paper, in my opinion you would sound a bit like Gollum... As far as i know, proceedings can be an exception to this rule, since the talk can be single-authored, but you are presenting results obtained in collaboration with others (this could be field-dependent: in my field proceedings are not considered "real" publications, so no one cares about the author list for those and often the talks have only one author, the speaker. I know in other fields conference papers are much more important, there the situation could be different)
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Using "we" in a single-author paper Hi all! I'm a grad student studying in the US and english is not my first language so I was hoping you all could settle a question for me. A professor recently questioned if I had written a paper by myself or not because I used the royal/academic "we". I obviously wrote the paper by myself, but I used "we" since that is how I was taught. My professor made it a point to tell me that they had never heard or seen anyone write as "we" in a single-author paper before. Is it really that unheard of? Also, would you say this usage is merely out of date or is it flat-out wrong? Thank you!
RESPONSE A: If youre the only author just use I
RESPONSE B: Depends on the field. It's normal to use we in STEM fields.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Using "we" in a single-author paper Hi all! I'm a grad student studying in the US and english is not my first language so I was hoping you all could settle a question for me. A professor recently questioned if I had written a paper by myself or not because I used the royal/academic "we". I obviously wrote the paper by myself, but I used "we" since that is how I was taught. My professor made it a point to tell me that they had never heard or seen anyone write as "we" in a single-author paper before. Is it really that unheard of? Also, would you say this usage is merely out of date or is it flat-out wrong? Thank you!
RESPONSE A: If youre the only author just use I
RESPONSE B: As an academic copyeditor, never use ‘we’ on a paper with a single author unless you’re referring to readers/author/researchers collectively as a group. Use ‘I’ - it’s not as big and scary as you might think.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Using "we" in a single-author paper Hi all! I'm a grad student studying in the US and english is not my first language so I was hoping you all could settle a question for me. A professor recently questioned if I had written a paper by myself or not because I used the royal/academic "we". I obviously wrote the paper by myself, but I used "we" since that is how I was taught. My professor made it a point to tell me that they had never heard or seen anyone write as "we" in a single-author paper before. Is it really that unheard of? Also, would you say this usage is merely out of date or is it flat-out wrong? Thank you!
RESPONSE A: If your supervisor has never read "we" in a single author paper before, then I question how well read they are, but it's entirely true that this has fallen out of fashion. It's not grammatically incorrect, but it does strike modern readers as strange. That said, there is still a place for "we" in single authored papers, as a demonstrative, referring both to the author and the audience. "Throughout this section, we have seen that..." "We can say, therefore, that...", as if you were talking to a group of people who were really in front of you. But personally, I wouldn't use it to refer strictly to myself; just use I.
RESPONSE B: If youre the only author just use I
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Using "we" in a single-author paper Hi all! I'm a grad student studying in the US and english is not my first language so I was hoping you all could settle a question for me. A professor recently questioned if I had written a paper by myself or not because I used the royal/academic "we". I obviously wrote the paper by myself, but I used "we" since that is how I was taught. My professor made it a point to tell me that they had never heard or seen anyone write as "we" in a single-author paper before. Is it really that unheard of? Also, would you say this usage is merely out of date or is it flat-out wrong? Thank you!
RESPONSE A: \+1 vote for "I" I just published my first single-author paper (STEM field). I wrote it in active voice using "we", but then changed it all to "I"... much better and reflects the fact that no one else was involved in any aspect of the paper. Whatever you do, be concise and to the point. Short, descriptive sentences. Active voice is much more engaging for the reader.
RESPONSE B: One of my committee members had really good advice for me on this: only use "we" if you actually mean "the readers and I." So, "as we saw in chapter one" could be OK, but "as we established in chapter one" isn't as *you* made the argument, not the readers, and they might not agree with you.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Have you ever woken up one day and kind of just disliked the majority of people in your field? (throwaway account). Apologies in advance for the rather negative tone of the post. I don't really have anyone else I can discuss this with, and I'm curious what you all think. I'm going to a conference in the near future in my field, and I'm not excited in the least. Now that I've gotten to know the lay of the land, so to speak, I'm just not looking forward to seeing a lot of people who are just stroking their own egos...it's rather nauseating, and it makes me think I'm in the wrong field, or maybe shouldn't be in academia if I find my colleagues to be so awful. I'm just dreading all of these dinosaurs who've been publishing the same study over and over for 30+ years talk about how great and important they are, and all the little minions trying to emulate them. Maybe I'm just with the wrong crowd...? AskAcademia, am I alone on this? Has anyone else ever experienced this?
RESPONSE A: Yes. I switched fields and am a much happier person for it.
RESPONSE B: Only on days that end in Y. But seriously, this is just life. I've worked outside academia for years and most people are like that. In fact someone probably sees you the same way. And me.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Have you ever woken up one day and kind of just disliked the majority of people in your field? (throwaway account). Apologies in advance for the rather negative tone of the post. I don't really have anyone else I can discuss this with, and I'm curious what you all think. I'm going to a conference in the near future in my field, and I'm not excited in the least. Now that I've gotten to know the lay of the land, so to speak, I'm just not looking forward to seeing a lot of people who are just stroking their own egos...it's rather nauseating, and it makes me think I'm in the wrong field, or maybe shouldn't be in academia if I find my colleagues to be so awful. I'm just dreading all of these dinosaurs who've been publishing the same study over and over for 30+ years talk about how great and important they are, and all the little minions trying to emulate them. Maybe I'm just with the wrong crowd...? AskAcademia, am I alone on this? Has anyone else ever experienced this?
RESPONSE A: Yeah pretty much. I also thought the same thing about all my past jobs too. It ebbs and flows. Sometimes (usually after coming back from an awesome conference) I think everyone is really amazing and brilliant. Sometimes I think they're all jackasses.
RESPONSE B: Only on days that end in Y. But seriously, this is just life. I've worked outside academia for years and most people are like that. In fact someone probably sees you the same way. And me.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Have you ever woken up one day and kind of just disliked the majority of people in your field? (throwaway account). Apologies in advance for the rather negative tone of the post. I don't really have anyone else I can discuss this with, and I'm curious what you all think. I'm going to a conference in the near future in my field, and I'm not excited in the least. Now that I've gotten to know the lay of the land, so to speak, I'm just not looking forward to seeing a lot of people who are just stroking their own egos...it's rather nauseating, and it makes me think I'm in the wrong field, or maybe shouldn't be in academia if I find my colleagues to be so awful. I'm just dreading all of these dinosaurs who've been publishing the same study over and over for 30+ years talk about how great and important they are, and all the little minions trying to emulate them. Maybe I'm just with the wrong crowd...? AskAcademia, am I alone on this? Has anyone else ever experienced this?
RESPONSE A: Yep, that's about how I feel right now. I was stuck in an airport shuttle with these two older female professors a few weeks ago and all I could think is that I don't want to be anything like them "when I grow up" (you know, 20 years from now when I'm 50).
RESPONSE B: Only on days that end in Y. But seriously, this is just life. I've worked outside academia for years and most people are like that. In fact someone probably sees you the same way. And me.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Tips on how to write a peer review for an article manuscript. Hi, I am a grad student. My advisor asked me to review an article manuscript on his behalf. I have never done that before. I am, however, well-read on the subject, but my critical analysis skills are far from developed. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. The field is biology, by the way, but general tips from people in other fields are very welcome. Thanks.
RESPONSE A: I think peer-review is more of a "sniff-test" rather than a request for your opinion on the paper; there's a difference between determining if a paper has merit and if a paper has conclusions that you agree with. Is the question being considered well-posed, is the methodology adequately explained and justified, do the observations appear reasonable, and do the conclusions logically follow. The most value I've ever gotten from peer-review is when the reviewer makes it clear that (s)he doesn't follow what I've written; when you spend so much of your time and effort on the inside of a research project, it's easy to write something that flows well but isn't complete in its explanation. You just tend to fill in all the holes with your personal experience with the project and never notice them until someone else reads the manuscript and can't follow your reasoning. Try not to write the thing from the perspective of "I believe the authors are right/wrong about this." Describe what you didn't understand and how it could be made more clear. If you have demands, explain why you are making them. And don't waste too much time worrying that your recommendation will be an outlier.
RESPONSE B: Have you read reviews on your own submitted papers?
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Journals asking to review and charging authors $1500+ Why is this still present today. I got an invite to peer review someone's article from a journal with IF2.5 as "volunteer" while they charge the author $1500 as publishing fee. Up to now I've never submitted in a journal that claimed apc. Shouldn't reviewers stop entertaining such journals?
RESPONSE A: Honestly, this is the one thing about academia that I have never understood. I understand the logic of peer reviewed articles but why are we doing all the work while journals get paid? I mean, the exploitation of grad students and junior faculty should be enough.
RESPONSE B: That’s a strange way to look at it. The apc is there to make the article open-access, so people can read the article without paying. Many research funders now require their funded research to be published open-access (and often have apcs costed in their grants), and I have never heard of reviewers having issues with this. What many academics have issue with is the traditional model, where researchers provide their work to journals for free, reviewers do peer-review for free, but journals then charge readers/libraries a ridiculous amount to get access to these articles. A lot of academics now refuse to review for major publishers that use this business model.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: I just realized my first accepted journal submission was to a bogus, seemingly predatory open access journal. What now? http://www.academypublication.com/jltr/ Title. The publication fee was already paid so there's no turning back now, and I only did my research on the journal after paying because that's when I felt something's odd (first attempt at publishing stuff, not quite aware how exactly things are supposed to work, plus my supervisor suggested this journal - I'm in the graduate program at a third-rate university in China, after all). So, how should I deal with this? Paper's expected to be published in the September issue of this journal. Should I pretend this paper never existed? Does including papers published in bogus journals in resume, etc. affect how others perceive you? Sorry for pretty much not really asking a question... I'm new to the whole publishing thing and I'm really worried right now. Any suggestion on how to deal with this is welcome.
RESPONSE A: Are you sure it is a true predatory journal? (this is very far from my own field). Even legit journals may have very high publishing fees.
RESPONSE B: Great learning experience! This, ultimately, isn't a big deal. Keep it on your CV until you have better things. Your career success is going to depend on your skills, ability, and what you create academically. Focus on moving up to better things and making better papers and you'll be fine.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: What PDF Annotator do you use with a reference management software (Mendeley/Zotero)? I've been using Mendeley for iPad for pdf annotating on papers. I just bought an Apple Pencil and realized that the only functionality that Mendeley has for Pencil is highlighting, typing notes, etc which is pretty bad. I came across Papership but that's a paid app for markdown and annotations. Are there any free alternatives that can read my Mendeley PDFs and which enables me to write freehand on them?
RESPONSE A: I had no idea that there were apps that worked with reference management softwares. Omggggg. You. have. changed. EVERYTHING.
RESPONSE B: I use Okular, which allows free-hand annotations even though I don't use them personally. Now, that's available for OS X at least, not sure if it's also on iOS.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Should I reply to Editor's invitation to Revise by email? I submitted a paper to an Elsevier's journal. The Editor has sent me an email and invited me to an R&R (revise and resubmit). I wonder if I should reply to this email, something like "Thank you for your time. I will examine the referee's comments carefully and make revisions promptly. Best regards." Is it considered a normal courtesy or just unnecessary? (I'll submit the revision and a referee report via their system)
RESPONSE A: I'm a Phd candidate so I don't have a lot of experience in this area, but when I got a revise and resubmit from the editor, the editor included feedback from the reviewers. I wanted some clarification about some of the comments so I replied to the editor and he thanked me for replying and said that editors love it when authors respond quickly.
RESPONSE B: I don't really understand why you hesitate to send this email? It seems to me like common courtesy to reply to this type of requests with a "thank you for notifying me, will do".
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Should I reply to Editor's invitation to Revise by email? I submitted a paper to an Elsevier's journal. The Editor has sent me an email and invited me to an R&R (revise and resubmit). I wonder if I should reply to this email, something like "Thank you for your time. I will examine the referee's comments carefully and make revisions promptly. Best regards." Is it considered a normal courtesy or just unnecessary? (I'll submit the revision and a referee report via their system)
RESPONSE A: I would do it. Relationships with editors are good. At least a thank you!
RESPONSE B: I don't really understand why you hesitate to send this email? It seems to me like common courtesy to reply to this type of requests with a "thank you for notifying me, will do".
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Should I reply to Editor's invitation to Revise by email? I submitted a paper to an Elsevier's journal. The Editor has sent me an email and invited me to an R&R (revise and resubmit). I wonder if I should reply to this email, something like "Thank you for your time. I will examine the referee's comments carefully and make revisions promptly. Best regards." Is it considered a normal courtesy or just unnecessary? (I'll submit the revision and a referee report via their system)
RESPONSE A: Yes, just do it. No downside to it.
RESPONSE B: I would do it. Relationships with editors are good. At least a thank you!
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Should I reply to Editor's invitation to Revise by email? I submitted a paper to an Elsevier's journal. The Editor has sent me an email and invited me to an R&R (revise and resubmit). I wonder if I should reply to this email, something like "Thank you for your time. I will examine the referee's comments carefully and make revisions promptly. Best regards." Is it considered a normal courtesy or just unnecessary? (I'll submit the revision and a referee report via their system)
RESPONSE A: Speaking as an area editor (for one Springer journal and for one Elsevier journal), just a note on that we use editorial systems which, mildly speaking, are a bit cumbersome. When sending an email by using the reply-email, these emails get to the editorial office who then is supposed to forward it to the handling editor (sometimes even going first over the editor-in-chief). Please do not ask why, I really do not know. In any case, one thing I noticed over the years is that we tend to only receive a fraction of emails sent by authors when using that reply-email of the editorial system. Typically, only formal requests / inquiries are forwarded to us, such as requests for deadline extensions, and even those get sometimes lost... So far, I have never received a thank you email. BUT: I would appreciate one :-) I think that a little courtesy does not hurt. So, if you‘d like to send one, rest assured that the editor would appreciate it, but I would suggest sending it directly to the editor‘s email and not re(p)lying to the editorial system.
RESPONSE B: I don’t think anyone ever lost points for being courteous
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: "Academic incest" in the humanities -- is it as big of a deal as some people make it out to be? I went to a small-ish private research university for undergrad. It's not ranked in the top 10 in my field or anything (you could say it's about the same level as Brandeis, Fordham, Rutgers probably), but it has a respectable PhD program in my field and I would say their reputation is definitely improving as they become more selective in their grad admissions and hire new faculty that are making names for themselves. Anyway, logistically it may be the best location geographically for me to earn my PhD since I have a spouse to worry about. Plus I already know I can thrive and do really excellent work in that environment (and will have access to amazing resources due to location), and have already established relationships with all of the faculty. But people have really scared me away with talk of "academic incest." They make it seem like if I receive my PhD from the same place I did my undergrad it will pretty much kill any hope of me ever being hired within academia. How true is this? If I can get an offer with funding, is "academic incest" enough of an issue that I shouldn't bother? Does the answer change if I am open to careers outside of the academy?
RESPONSE A: I would like to know this too. In my field, it is looked down upon, but if you're good, it shouldn't matter. One of the smartest PhD students I know stayed at the same school, in the same lab as she did her undergrad research in. She will no doubt go on to start her own lab. This is biosciences btw.
RESPONSE B: OP, you're not thinking about the long game. In the long run, this small institution is a PERFECT FIT for getting a tenure-track job. I recommend that you go away to an institution that can reasonably promise you'll achieve your PhD in a short span of time, and in the meanwhile communicate to your small home institution that you're going to be searching for jobs in a short span of time.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: in the US, maybe a bit more due to my experience) and then having to move yet again. Not only that, but he has expectations about what joint income we should have prior to starting a family (he quoted me 200k) and he wants us to purchase a home, etc. I feel stuck, heartbroken and unmotivated. Stuck because BF expects me to look for industry jobs, if I want to make the relationship work and have a family. Heartbroken because I feel like I invested so much in my education and don't feel ready to give up on the academic dream (yes, maybe I will crash and burn, but I want to at least try). And unmotivated because maybe my partner is right - after all right now I have nothing to show for being a postdoc and maybe I am not cut out for the job. So how do you all do it? How do I handle an unsupportive significant other? And how do I manage to not give up on my academic dream and still have a family? Or even, any of you out there academics and single parents?
RESPONSE A: Ngl, the way you talk about it, it sounds like you've mentally checked out of the relationship to save your career, so I'm not gonna suggest talking to him about it/trying to reach compromise - it sounds like either compromise isn't possible or you know you don't want one. This is a reality of life: if two people's goals start to conflict to the point where a life together is not feasible, they must go their separate ways. ime this is a choice that every individual must make on their own. If you'd rather risk not having a family for a chance at an academic career than give up your academic career, well, this is how your cookie crumbles. And, there are single mothers by choice out there, for sure.
RESPONSE B: Are you sure you want children? With him? Do your and his values re: income (200k) align? I don't need to know the answers, but questions worth asking yourself maybe. Have you explored non-R1 TT positions? Many people don't seriously consider them, and life at my regional SCU is sweet.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: heartbroken and unmotivated. Stuck because BF expects me to look for industry jobs, if I want to make the relationship work and have a family. Heartbroken because I feel like I invested so much in my education and don't feel ready to give up on the academic dream (yes, maybe I will crash and burn, but I want to at least try). And unmotivated because maybe my partner is right - after all right now I have nothing to show for being a postdoc and maybe I am not cut out for the job. So how do you all do it? How do I handle an unsupportive significant other? And how do I manage to not give up on my academic dream and still have a family? Or even, any of you out there academics and single parents?
RESPONSE A: Are you sure you want children? With him? Do your and his values re: income (200k) align? I don't need to know the answers, but questions worth asking yourself maybe. Have you explored non-R1 TT positions? Many people don't seriously consider them, and life at my regional SCU is sweet.
RESPONSE B: You are going to have to come to the reality that you are 33. Three more years of being a post-doc will make you 36. 36 years old with the hopes of landing a TT track position. Meaning if you get tenured you are going to be 40+ years old Whether you like it or not, you are going to have to make a decision: Be an academic or have a family. Because having a young family on a post-doc salary/benefits is not something I'd recommend (Been there, I know). If you decide to split with your SO, then you are going to be in your mid to late 30s trying to find someone to "settle down with" and as you get older, finding men without children that want more children or don't have them and want them gets harder and harder. Additionally, you have the issues that can come with pregnancy (or even getting pregnant) as you move into your 40s. I'm not going to tell you what to do, but I think no matter what decision you make you aren't going to get everything you want.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: , he wants to go back to the US and he is not ok with me making a postdoc salary for the next few years (40k in the US, maybe a bit more due to my experience) and then having to move yet again. Not only that, but he has expectations about what joint income we should have prior to starting a family (he quoted me 200k) and he wants us to purchase a home, etc. I feel stuck, heartbroken and unmotivated. Stuck because BF expects me to look for industry jobs, if I want to make the relationship work and have a family. Heartbroken because I feel like I invested so much in my education and don't feel ready to give up on the academic dream (yes, maybe I will crash and burn, but I want to at least try). And unmotivated because maybe my partner is right - after all right now I have nothing to show for being a postdoc and maybe I am not cut out for the job. So how do you all do it? How do I handle an unsupportive significant other? And how do I manage to not give up on my academic dream and still have a family? Or even, any of you out there academics and single parents?
RESPONSE A: If it was that easy to find a 6 figure salary, wouldn't you have it already? It sounds like your partner and you have entirely different life goals and ideas on timing.
RESPONSE B: Ngl, the way you talk about it, it sounds like you've mentally checked out of the relationship to save your career, so I'm not gonna suggest talking to him about it/trying to reach compromise - it sounds like either compromise isn't possible or you know you don't want one. This is a reality of life: if two people's goals start to conflict to the point where a life together is not feasible, they must go their separate ways. ime this is a choice that every individual must make on their own. If you'd rather risk not having a family for a chance at an academic career than give up your academic career, well, this is how your cookie crumbles. And, there are single mothers by choice out there, for sure.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: that, but he has expectations about what joint income we should have prior to starting a family (he quoted me 200k) and he wants us to purchase a home, etc. I feel stuck, heartbroken and unmotivated. Stuck because BF expects me to look for industry jobs, if I want to make the relationship work and have a family. Heartbroken because I feel like I invested so much in my education and don't feel ready to give up on the academic dream (yes, maybe I will crash and burn, but I want to at least try). And unmotivated because maybe my partner is right - after all right now I have nothing to show for being a postdoc and maybe I am not cut out for the job. So how do you all do it? How do I handle an unsupportive significant other? And how do I manage to not give up on my academic dream and still have a family? Or even, any of you out there academics and single parents?
RESPONSE A: Ngl, the way you talk about it, it sounds like you've mentally checked out of the relationship to save your career, so I'm not gonna suggest talking to him about it/trying to reach compromise - it sounds like either compromise isn't possible or you know you don't want one. This is a reality of life: if two people's goals start to conflict to the point where a life together is not feasible, they must go their separate ways. ime this is a choice that every individual must make on their own. If you'd rather risk not having a family for a chance at an academic career than give up your academic career, well, this is how your cookie crumbles. And, there are single mothers by choice out there, for sure.
RESPONSE B: We make plans in life, they change and we must change with them. I know that's vague, but I think you have some tough decisions ahead of you, which only you can make. Also, I think many people imagine academia to be end all and be all of science and technology. That is certainly not the case. A lot of times in life we don't get the position we want but then we find something better. Be hopeful and all the best.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Is it necessary to have a perfect final grade to get a phd? I'm about to get my master degree in computer science in Italy and I was thinking about going for a phd in another European country. My grades are not that bad, but I could have done better. I have an average grade of 26/30 and I'll probably graduate with 99 or 100 over 110. Grading in Italian universities]([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_grading_in_Italy#University) I know two phd students in the department where I'm doing my thesis and both graduated with 110/110. So I would like to know if it is necessary to have a perfect grade, 110/110 in this case, to have a possibility of getting a phd
RESPONSE A: Studied in Italy. Did not have amazing grades. Got a good Phd, as I had very good knowledge in my field. For getting a PhD I think it is very important be super competitive in the particular topic of your PhD. There are other things, but this is the unique one I think that washes out grades.
RESPONSE B: I’m not sure about Europe, but in the US, as long as you’re above the equivalent of a 3.5 GPA, which some schools use as a filter, then grades become less important. Research experience and letters of recommendation that speak to your ability to do research are weighted far more heavily than grades. We also look at potential research matches with professors who are looking to take on students. Do your homework and tailor your statement of purpose to meet the needs of the research area of several professors. (Source: I have a computer science PhD and am a full professor at an R1 flagship university in the US).
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Is it necessary to have a perfect final grade to get a phd? I'm about to get my master degree in computer science in Italy and I was thinking about going for a phd in another European country. My grades are not that bad, but I could have done better. I have an average grade of 26/30 and I'll probably graduate with 99 or 100 over 110. Grading in Italian universities]([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_grading_in_Italy#University) I know two phd students in the department where I'm doing my thesis and both graduated with 110/110. So I would like to know if it is necessary to have a perfect grade, 110/110 in this case, to have a possibility of getting a phd
RESPONSE A: It's entirely dependent on how your institution runs; no one is going to be able to answer this definitively. That being said; no, you generally don't need to have perfect grades, although (in the US at least) you may need all A's in your core competency courses to be able to defend.
RESPONSE B: I’m not sure about Europe, but in the US, as long as you’re above the equivalent of a 3.5 GPA, which some schools use as a filter, then grades become less important. Research experience and letters of recommendation that speak to your ability to do research are weighted far more heavily than grades. We also look at potential research matches with professors who are looking to take on students. Do your homework and tailor your statement of purpose to meet the needs of the research area of several professors. (Source: I have a computer science PhD and am a full professor at an R1 flagship university in the US).
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Is it necessary to have a perfect final grade to get a phd? I'm about to get my master degree in computer science in Italy and I was thinking about going for a phd in another European country. My grades are not that bad, but I could have done better. I have an average grade of 26/30 and I'll probably graduate with 99 or 100 over 110. Grading in Italian universities]([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_grading_in_Italy#University) I know two phd students in the department where I'm doing my thesis and both graduated with 110/110. So I would like to know if it is necessary to have a perfect grade, 110/110 in this case, to have a possibility of getting a phd
RESPONSE A: I’m not sure about Europe, but in the US, as long as you’re above the equivalent of a 3.5 GPA, which some schools use as a filter, then grades become less important. Research experience and letters of recommendation that speak to your ability to do research are weighted far more heavily than grades. We also look at potential research matches with professors who are looking to take on students. Do your homework and tailor your statement of purpose to meet the needs of the research area of several professors. (Source: I have a computer science PhD and am a full professor at an R1 flagship university in the US).
RESPONSE B: The absolute value of your grades aren't that important but your individual ranking in your cohort (if you are applying to foreign universities).
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Getting Started with Research Twitter? I'm working on developing twitter profile for my research in psych/social sciences, as someone that's never used the platform before. Tips or tricks on using twitter for research communication, visibility and networking? Guidance on content, commenting, faux pas to avoid?
RESPONSE A: You might find the following links helpful. They’re all tailored to economics, but a lot of it is general advice that should carry over to other fields (all credit due to their respective authors): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cUoW_4SUl5u5NUydKZnNH2oPo08kEEP_/view https://annemburton.com/assets/burton_econtwitter_slides.pdf http://users.nber.org/~jwolfers/papers/Comments/TwitterforEconomists.pdf
RESPONSE B: It's depressing, it's just a bunch of people congratulating each other on their papers and grants. About five years ago academic Twitter was still cool, and people would critically and intelligently discuss papers, but now the big names all joined and people act like the thought police are watching their every move. So I actually quit 18 months ago.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Why research? Why did you pick this path? What inspired you? What's your story?
RESPONSE A: The manufacturing sector is dull and involves mostly paperwork. Academia is exciting and involves mostly paperwork.
RESPONSE B: My highschool time was a strange mix of being the smart kid in class because I naturally did well with parts of science and some other subjects, but being dyslexic and bad at maths meant that I never had the "I'm a smart person" attitude. But when I went to university for Genetics (because I really enjoyed it in HS) I found others who were passionate in the same way and loved thinking about these topics more. As time went on, I discovered I liked thinking about experimental set up and what the next question to ask in a project was. This lead me into the wet lab and setting up my own experiments. Around this time is when a Plant Science charity took interest me and started to support my studies and end up funding my PhD. Now I am a post-doc and still enjoy many aspects of research, but many aspects do frustrate me. Research grabbed me because I found it as an exciting way to apply the topics I loved to learn.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Why research? Why did you pick this path? What inspired you? What's your story?
RESPONSE A: Everyone says you shouldn't do a PhD just because it's the next thing on the ladder and that you should know it's what you want to do. However, I opportunistically chose what looked best at the time as the the next step and just went with it with little justification outside of "I've been doing research a lot so far and I like it." If I had to guess, my tinkering engineer grandfather is my inspiration.
RESPONSE B: The manufacturing sector is dull and involves mostly paperwork. Academia is exciting and involves mostly paperwork.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Why research? Why did you pick this path? What inspired you? What's your story?
RESPONSE A: When I was young, we were really poor. Like...dirt stinking poor. Still, I distinctly remember going to the grocery store with my dad when I was a kid. I remember it being weird for two reasons: one, he never asked me to go to the store with him (our relationship was a bit strained) and two, we never went to the grocery store at night. It got even weirder after we paid, because instead of going home, we ended up at the doorstep of two elderly shut-in sisters. My dad quietly got out of the truck, and together we unloaded the groceries onto the sisters' doorstep, knocked on the door, then jumped back in the truck and drove away. Just like that. I never asked him why we did what we did, but I think I somehow just new. It was what neighbors did, we took care of each other, especially those of us who couldn't take care of themselves. We ate hot dogs and ramen a lot the next week, and I think I sort of subconsciously knew why, but that lit a fire of curiosity in me. Where does poverty come from? What are the unforeseen effects? How does it perpetuate itself across generations? What are the most effective ways of mitigating it? I remember my first research methods course thinking: "oh, well that's how you figure it out." I remember my intermediate microeconomics coursework thinking "oh, well that's why people make that choice." I just feel like undergrad left me with this huge unassembled puzzle and I need grad school to help me figure out how to put it together.
RESPONSE B: I believe research is valuable to society. I want to make a contribution through research, and I like developing new ideas.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Why research? Why did you pick this path? What inspired you? What's your story?
RESPONSE A: Everyone says you shouldn't do a PhD just because it's the next thing on the ladder and that you should know it's what you want to do. However, I opportunistically chose what looked best at the time as the the next step and just went with it with little justification outside of "I've been doing research a lot so far and I like it." If I had to guess, my tinkering engineer grandfather is my inspiration.
RESPONSE B: When I was young, we were really poor. Like...dirt stinking poor. Still, I distinctly remember going to the grocery store with my dad when I was a kid. I remember it being weird for two reasons: one, he never asked me to go to the store with him (our relationship was a bit strained) and two, we never went to the grocery store at night. It got even weirder after we paid, because instead of going home, we ended up at the doorstep of two elderly shut-in sisters. My dad quietly got out of the truck, and together we unloaded the groceries onto the sisters' doorstep, knocked on the door, then jumped back in the truck and drove away. Just like that. I never asked him why we did what we did, but I think I somehow just new. It was what neighbors did, we took care of each other, especially those of us who couldn't take care of themselves. We ate hot dogs and ramen a lot the next week, and I think I sort of subconsciously knew why, but that lit a fire of curiosity in me. Where does poverty come from? What are the unforeseen effects? How does it perpetuate itself across generations? What are the most effective ways of mitigating it? I remember my first research methods course thinking: "oh, well that's how you figure it out." I remember my intermediate microeconomics coursework thinking "oh, well that's why people make that choice." I just feel like undergrad left me with this huge unassembled puzzle and I need grad school to help me figure out how to put it together.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: PhD by Publication? Is a PhD by publication recognized as equal to a traditional PhD? Do universities use a different format for the diplomas to differentiate between them (noting that it was by publication)?
RESPONSE A: in my field (education) there is no difference at all.
RESPONSE B: It’s the same value for the qualification. But for academic career prospects, PhD by publication is definitely more valued than traditional thesis.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: PhD by Publication? Is a PhD by publication recognized as equal to a traditional PhD? Do universities use a different format for the diplomas to differentiate between them (noting that it was by publication)?
RESPONSE A: I am at a university in the UK amd doing a thesis by publication (although they call thesis by alternative format). The format varies between universities with many not having a separate format. My uni has the requirement that you have to be first author on threw manuscripts. Prior to submission, one has to be published, one has to have been reviewed with favourable comments (ie major/minor revisions) and one has to be ready to submit. Additionally, your introduction is capped at 15,000 words and the overal discussion/synthesis chapted at 10,000 words. I just did it this way because it saved me from writing things twice, as norms in my field differ slightly between traditional thesis and manuscripts. Also, its forced me to publish as I go along and I think the review process will be beneficial for my viva.
RESPONSE B: in my field (education) there is no difference at all.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Leaving PhD in the US and moving to Japan? I am PhD student at a US university (QS ranking>500). I have completed my 2 years here. I am thinking to quit the PhD here and move to the University of Tokyo. The reason behind this is my PhD advisor, his lack of supervision and biasedness towards other students has compelled me to do this. I feel discouraged and demotivated most of the time. I have talked with one professor from the University of Tokyo, he is happy to take me. He is a renowned person with a lot of research papers and citations. Do you think leaving the US and moving to Japan is a good idea? Many of my friends think that the US has better opportunities, but the Univ of Tokyo is one of the best world universities. Do you think PhD degree from the best Japanese university holds some value? PS I am not a US citizen.
RESPONSE A: If you want to work and live in Japan in the future, Todai is a great school. If you are not sure or want to work anywhere else, the PhD from Todai is very limiting.
RESPONSE B: So I’m a PhD student here in Japan and let me warn you, Academia is very very different here. If you are struggling with lack of supervision or mentorship, oh boy, Japan is not the place for you. All of the foreign students I’ve talked to here have reported a total “hands off” approach with their students. If I’m not proactively scheduling time with my PI, he wouldn’t talk to me for months. And even when I get time, it’s at most 15 minutes. I’m struggling with the way things are done here, but even one of my committee members who got his PhD in the West just says this is how it works here. You need to have a super clear vision and strong motivation to do research here, cause your going to be doing it alone.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Leaving PhD in the US and moving to Japan? I am PhD student at a US university (QS ranking>500). I have completed my 2 years here. I am thinking to quit the PhD here and move to the University of Tokyo. The reason behind this is my PhD advisor, his lack of supervision and biasedness towards other students has compelled me to do this. I feel discouraged and demotivated most of the time. I have talked with one professor from the University of Tokyo, he is happy to take me. He is a renowned person with a lot of research papers and citations. Do you think leaving the US and moving to Japan is a good idea? Many of my friends think that the US has better opportunities, but the Univ of Tokyo is one of the best world universities. Do you think PhD degree from the best Japanese university holds some value? PS I am not a US citizen.
RESPONSE A: You should inquire in the subs about that like /r movingtojapan
RESPONSE B: So I’m a PhD student here in Japan and let me warn you, Academia is very very different here. If you are struggling with lack of supervision or mentorship, oh boy, Japan is not the place for you. All of the foreign students I’ve talked to here have reported a total “hands off” approach with their students. If I’m not proactively scheduling time with my PI, he wouldn’t talk to me for months. And even when I get time, it’s at most 15 minutes. I’m struggling with the way things are done here, but even one of my committee members who got his PhD in the West just says this is how it works here. You need to have a super clear vision and strong motivation to do research here, cause your going to be doing it alone.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Leaving PhD in the US and moving to Japan? I am PhD student at a US university (QS ranking>500). I have completed my 2 years here. I am thinking to quit the PhD here and move to the University of Tokyo. The reason behind this is my PhD advisor, his lack of supervision and biasedness towards other students has compelled me to do this. I feel discouraged and demotivated most of the time. I have talked with one professor from the University of Tokyo, he is happy to take me. He is a renowned person with a lot of research papers and citations. Do you think leaving the US and moving to Japan is a good idea? Many of my friends think that the US has better opportunities, but the Univ of Tokyo is one of the best world universities. Do you think PhD degree from the best Japanese university holds some value? PS I am not a US citizen.
RESPONSE A: Life has many doors, in closing the one at your current PhD a swath of others stemming from living in Japan will open.
RESPONSE B: So I’m a PhD student here in Japan and let me warn you, Academia is very very different here. If you are struggling with lack of supervision or mentorship, oh boy, Japan is not the place for you. All of the foreign students I’ve talked to here have reported a total “hands off” approach with their students. If I’m not proactively scheduling time with my PI, he wouldn’t talk to me for months. And even when I get time, it’s at most 15 minutes. I’m struggling with the way things are done here, but even one of my committee members who got his PhD in the West just says this is how it works here. You need to have a super clear vision and strong motivation to do research here, cause your going to be doing it alone.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Leaving PhD in the US and moving to Japan? I am PhD student at a US university (QS ranking>500). I have completed my 2 years here. I am thinking to quit the PhD here and move to the University of Tokyo. The reason behind this is my PhD advisor, his lack of supervision and biasedness towards other students has compelled me to do this. I feel discouraged and demotivated most of the time. I have talked with one professor from the University of Tokyo, he is happy to take me. He is a renowned person with a lot of research papers and citations. Do you think leaving the US and moving to Japan is a good idea? Many of my friends think that the US has better opportunities, but the Univ of Tokyo is one of the best world universities. Do you think PhD degree from the best Japanese university holds some value? PS I am not a US citizen.
RESPONSE A: Well nobody wrote this so Japan borders currently closed for foreign students and nobody know for sure when it will open
RESPONSE B: This is going to be highly dependent on the field in question. It's also going to be highly dependent on whether or not you're of Japanese ancestry, as Japan can be a difficult place for non-Japanese at times.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Possible routes to become a permanent resident from UK to US I'm an organic chemistry PhD student in the UK, I'll be finishing my PhD soon and I've always wanted to permanently live in the US. I know that there is a limit of 65,000 on the number of H1Bs that are given out each year for companies via a lottery, and that if I take a post doc at a US university it will likely be under a J1 visa, and that US universities are H1B exempt. 1. Would it be possible to go straight into a research associate job under the H1B visa without a postdoc? I've been looking on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn but most research associate jobs in universities don't say if they will sponsor a H1B visa. 2. Would it be possible to take a post doc under the J1 visa then somehow get sponsored for a green card by the university possibly through EB2 or self sponsor under EB1-B? 3. Also what is a NIW ( national interest waiver), I've seen this term used on other posts, what are the requirements for this and what happens if you apply for an NIW? Thanks for your time
RESPONSE A: >Would it be possible to go straight into a research associate job under the H1B visa without a postdoc? It depends on your publication record coming out of a PhD. There is a bias against PhDs from the UK in the US since they're not seen as rigorous. If you had a MS coming into your PhD from an outside of UK institution, that may help. But your prospects won't be great if you did the usual 3-1-3 yrs BS-MS-PhD route that UK institutions like to (try to) enforce. Visa stuff is complicated, but if you're hired by a large university they'll take care of a lot of it for you.
RESPONSE B: Just curious, why do you want to leave the UK? A lack of opportunities in your field?
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Possible routes to become a permanent resident from UK to US I'm an organic chemistry PhD student in the UK, I'll be finishing my PhD soon and I've always wanted to permanently live in the US. I know that there is a limit of 65,000 on the number of H1Bs that are given out each year for companies via a lottery, and that if I take a post doc at a US university it will likely be under a J1 visa, and that US universities are H1B exempt. 1. Would it be possible to go straight into a research associate job under the H1B visa without a postdoc? I've been looking on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn but most research associate jobs in universities don't say if they will sponsor a H1B visa. 2. Would it be possible to take a post doc under the J1 visa then somehow get sponsored for a green card by the university possibly through EB2 or self sponsor under EB1-B? 3. Also what is a NIW ( national interest waiver), I've seen this term used on other posts, what are the requirements for this and what happens if you apply for an NIW? Thanks for your time
RESPONSE A: The catch with the J1 is they are usually lock by your country and the lock must be removed before you can switch to an H1 or green card or anything else.
RESPONSE B: Just curious, why do you want to leave the UK? A lack of opportunities in your field?
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Possible routes to become a permanent resident from UK to US I'm an organic chemistry PhD student in the UK, I'll be finishing my PhD soon and I've always wanted to permanently live in the US. I know that there is a limit of 65,000 on the number of H1Bs that are given out each year for companies via a lottery, and that if I take a post doc at a US university it will likely be under a J1 visa, and that US universities are H1B exempt. 1. Would it be possible to go straight into a research associate job under the H1B visa without a postdoc? I've been looking on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn but most research associate jobs in universities don't say if they will sponsor a H1B visa. 2. Would it be possible to take a post doc under the J1 visa then somehow get sponsored for a green card by the university possibly through EB2 or self sponsor under EB1-B? 3. Also what is a NIW ( national interest waiver), I've seen this term used on other posts, what are the requirements for this and what happens if you apply for an NIW? Thanks for your time
RESPONSE A: H1Bs are not capped for university jobs. The issue is that they cost the university (your supervisor) a lot of money, which they're unlikely to pay for a temporary employee (i.e., not a faculty member). I'd just do a postdoc on a J1 and figure the rest out later, if I were you. It'll be a long and slow process to immigrate to the US no matter what you do (unless of course you're married to an American...), but at least being present in the country already might make future employers more willing to sponsor your dual-intent visa.
RESPONSE B: If you published peer-reviewed publications and have reviewed paper of others, you can try EB2-NIW. Please Google that term for more details.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Do you use/hear the word "empirical" only referenced in context to quantitative research versus qualitative? My understanding is the actual definition of empirical includes research or knowledge in reference to data, whether it is quantitative or qualitative, as opposed to research or knowledge that is theoretical. Despite this, I often hear people use the word empirical to imply "quant" or "numbers," and leaving out data obtained through qualitative methodologies. Do you also get this impression? Why might this be? My field is in the social sciences, which surprises me that hear this since there is a fair amount of qualitative research (even if the contemporary bias is toward quant).
RESPONSE A: I heard this the other day in a panel discussion on entering a graduate course of study in Economics by people who could do better. I'm with you, this is biased. It also says something about the source when you can distinguish the two if/when they don't or won't. You really have to consider the source. That's #1, and #2, consider the field's preference.
RESPONSE B: Empirical, to me, contrasts with theoretical. An empirical test of a hypothesis could absolutely include qualitative data, to my mind. My field doesn't really use qualitative data anymore though, so perhaps I have a different concept of the distinction.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Do you use/hear the word "empirical" only referenced in context to quantitative research versus qualitative? My understanding is the actual definition of empirical includes research or knowledge in reference to data, whether it is quantitative or qualitative, as opposed to research or knowledge that is theoretical. Despite this, I often hear people use the word empirical to imply "quant" or "numbers," and leaving out data obtained through qualitative methodologies. Do you also get this impression? Why might this be? My field is in the social sciences, which surprises me that hear this since there is a fair amount of qualitative research (even if the contemporary bias is toward quant).
RESPONSE A: Empirical, to me, contrasts with theoretical. An empirical test of a hypothesis could absolutely include qualitative data, to my mind. My field doesn't really use qualitative data anymore though, so perhaps I have a different concept of the distinction.
RESPONSE B: I am also in social sciences and I have never heard of this.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Do you use/hear the word "empirical" only referenced in context to quantitative research versus qualitative? My understanding is the actual definition of empirical includes research or knowledge in reference to data, whether it is quantitative or qualitative, as opposed to research or knowledge that is theoretical. Despite this, I often hear people use the word empirical to imply "quant" or "numbers," and leaving out data obtained through qualitative methodologies. Do you also get this impression? Why might this be? My field is in the social sciences, which surprises me that hear this since there is a fair amount of qualitative research (even if the contemporary bias is toward quant).
RESPONSE A: I heard this the other day in a panel discussion on entering a graduate course of study in Economics by people who could do better. I'm with you, this is biased. It also says something about the source when you can distinguish the two if/when they don't or won't. You really have to consider the source. That's #1, and #2, consider the field's preference.
RESPONSE B: >Despite this, I often hear people use the word empirical to imply "quant" or "numbers," and leaving out data obtained through qualitative methodologies. It's faulty diction. Empirical knowledge is knowledge gained through experience or through the senses. This includes the informal knowledge of everyday life as much as it includes any kind of formal observation-based knowledge, whether qualitative or quantitative. The people who are misusing the word probably mean experimental.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Do you use/hear the word "empirical" only referenced in context to quantitative research versus qualitative? My understanding is the actual definition of empirical includes research or knowledge in reference to data, whether it is quantitative or qualitative, as opposed to research or knowledge that is theoretical. Despite this, I often hear people use the word empirical to imply "quant" or "numbers," and leaving out data obtained through qualitative methodologies. Do you also get this impression? Why might this be? My field is in the social sciences, which surprises me that hear this since there is a fair amount of qualitative research (even if the contemporary bias is toward quant).
RESPONSE A: I am also in social sciences and I have never heard of this.
RESPONSE B: >Despite this, I often hear people use the word empirical to imply "quant" or "numbers," and leaving out data obtained through qualitative methodologies. It's faulty diction. Empirical knowledge is knowledge gained through experience or through the senses. This includes the informal knowledge of everyday life as much as it includes any kind of formal observation-based knowledge, whether qualitative or quantitative. The people who are misusing the word probably mean experimental.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Do you use/hear the word "empirical" only referenced in context to quantitative research versus qualitative? My understanding is the actual definition of empirical includes research or knowledge in reference to data, whether it is quantitative or qualitative, as opposed to research or knowledge that is theoretical. Despite this, I often hear people use the word empirical to imply "quant" or "numbers," and leaving out data obtained through qualitative methodologies. Do you also get this impression? Why might this be? My field is in the social sciences, which surprises me that hear this since there is a fair amount of qualitative research (even if the contemporary bias is toward quant).
RESPONSE A: I am also in social sciences and I have never heard of this.
RESPONSE B: I heard this the other day in a panel discussion on entering a graduate course of study in Economics by people who could do better. I'm with you, this is biased. It also says something about the source when you can distinguish the two if/when they don't or won't. You really have to consider the source. That's #1, and #2, consider the field's preference.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Best movies about Academia and Academic Life What are some of the best movies about Academia and Academic life in general? Movies about people who excel in academia, struggle, etc. Movies except for A Beautiful Mind, The Theory of Everything, Good Will Hunting, etc.
RESPONSE A: The Chair is pretty good. Netflix.
RESPONSE B: There is the PhD Movie (1, 2) https://phdmovie.com/
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Best movies about Academia and Academic Life What are some of the best movies about Academia and Academic life in general? Movies about people who excel in academia, struggle, etc. Movies except for A Beautiful Mind, The Theory of Everything, Good Will Hunting, etc.
RESPONSE A: The Chair is pretty good. Netflix.
RESPONSE B: Wonder Boys.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Best movies about Academia and Academic Life What are some of the best movies about Academia and Academic life in general? Movies about people who excel in academia, struggle, etc. Movies except for A Beautiful Mind, The Theory of Everything, Good Will Hunting, etc.
RESPONSE A: The Chair is pretty good. Netflix.
RESPONSE B: The Paper Chase. PCU.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Best movies about Academia and Academic Life What are some of the best movies about Academia and Academic life in general? Movies about people who excel in academia, struggle, etc. Movies except for A Beautiful Mind, The Theory of Everything, Good Will Hunting, etc.
RESPONSE A: Naturally Obsessed is a documentary following a molecular biology group at Columbia. IMO a very accurate representation of what it's like being a STEM graduate student. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturally_Obsessed
RESPONSE B: The Paper Chase. PCU.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Best movies about Academia and Academic Life What are some of the best movies about Academia and Academic life in general? Movies about people who excel in academia, struggle, etc. Movies except for A Beautiful Mind, The Theory of Everything, Good Will Hunting, etc.
RESPONSE A: The Paper Chase. PCU.
RESPONSE B: This may or may not be what you are looking for, but there is a wonderful documentary on Netflix called Picture A Scientist that details the harassment and unfair treatment women in STEM academia face. I wish all grad students and faculty could watch it
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Movies/TV series about life in academia What are your recommendations for the above described genre?, I've seen a few but I did not find them realistic so suggestions are welcome
RESPONSE A: The chair
RESPONSE B: PhD comics has two films: trailer
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Movies/TV series about life in academia What are your recommendations for the above described genre?, I've seen a few but I did not find them realistic so suggestions are welcome
RESPONSE A: The Five-Year Engagement: the most accurate depiction (as a slight parody) of an experimental psychology department that I have ever seen
RESPONSE B: PhD comics has two films: trailer
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Movies/TV series about life in academia What are your recommendations for the above described genre?, I've seen a few but I did not find them realistic so suggestions are welcome
RESPONSE A: An older one: The Paper Chase (1973)).
RESPONSE B: Hmmm.. No one going to mention Monsters University?
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Movies/TV series about life in academia What are your recommendations for the above described genre?, I've seen a few but I did not find them realistic so suggestions are welcome
RESPONSE A: Hmmm.. No one going to mention Monsters University?
RESPONSE B: There’s a British show called “Campus” that was really fun and weird
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Movies/TV series about life in academia What are your recommendations for the above described genre?, I've seen a few but I did not find them realistic so suggestions are welcome
RESPONSE A: A beautiful mind
RESPONSE B: Hmmm.. No one going to mention Monsters University?
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: As a high school student, what book inspired you to study in your current field? If none, is there a book that you wish you would have read back then? I would like to send a couple books to my assigned teacher from the reddit gift exchange, and I was hoping for some suggestions that a high schooler might actually pick up and read! This seems like the best reddit to ask this question - maybe this is not the most discussion-provoking question, but I think that this is the best group of people to ask. I really want to find something that they will want to read and could lead them to an eventual career. My teacher is a math teacher, but I hope for responses about any field in case it could be helpful to others.
RESPONSE A: I got interested in my field (chemical engineering ) as a way to productively channel my teenage pyromania. If you had given me a book about engineering then I probably would have set it on fire.
RESPONSE B: I read Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks before freshman year of college, so I declared a neuro major, now I'm doing neurodegenerative disease bioinformatics
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: As a high school student, what book inspired you to study in your current field? If none, is there a book that you wish you would have read back then? I would like to send a couple books to my assigned teacher from the reddit gift exchange, and I was hoping for some suggestions that a high schooler might actually pick up and read! This seems like the best reddit to ask this question - maybe this is not the most discussion-provoking question, but I think that this is the best group of people to ask. I really want to find something that they will want to read and could lead them to an eventual career. My teacher is a math teacher, but I hope for responses about any field in case it could be helpful to others.
RESPONSE A: 'The Hot Zone', by Richard Preston Words cannot explain my love for this book. I started reading it one afternoon on a whim, finished around 11 at night, and immediately re-read it until I finished it again in the wee hours of the morning. That book is what I want to do with my life!
RESPONSE B: I got interested in my field (chemical engineering ) as a way to productively channel my teenage pyromania. If you had given me a book about engineering then I probably would have set it on fire.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: As a high school student, what book inspired you to study in your current field? If none, is there a book that you wish you would have read back then? I would like to send a couple books to my assigned teacher from the reddit gift exchange, and I was hoping for some suggestions that a high schooler might actually pick up and read! This seems like the best reddit to ask this question - maybe this is not the most discussion-provoking question, but I think that this is the best group of people to ask. I really want to find something that they will want to read and could lead them to an eventual career. My teacher is a math teacher, but I hope for responses about any field in case it could be helpful to others.
RESPONSE A: The movie that inspired me to study engineering was Iron Man.
RESPONSE B: I got interested in my field (chemical engineering ) as a way to productively channel my teenage pyromania. If you had given me a book about engineering then I probably would have set it on fire.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: As a high school student, what book inspired you to study in your current field? If none, is there a book that you wish you would have read back then? I would like to send a couple books to my assigned teacher from the reddit gift exchange, and I was hoping for some suggestions that a high schooler might actually pick up and read! This seems like the best reddit to ask this question - maybe this is not the most discussion-provoking question, but I think that this is the best group of people to ask. I really want to find something that they will want to read and could lead them to an eventual career. My teacher is a math teacher, but I hope for responses about any field in case it could be helpful to others.
RESPONSE A: I got interested in my field (chemical engineering ) as a way to productively channel my teenage pyromania. If you had given me a book about engineering then I probably would have set it on fire.
RESPONSE B: I read A Theory of Almost Everything senior year of high school. Admittedly, it is a little dense for a high schooler. At the time, I thought I wanted to do chemical engineering. But, my high school physics teacher was convinced that since I enjoyed reading that book and mostly followed it, that I would stay in physics. I just started a PhD program in nuclear physics.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: As a high school student, what book inspired you to study in your current field? If none, is there a book that you wish you would have read back then? I would like to send a couple books to my assigned teacher from the reddit gift exchange, and I was hoping for some suggestions that a high schooler might actually pick up and read! This seems like the best reddit to ask this question - maybe this is not the most discussion-provoking question, but I think that this is the best group of people to ask. I really want to find something that they will want to read and could lead them to an eventual career. My teacher is a math teacher, but I hope for responses about any field in case it could be helpful to others.
RESPONSE A: The movie that inspired me to study engineering was Iron Man.
RESPONSE B: 'The Hot Zone', by Richard Preston Words cannot explain my love for this book. I started reading it one afternoon on a whim, finished around 11 at night, and immediately re-read it until I finished it again in the wee hours of the morning. That book is what I want to do with my life!
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Is anyone afraid of developing tunnel vision while getting their PhD? I am thinking of applying for a PhD in art history in the near future. I love my field of study and have already decided on a project I would love to work on. However, I worry that I will get too engrossed in my topic of research. It will then cause me to become less socially aware of the world and to forget that there is still life outside of a PhD. Has anyone had that experience? If so, do you have any tips on how to maintain a good balance between dedicating your time to PhD work that you're incredibly passionate about and your other interests?
RESPONSE A: I found this very hard. I would be completely obsessed doing PhD. Found it hard socially to connect back with people. Conversations with others I would feel really disassociated from. Often felt like they were just talking about random boring things or normal things that i then found incredibly trivial. I found Michael Stipe of REM talk about this once, that it takes him a few weeks after a tour and playing shows in front of a lot of people to get back to enjoying having dinner with people, general discussion, and after a tour the conversation can feel really stupid for a while. I guess this was also one of the most enjoyable parts of PhD- intense pressure leading to intense focus. One solution i found was to work in waves. Let myself get really obsessed with it for 4 or 5 days, work until obsession wanes, and come come out of it for normal life for a bit. Only difficult thing was syncing with other peoples schedule
RESPONSE B: Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my PhD. But I treated it like a job. I got into the office in the morning, did my work, I went home in the evening and I did other stuff. Being focussed on your project is one thing. Being obsessed is something different.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Is anyone afraid of developing tunnel vision while getting their PhD? I am thinking of applying for a PhD in art history in the near future. I love my field of study and have already decided on a project I would love to work on. However, I worry that I will get too engrossed in my topic of research. It will then cause me to become less socially aware of the world and to forget that there is still life outside of a PhD. Has anyone had that experience? If so, do you have any tips on how to maintain a good balance between dedicating your time to PhD work that you're incredibly passionate about and your other interests?
RESPONSE A: It's a marathon, not a sprint. There (hopefully) will be times when you're totally immersed with your topic, but these are temporary peaks. At other times, you will take things slower and live your life.
RESPONSE B: Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my PhD. But I treated it like a job. I got into the office in the morning, did my work, I went home in the evening and I did other stuff. Being focussed on your project is one thing. Being obsessed is something different.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Is anyone afraid of developing tunnel vision while getting their PhD? I am thinking of applying for a PhD in art history in the near future. I love my field of study and have already decided on a project I would love to work on. However, I worry that I will get too engrossed in my topic of research. It will then cause me to become less socially aware of the world and to forget that there is still life outside of a PhD. Has anyone had that experience? If so, do you have any tips on how to maintain a good balance between dedicating your time to PhD work that you're incredibly passionate about and your other interests?
RESPONSE A: I know this is not a possibility for everyone, but being in a relationship (as in romantic) with someone not working in academia fixes it, especially if you live together. It forces you to work when you're at work and be engaged with the rest of the world when you're not there.
RESPONSE B: Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my PhD. But I treated it like a job. I got into the office in the morning, did my work, I went home in the evening and I did other stuff. Being focussed on your project is one thing. Being obsessed is something different.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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A
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POST: Is anyone afraid of developing tunnel vision while getting their PhD? I am thinking of applying for a PhD in art history in the near future. I love my field of study and have already decided on a project I would love to work on. However, I worry that I will get too engrossed in my topic of research. It will then cause me to become less socially aware of the world and to forget that there is still life outside of a PhD. Has anyone had that experience? If so, do you have any tips on how to maintain a good balance between dedicating your time to PhD work that you're incredibly passionate about and your other interests?
RESPONSE A: Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my PhD. But I treated it like a job. I got into the office in the morning, did my work, I went home in the evening and I did other stuff. Being focussed on your project is one thing. Being obsessed is something different.
RESPONSE B: Haha that’s one of the reasons I’m doing a PhD. I want to be focused on research and live in a tiny bubble where I’m surrounded by likeminded intelligent people as far away as possible from the rest of the world. I wanna forget that there are people out there who are willing to kill each other for opposing views, arguing against others’ basic human rights based on their religions and beliefs, or (a more recent and specific example), protesting in crowds against vaccines based on conspiracy theories during a pandemic lol I’d love to just spend rest of my life in a lab and only socialize with other academics outside of the lab. Not saying that everyone out of academia are intolerant idiots, of course they are not. But it’s almost non existing in academia. At least in my field. I know it sounds silly but I genuinely don’t wanna be socially aware anymore. It keeps me mentally healthy
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: Is anyone afraid of developing tunnel vision while getting their PhD? I am thinking of applying for a PhD in art history in the near future. I love my field of study and have already decided on a project I would love to work on. However, I worry that I will get too engrossed in my topic of research. It will then cause me to become less socially aware of the world and to forget that there is still life outside of a PhD. Has anyone had that experience? If so, do you have any tips on how to maintain a good balance between dedicating your time to PhD work that you're incredibly passionate about and your other interests?
RESPONSE A: It can definitely alienate you and make you forget the things that are actually important in life. Relationships can be neglected and end, older family can pass away without recent contact, friends get married and move on with their lives as you are frozen in time for 4-7 years, etc. Just bare in mind that the PhD is a phase. Don't forget to to tend to the things that are important.
RESPONSE B: Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my PhD. But I treated it like a job. I got into the office in the morning, did my work, I went home in the evening and I did other stuff. Being focussed on your project is one thing. Being obsessed is something different.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: How difficult is it to maintain a relationship while in grad school/post-doc/professorship with all the relocating? I love science but I'm seeing much hardship in maintaining a relationship in my future. How to find a mobile wife? As a researcher, I won't be making much money. I'm thinking a mobile wife would be dependent on me financially; I don't see that working well. Unless I marry someone who has a good job, but then I'd be relocating for them, and I don't know how possible that is in the grad school/post-doc/professorship arena.
RESPONSE A: Wife and I got together about 12 years ago (married last year). 8 years ago I left teaching to start a PhD near home. Since then we've had various phases of living both together and apart (including in different countries while I was postdoccing). Currently live about 100 miles from each other with commutes every weekend to see each other. It's not ideal, but she has been the financially stable one, and incredibly supportive. Now that I'm in a more permanent role we've started looking at getting ourselves into the same location. It's not straightforward, but we've got through it without any real issues.
RESPONSE B: Yeah, it's extremely f--king tough. Source: the burning wreckage of my personal life.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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B
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POST: How difficult is it to maintain a relationship while in grad school/post-doc/professorship with all the relocating? I love science but I'm seeing much hardship in maintaining a relationship in my future. How to find a mobile wife? As a researcher, I won't be making much money. I'm thinking a mobile wife would be dependent on me financially; I don't see that working well. Unless I marry someone who has a good job, but then I'd be relocating for them, and I don't know how possible that is in the grad school/post-doc/professorship arena.
RESPONSE A: I met my husband my first year of grad school (about six years ago). We got married last year as he finished up his PhD and I wrapped up a short postdoc. We've had MANY conversations about what we'd each like our lives to look like and how that fits with the other person. In short we decided that since my husband wants to be a professor and I don't that his career prospects take the lead. Anywhere he'll be able to find a job, I should be able to too. I think the key piece is talking very openly about this kind of stuff. My husband was really worried in the beginning that I was giving something up just to follow him or not speaking up about what I wanted, but since I'm still not completely sure what I want to be when I grow up, I consider us following his career to be an adventure. I have watched friends struggle with this same topic and it's painful to watch because the trailing spouse doesn't always understand the academic trajectory.
RESPONSE B: Yeah, it's extremely f--king tough. Source: the burning wreckage of my personal life.
Which response is better? RESPONSE
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