Dear Diary,
I gave my research presentation today to the group and it started as a
disastor. I misread the email that was announcing the meeting and
showed up 18 minutes late (which I thought would be 12 minutes early).
After
that, everything went ok. I filled up the 30 minutes with what I'd
done for my Master's degree, took some questions, and half of the people
from the beginning were still there at the end!
Professor Burke will get back to me in a few days with a decision.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
Decision to Join
Dear Diary,
I can't help but be interested in what this group does. Lots of people say that it's old physics and that I should only do it if I really want to, but I can't help but be interested by it. I'm afraid I'll have to try to get into the group.
I told the Group Manager that I want to schedule the talk. The next meeting is in two weeks, so I'll have some time to prepare a 30 minute introductory mini-lecture on my previous research.
I can't help but be interested in what this group does. Lots of people say that it's old physics and that I should only do it if I really want to, but I can't help but be interested by it. I'm afraid I'll have to try to get into the group.
I told the Group Manager that I want to schedule the talk. The next meeting is in two weeks, so I'll have some time to prepare a 30 minute introductory mini-lecture on my previous research.
Monday, March 4, 2013
First Group Meeting
Dear Diary,
I went to my first group meeting today and got to meet everyone. All of Professor Burke's students are really nice, but I don't know any of their names. I've decided to keep a low profile since graduate students are meant to be seen and not heard.
One of the post-docs, Miles, gave the first of a few talks on the renowned Density Matrix Renormalization Group (DMRG). Apparently the method is a computational way to renormalize density matrices in a group and a really slick way to calculate things in one dimension. I took good notes and will see if I can figure out what they mean as I go forward.
I went to my first group meeting today and got to meet everyone. All of Professor Burke's students are really nice, but I don't know any of their names. I've decided to keep a low profile since graduate students are meant to be seen and not heard.
One of the post-docs, Miles, gave the first of a few talks on the renowned Density Matrix Renormalization Group (DMRG). Apparently the method is a computational way to renormalize density matrices in a group and a really slick way to calculate things in one dimension. I took good notes and will see if I can figure out what they mean as I go forward.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
What is DFT?
Dear Diary,
I suppose I should give some details about the group and Professor Burke so we can all get to know each other.
We chatted about the group's focus which is using Density Functional Theory to investigate fundamental physics. There is also the small concern of how to use DFT accurately.
As an example, there was a new airplane with a cutting edge lithium battery that had to be grounded because the batteries are prone to catching fire. One of the ways to guess how batteries (and other things) will function (how much charge will be stored, etc.) is to use Density Functional Theory. This happens even before you make it. Professor Burke makes a living making refining the technique and helping to make more accurate predictions.
Sounds exciting!
I suppose I should give some details about the group and Professor Burke so we can all get to know each other.
We chatted about the group's focus which is using Density Functional Theory to investigate fundamental physics. There is also the small concern of how to use DFT accurately.
As an example, there was a new airplane with a cutting edge lithium battery that had to be grounded because the batteries are prone to catching fire. One of the ways to guess how batteries (and other things) will function (how much charge will be stored, etc.) is to use Density Functional Theory. This happens even before you make it. Professor Burke makes a living making refining the technique and helping to make more accurate predictions.
Sounds exciting!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Diary: Day 1
Dear Diary,
I met with Professor Kieron Burke today to talk about joining his group. He immediately was very kind in offering me coffee. However, diary, I only drink tea. This was nearly a deal breaker.
He'll be away for a month, and that gives me some time to get to know his group and what they do in more detail.
I am supposed to keep this diary until otherwise. Future students might even read it to see how to join Professor Burke's group! Looks like we'll be best friends, diary, but we better keep it useful for whoever's next.
I met with Professor Kieron Burke today to talk about joining his group. He immediately was very kind in offering me coffee. However, diary, I only drink tea. This was nearly a deal breaker.
He'll be away for a month, and that gives me some time to get to know his group and what they do in more detail.
I am supposed to keep this diary until otherwise. Future students might even read it to see how to join Professor Burke's group! Looks like we'll be best friends, diary, but we better keep it useful for whoever's next.
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