Disoriented Graduate Student of Physics

[StochasticHarmonic]

How did you find PF?

I asked Perplexity.AI where a good place to ask for help for graduate-level physics problems, and this was the first suggestion

I would be in my second year of my PhD, but I'm a leave of absence. I'm studying for my comprehensive exams, but I'm too shy to ask for help from my peers/professors, a habit I hope to break when I return next semester (Spring). On my break I've realized what an incredible place academia is compared to a corporate/business setting.

I'm here to learn. I'm only asking questions on things I'm really struggling with, so that you guys can poke holes in my understanding/nudge me in the right way. I expect this to be painful.

I'm interested, broadly speaking, in quantum information, solid state physics, and optics. I am trying to learn more about nuclear and particle physics as well, as I've always been pulled towards it, but haven't ever taken my interest very seriously/given myself the creative liberty to pursue it. I have a background in astronomy, quantum optics, superconductor quenching dynamics, and atomic physics research. I've done a lot of programming in Python, and a little in C++, Java, and MATLAB. Some experience also in finite element analysis and 3D modeling.

 

[berkeman]

Welcome to PF!

superconductor quenching dynamics

Yikes, that sounds dangerous!

 

[StochasticHarmonic]

It was only simulation :) thanks! Excited to find a friendly community of mentors and students alike.

 

[berkeman]

Whew!

 

[DaveE]

I'm too shy to ask for help from my peers/professors

Maybe that's the very first thing you should say to a potential advisor, just to break the ice and get a relationship started. You probably don't have too much to lose if you are honest with them.

 

[StochasticHarmonic]

Maybe that's the very first thing you should say to a potential advisor, just to break the ice and get a relationship started. You probably don't have too much to lose if you are honest with them.

I come off as a very extroverted person, but admitting I don't know or understand something has been extremely challenging. I'll try this out and see how it goes.

 

[hutchphd]

How can you learn if you cannot admit you do not understand something?
I do understand your psychological conundrum and resemble your self-description. You need to realize what a useful thing it is to be surrounded by people who have the ability and sufficient concern to tell you when you are mistaken. It is a very high compliment ( In MY Humble Opinion) when somebody takes the trouble to detail your missteps. If you can see it in that light, it is very helpful both pedagogically and interpersonally. You just have to let go of the ego crap.
And sometimes you actually will be the smartest person in room.

 

[Jobean123]

I've had similar issues. In my experience, sending an email or message will prompt them to come to me, thus eliminating the approach/ice-breaking issue. Good luck!

 

[berkeman]

Just a quick reminder that this is supposed to be a "brief" introduction thread. If you want to discuss academic advice, a new thread can be started in the Academic Advising forum. Thanks.

 

[Vanadium 50]

A good point. But one in the OPs court.

but I'm too shy to ask for help from my peers/professors, a

You need to change this. Not only will it get in the way of your education, that's what a career in the sciences is.