Grad School: Balancing Skills and Sub-Areas in Physics?

[WarPhalange]

So I'm in my first year of Grad school, where there is a crap load of groups I would like to join.

Things like plasma physics (fluid dynamics has always interested me and I'm taking a class on it now), single-molecule detectors, one-way nanopores, and a crapload of things from the engineering department that would fall under physics as well.

My problem? This is something I'd like to work on:



I mean, let's face it, I would be better than Jesus. But anyway, it's not that I've lost interest in physics. No, I in fact plan to take all the courses I can over the next few years, even if only one per quarter.

My dilemma now is that we have a particle group that works on ATLAS and one of the things they are doing is writing up algorithms for quick decisions on what to do with the gathered data. They need it to be as fast as possible, plus it involves AI to determine what is and is not "good" data.

Computer Science interests me and AI would no doubt be somewhere up the alley of artificial limbs (okay, so I like robotics in general, doesn't have to be that specifically), plus particle physics is also interesting to me, though I am a bit uneasy about the idea of having 2000+ people fighting over attention.

Any advice on how I could resolve this problem? i.e. what to do to help me figure out what I want to do? :shy:

 

[WarPhalange]

40 views and no replies. Okay, that tells me nobody has any clue what I am asking. Here's a shorter version:

How much of Grad school is learning a set of skills vs. learning about a sub-area of physics?

I like programming, I like building and tinkering, and yeah, even analyzing data. I'd like to have my job have me do all of those. I can definitely see myself doing plasma physics for a while and then switching over to condensed matter or something. Nearly all areas of physics interest me, and what is more important for me is what my project is, and not as much what the physics is.

Am I in for a surprise? Or can I totally pull this off? Goals after Ph.D.: I don't know. Could be post-doc -> academia, or government lab, or straight to industry, or even starting my own company.

 

[charng]

it is important to have a broad range of skills and knowledge in order to be successful in your field. It is great that you have a diverse range of interests in different sub-areas of physics. However, it can be overwhelming when trying to decide which specific area to focus on in your graduate studies.

One approach to resolving this dilemma is to take some time to explore each of these areas in more depth. This could involve talking to professors or researchers in each field, attending seminars or workshops, and doing some independent research or reading on the topics that interest you. This will give you a better understanding of the current research being done in each area and help you decide which one aligns more with your interests and goals.

Another approach is to consider the skills and techniques that are commonly used in each sub-area and think about which ones you enjoy the most. For example, if you enjoy working with computer algorithms and AI, the particle physics group might be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you are more interested in fluid dynamics and engineering applications, the plasma physics or single-molecule detectors group might be a better fit.

It is also important to consider the potential for collaboration and interdisciplinary work in each area. Working with a large group of people can have its challenges, but it also offers the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with experts in different fields, which can lead to new and exciting research projects.

Ultimately, the best way to figure out what you want to do is to dive into the research and see which area sparks your curiosity and passion the most. Don't be afraid to try out different projects or join different groups to get a better sense of what you enjoy. It's also important to keep in mind that your interests may change and evolve over time, and that's okay. Grad school is a learning experience and it's important to be open to new opportunities and experiences. Good luck!