When I was younger, I wanted to understand everything that was taught to me in class. If the teacher presented it, I wanted to understand it. I was determined to get everything. This extended throughout my secondary and undergraduate education, where I made sure I could do everything that was asked of me. For my master’s degree, I joined a theoretical physics program that is quite different than the norm. One of the hallmarks of…

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Here’s a question for you: How do you describe your research? No, I’m not talking about how you would describe it in technical detail for half an hour. Instead, what if you only had five minutes to explain? And worse, what if the person asking had barely any idea about the field you’re in? Okay, I can see that you’re starting to get worried. That’s because it’s difficult! When you suddenly have to work with…

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Here’s a question for you: How do you describe your research? No, I’m not talking about how you would describe it in technical detail for half an hour. Instead, what if you only had five minutes to explain? And worse, what if the person asking had barely any idea about the field you’re in? Okay, I can see that you’re starting to get worried. That’s because it’s difficult! When you suddenly have to work with…

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Ask a mathematician or physicist to explain their work to you, and chances are you will hear them use the word “beautiful” at some point. This could reference an equation, a proof technique, an entire theory, or even just a nice piece of logic. They can talk to you for hours about this topic, explaining it in full detail with more enthusiasm than a lifelong sports fan. And yet, even though I’ve spent a large…

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