Reflections

What a tumultuous roller coaster this journey has been! Standing on the metaphorical mountain of Sisyphus, I take a moment to reflect and pen a few thoughts about the experiences that have preceded yet another inevitable descent. My PhD adventure began just one month before the world was engulfed by COVID-19 lockdowns. I recall vividly sitting at the Institute for Advanced Study, discussing with Mike Lees the likelihood of our impending closure.

The subsequent two years were a curious blend of challenges and discoveries. Although I hold a Master of Science degree, I did not feel like a true scientist until I was facing the final stages of my PhD. I have always had a drive towards answering the “big questions” and I thrive in an environment where this is appreciated, not ignored. The first chapter represents my way to reconcile my striving towards the bigger questions while balancing it with the more practical matters in the subsequent chapters.

A major challenge I faced throughout my PhD journey was situating myself within the intersection of multiple fields. Interdisciplinary work is particularly challenging as it requires one to develop sufficient depth in each field while maintaining the breadth necessary to bridge them meaningfully. Understanding both the nuances of individual disciplines and identifying potential connections between them demands constant learning and adaptation. Beyond mastering the technical aspects, one must also learn to communicate effectively with experts from different backgrounds, each with their own terminology and methodological approaches. Through this experience, I have come to appreciate that truly integrative research is a life-long journey rather than something that can be fully achieved within the confines of a four-year PhD program. This realization has been both humbling and liberating, as it has taught me to value the process of continuous learning and intellectual growth over the pursuit of complete mastery.

Beyond the realm of science, I’ve learned a great deal about my own capabilities and desires. I’ve found that when truly motivated, I have the power to surmount even the most daunting tasks. My research thrives in collaborative environments where individuals can freely interact and share ideas over extended periods, much like how natural curiosity and social interaction lead to unexpected discoveries.

For me, science alone does not satisfy my soul; it has felt at times disconnected from the tangible world around us. To make science more enjoyable, there must be a tangible output—a “thing” I can touch, feel, and interact with. Ideally, this process would involve collaborating with a small, lively team who are both fun to be around and inspiring.

What lies ahead remains unclear. While I am fundamentally a scientist at heart, I also harbor reservations about certain aspects of the scientific experience. I believe I could make significant contributions as a bridge between disciplines, fostering conversations that unlock new and intriguing areas for study. Outside of science, I see myself excelling as a programmer and delving further into creative pursuits such as woodworking or my Internet of Things projects. I am excited for the future but, for the time being, I will be walking and enjoying some nice views. See you soon!