Thursday 24 September 2009

PhD

I implemented this algorithm. It's quite involved. It took me a few months to put together ... and taking even longer to prove (leaving no doubt) that it works (always and forever).

A typical meeting today's was with my supervisor (she's a nice lady, don't read me wrong)...

Supervisor: "You need to define *everything* formally." (i.e. rigidly using crazy mathematical symbols)

Me: "Sorry, I thought I'd do it in English first."

Supervisor: "Well, I'm glad it's not in French."

Excuse my increased nonsensicalness (yet to increase further) in the coming months...

[Potential Grad/PhD Student:]
"So bro, let me see if I got this right... you're saying grad school is a degrading, demoralizing experience that sucks all energy and creativity from your spirit..."

[Grad/PhD Student:]
"yeah, something like that"

(Source: Piled Higher and Deeper, by Jorge Cham, phdcomics.com)

Du'as (for me) are recommended. Have a nice day.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

my supervisor:
don't tell me you're going to become a housewife after your PhD?!! your brain will turn into mush!

adil said...

If mush means relaxed, I want to be a housewife!

adil said...

Sorry. Replied quickly knowing I wouldn't be on a computer for a number of days.

Turns out my (as a man) primary function is not to be a housewife (Al-Qur'an, 4:34). Not to imply yours (as a woman) is!

Your supervisor will naturally like to see you stay on in academia (working (slaving) for her ideally). You told her you're getting married? She not like the idea? (laughs)

Anonymous said...

sorry for not responding :-)

She likes the idea of me getting married, but does NOT like the idea of me leaving academia.

Thinks I'm taking the soft option.

Oh well can't please everybody!

adil said...

You sure you're not just looking for a scapegoat and deep down you get the feeling academia might not be for you?

Anonymous said...

I don't know...

Let me finish the PhD and other stuff and then I'll see...

adil said...

Of course :) I'm just hoping my phd doesn't finish me!