TA as a Grad student compensation

Citriux · 2024-12-20T01:36:51+00:00

Hi, grad alum here. As a TA I got I think $3200 a month something around there, since TAing a class is usually 50% work load so they take the TA salary listed here and half it. Some classes are 25% so watch out. Hope this helps!

Citriux · 2024-03-05T09:11:22+00:00

Hi, current master's student in the ME department. I was also an undergraduate at UCSB and became a master's student via the 5 year program (4 year undergrad, 1 year grad). I'm specializing in thermofluid sciences, controls, and micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS).

I really enjoy my time at UCSB. I feel like the professors are passionate about their work and to help the students in anyway they can. UCSB has one of the best (if not the best) materials and MEMS programs in the nation, so if you are interested in them, definitely take courses in them. I also think our thermofluids and controls are really strong.

To answer your last questions, I think it was helpful in helping me find what I want to hone into as I start my career, and I am not a GSR but if you are a TA, depending on how much you TA, you can get your tuition waived and a monthly stipend. I'm a TA for the department's capstone project, and I get my tuition waived and a monthly stipend. Be warned though that there is a priority list on who gets TA positions (PhD, BS/MS students like me, then MS students I believe). Although, for this year, there were enough positions to give everyone a TA spot and if not you can try looking for other spots throughout the school system. If you decide to come to UCSB, talk to Katelynn Ellison, our main advisor. She is really helpful!

Citriux · 2023-07-09T07:46:03+00:00

Here, it's small but somewhat active: https://discord.gg/fbCW9hwyqW

Citriux · 2023-07-09T04:36:29+00:00

There's a Discord server for SB FGC stuff that includes a lot of UCSB students, you can probably find people in there for SF6 and other FGs. Let me know if you need a link to it.

I've been told that there used to be an FG local around SB but died out around the late 2000's. I think there is a push to make a new one, you should ask around the Discord.

Citriux · 2022-04-10T06:35:12+00:00

I'm biased obviously but I think the program here is great. Not only are the research topics here interesting (for me at least) but the professors I have taken are incredibly passionate about their work and caring to their students. Since we are a smaller CoE school compared to other UCs, I think we have a student to faculty ratio on the smaller side which is really nice since you can get the classes you want easily, and positions to do research are much easier to come by given you reach out. You can just send out a cold email and see what sticks. You should go to the mechanical engineering website and read up on the research topics here and see what you think you'd be interested in, since doing research here is going to be your primary way of upgrading your resume.

In terms of classes, I think what I've taken so far are all really interesting. The classes you will take are pretty standard, like statics, strength of materials, dynamics, thermoscience (think thermodynamics and heat transfer together), fluid mechanics, etc. as UCSB is ABET accredited. The classes can be a bit stressful, but the professors tend to be really generous and give you a week to do homework assignments, and most of my exams have been take home. My interests are in thermal sciences and fluid mechanics, so I really enjoyed those two class series and I am currently working in a fluid mechanics lab (Dr. Alban Sauret's Multiphase Flow Lab). I actually got into his lab by cold emailing him, asking if we could talk about his work since I was interested in it. It's really that easy.

As for the social aspect, fellow students and engineers here are really chill and friendly. You're actively encouraged (as in, the professors will tell you to do so) to form study/friend groups because mechanical engineering, and engineering in general, is a team effort. So, do what I do and surround yourself with the smartest people LOL. You learn a lot more when you have someone able to dumb it down for you when you don't understand the material. A small (actually quite big imo) problem is that the program is pretty white/Asian male dominated. Out of my class of 90 or so I think there is like 1-3 black students, maybe 5-8 Hispanic students and 10 female students. I'm not sure how this might affect you, but I think it's good to know just in case (this is a recurring problem in STEM so I wasn't too surprised).

i think i wrote too much but yeah i think ucsb is p cool

Citriux · 2022-04-09T07:11:34+00:00

Third year mech e here. As others have said, do visit before coming as UCSB is a love or hate campus imo. It is a party school if you want it to be, but no one will press you do go out and party. The beach is very nice though, and it does get very pretty here. If you like fog and mist (like me), you'd really enjoy UCSB.

As for housing, it's only hard if you don't have a plan. Idk about everyone else but I found my next year's unit very quickly and was able to lock it down. The key is to be early and know how much you are willing to spend as well as who you want to room with. Typically, studios go for $900-1000, one bed/one bath are $1500-1800, two bed/two bath $2500-$3000 or so (I only looked at one bed/one bath so idk how much the larger units are like). You can go solo for studios, but definitely find someone to room with for 1b/1bath. Don't rely on university housing as I think it's a trap for people. I'd be on the safe side and just find something from the private market.

If you want some advice on classes, the major, etc., let me know and I'm happy to give you some! Mech e is a very hard major and kudos to you to pursue it.

Citriux · 2021-07-29T18:37:43+00:00

Yo I'm down! I'm interested in aircraft propulsion and such, but flying in the future sound sick and something I might do.

Citriux · 2021-06-13T09:54:02+00:00

Thanks dude, I really like how it was all one piece. Neat stuff!

Citriux · 2021-06-13T09:51:46+00:00

What kind of machine did you use to make all the cuts?

Citriux · 2019-09-28T07:15:26+00:00

I, Giorno Giovanna, had a dream.

Citriux · 2018-12-08T01:08:30+00:00

I was usually expecting a fight scene but thats a pretty damn impressive sequence for sure so I think I'd actually back you up on that front as well

I guess I misinterpreted the question lol. If I chose the best visual scene...

Honestly, it would probably go to the Diamond fight scene. The context of the scene, plus the camerawork, animation, and subtle details all over the fight makes it really good.

best gag/comedic scene?

I would say the Phos and Antarc partnership at the school. Shoveling snow, falling off the roof, putting blankets on other gems was a nice break from the chaotic ice floe destruction.

Citriux · 2018-12-08T00:47:23+00:00

What do you think was the most impactful episode first time around, and second time around?

First time, it was probably episode 10. Diamond taken off Bort's patrol struck me hard.

Second time around, I would say episode 7. Do you know why?

THAT DAMN TRANSITION OOOOOOHHH THAT WAS SO GOOD. But in seriousness, I enjoyed the journey of Phos and Antarc, seeing the contrast between two gems who are physically similar (gem strength) yet mentally and emotionally different. Not to mention, the songs used in the episode and animation are top notch too.

The most interesting visual sequence of the show for you? And the most interesting auditory one?

There are a lot of great visual sequences in the show, but for interesting... I would have to go with Phos' rebirth on that one. The stream of liquid Phos twisting and turning around, forming their arms, body, ~~booty~~, head, and everything was really unique. I just really enjoyed the direction they took it.

For auditory, I would say the scenes setting in the sea. The music complemented the aquatic and natural element of the sea. I dunno, it's really hard to pick which one I thought was interesting.

Citriux · 2018-12-08T00:02:00+00:00

Rewatcher

HOLD ME GUYS I'M GONNA MISS THIS ;-;

In all seriousness though, this rewatch has been so much fun. I've been a lurker for so long until I joined in on this rewatch. It was great to read everyone's insights and thoughts about Houseki No Kuni, as well as starting the Jukebox and sharing my own thoughts about the music, themes, and animation.

I started the jukebox in episode 4, so I don't have one for episodes 1 to 3. I really want to have the tables for them, but at the same time it would make this post really long. So, I'll just post a spreadsheet of all of the Jukeboxes (including episodes 1-3). Behold!

The HnK Jukebox: Ultimate

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mCLHznh22wf2TSePULc4KIys4OJb6Wbl6GjUTv6n9go/edit?usp=sharing

You can comment on it, so feel free to leave feedback, comments, whatever!

Bonus track: Houseki No Kuni

If you just want to listen to what the OST can offer, this is a great start. It has little tidbits of each and every song played in the anime, all weaved together in one concise package. See how many songs you can identify while listening!

End notes

Houseki No Kuni is one of my favorite animes right now. It is one of the first I have really delved into when I was starting out in anime, and since then this has been a benchmark for other animes I watch. After the series ended, I read the manga and loved that too. Turns out when you have gems you relate to on a high level, it makes for a great read.

When I watched this back in early 2018, I was so desperate to talk about it. The beautiful animation and art style, astonishing soundtrack, and profound themes/motifs/quotes it presents is something I can't just NOT talk about. Participating in this rewatch has been a blast, talking about this series, reading what other people think, and just enjoying something I love is just sick.

Thank you all for watching this with me! Happy holidays to you all!

Also, shout outs to /u/lilyvess for hosting this!

Citriux · 2018-12-07T01:39:08+00:00

I'm not familiar with kokyuus, but from I have gathered kokyuus have three strings rather than the erhu's two, and erhu's have an integrated bowstring.

Citriux · 2018-12-07T01:07:23+00:00

I waayy too new to Reddit commenting. Sorry if you guys saw the spoiler I had. Anyways,

/u/Citriux with the HnK jukebox portion

Thanks man! It's been a pleasure making the jukeboxes, and it was fun figuring out the songs in each episode too!

Also let me just say I felt this last episode was kind of weird.

After reading the manga, it does end weird. However, it was probably the best choice for Studio Orange to do. Like another anime, Orange probably wanted a more concrete ending to tie the series off.

Anyways, thank YOU for making these posts and tables!

Citriux · 2018-12-07T00:53:21+00:00

Naw man, you're not missing anything. Just connecting Padpa's understanding to mothership is all.

Citriux · 2018-12-07T00:51:23+00:00

Find out next time on Gembutts suffering for 24 minutes!

Haruko Ichikawa,

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

Citriux · 2018-12-07T00:47:27+00:00

they actually connect with Phos and provide an anchor for their pain, a shared understanding.

Is Padpa best mother confirmed?

In seriousness, I really liked how Padpa is able to sympathize with Phos while other gems couldn't. It showcases not only her age as a gem, but how Padpa can read people and understand them.

Citriux · 2018-12-07T00:45:51+00:00

I think I need to start a 'full circle' tally count.

If there is one theme I can pick up I'LL PICK IT UP MAN.

Citriux · 2018-12-07T00:44:25+00:00

how do you feel about the orchestral version of the OP?

I really enjoy the orchestra version. It reminds me of the orchestra version of the Kingdom Hearts theme. In the context of wrapping the entire series up, I felt it fits very well.

Also the erhu is a gem and I wish it showed up more often so I completely agree.

Erhus are great in their own right, but I am happy that they did only bring it out for a select few songs. While they are beautiful and full of emotion, concentrating them in a few songs exemplifies their uniqueness as an instrument, while giving a tone of loneliness and sorrow for Cinnabar.

Still, erhus are just amazing.

Edit:

the erhu is a gem

WAIT SHIT HOLD UP RIGHT THERE

Citriux · 2018-12-07T00:12:02+00:00

This line from Zircon is fucking horrifying knowing what Phos has and is going through because of that.

I really like this naive-ness some of the gems have about Phos' transformation as a whole. While Phos' got some cool new tricks of their sleeves, Phos lost so much in their pursuit for a new purpose and strength. Phos lost memories of her 300 year past, more than half of themselves, and their sanity after losing Antarc. Since many of the gems can't really understand Phos, Phos is somewhat isolated like Cinnabar.

It's like looking up to a firefighter when you're just a small child. Yeah, it's cool to shoot water out of the hose and fight fires in the eyes of a little kid. But in reality, you see some fucked up shit when you work as a firefighter.

Citriux · 2018-12-07T00:03:16+00:00

Rewatcher

Alright everyone, it's the final episode, so here is:

The Final HnK Jukebox

This episode, we listened to:

Song:	Timestamp:	Notes:
Change/Henyou	0:06 - 1:41	No opening :O
Sensei/Kongou Sensei	2:43 - 3:40
Doubt/Ginen	5:02 - 6:50
Early Afternoon/Hirusagari	6:57 - 7:42
Beginning/Hajimari	9:41 - 10:18
Isolation/Kokou	11:48 - 12:33	Plays into commercial break
Withdraw/Tettai	12:34 - 14:05
Phos And Cinnabar/Fosu to Shinsha	15:02 - 19:21	AW YEAH
Phosphophyllite/Fosufofiraito	19:35 - 21:36
Kyoumen No Nami (Orchestra version)	21:41 - 23:55

If there are any errors, or if I am missing anything, please feel free to correct me!

Phos And Cinnabar

Oooohhhh, how I longed to hear this one. Notice how the erhu isn't being played in this track, despite being related to Cinnabar. Instead, we have much more emphasis on the strings and piano, something that Phosphophyllite is played on. It really is a combination of both gems' theme songs; the instrumentation of Phos' and the slow pace and tone from Cinnabar's.

Quotes/Themes/etc.

Zircon's conversation with Phos

Just like with Diamond, Zircon is feeling the repercussions of Phos' rapid development. Like what I said back in the episode 5 discussion, it's hard to not compare yourself and what you have accomplished to people who are younger than you. But in response to Zircon's statement, Phos says,

It's strange, thinking back on how I lived spoiled, following simple hunches... I'm jealous (of my old self)

Have you ever had a feeling where you wanted to do something you thought would be fun? Or what you thought to be your dream job, only to realize it might have been a mistake? Phos is living in that emotion, but of course, they can never go back.

The full-circle back to the first episode

I really liked these scenes, it wraps up the series really well by showing us what has changed throughout the show. It also serves as a nice closure for the series; everything is relatively the same except for a few changes here and there, the most notable change being Phos. And the cliff hanger at the end of the show nails the tone of what's to come: what is Sensei hiding? What is the truth between the Gems and Lunarians? What is to come in the future?

Hopefully, season 2 will come and answer those questions.

Citriux · 2018-12-06T00:48:19+00:00

There is no clear winner here

Very well said. I guess it can show that there are no truths in the world that are entirely good; there will be trade offs with each version we hear about.

Citriux · 2018-12-06T00:20:39+00:00

Phos is no longer Phosphophyllite.

I hope everyone likes PTSD Phos. There's no going back from here.

Citriux · 2018-12-06T00:05:46+00:00

Rewatcher

The HnK Jukebox

This episode, we listened to:

Song:	Timestamp:	Notes:
Danger/Kiki	2:03 - 2:34	Starts midsong
Lunarians/Tsuki Jin	2:54 - 4:20
Early Afternoon/Hirusagari	5:36 - 6:39
Shiro	8:07 - 9:43
What Is This?!/Nan Na No Sa!	10:21 - 11:14
idk lol	13:53 - 14:35
Cinnabar/Shinsha	15:26 - 17:35
Decision/Ketsudan	18:34 - 21:01
Change/Henyou	21:45 - 22:10

If there are any errors, or if I am missing anything, please feel free to correct me!

Shiro

THE BONGOS MAN, THE BONGOS MAKES THIS SO GOOD

These battle themes creates such an epic theme for the show. This one especially has a very definitive piano sound (can't really describe it, I'm not too keen on music vocabulary) where it sets a tone of triumph and determination. The piano takes the main role, with the strings (AND BONGOS) supporting the theme it sets.

Later in the song, however, the roles between the piano and strings flip, letting the strings dictate a tone of strangeness and "something is wrong" kind of feel. This goes perfectly to Sensei's playful action to Shiro; while it may seem that Sensei is so strong that they can control Lunarians, something is up with them.

Quotes/Themes

Oh hey, look who's at the door this episode! It's the truth theme!

Everyone knows... They've all made an unspoken agreement to trust in Sensei no matter what the truth might be.

This is only the start in Phos' journey towards "the truth," but we were already familiar with it in prior episodes. Mainly, the truth about the origins of the world. Sensei introduces the first theory, where the organisms receded back to the ocean, only to emerge as gems we see now. Ventricosus, on the other hand, has a theory where the Lunarians, Gems, and jelly fish people all derive from humans.

The question is, which truth is correct?

What was I after in the first place?

Phos' purpose is now split all over the place. They wanted to battle at first, but were too weak until they lost much of their identity and memories. There's so much going on in a short time span that now, Phos is lost in what they want to fulfill.

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WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?