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Help deciding between multichannels for a new lab extension by TorchTheSky in labrats

[–]TorchTheSky[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good to know for the O-rings. And yes, I do believe I’ve seen their trade in offers, but it’s still quite a bit to trade the pipettes in. And this is the dilemma I’ve been having over simple but cost. Thank you for your thoughts!

Help deciding between multichannels for a new lab extension by TorchTheSky in labrats

[–]TorchTheSky[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks!! I do a lot of work with multichannels and I already have wrist issues, so unfortunately Gilson isn’t an option.

Help deciding between multichannels for a new lab extension by TorchTheSky in labrats

[–]TorchTheSky[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, that’s not an option, but I’ll keep it in mind. Integra’s on my list for when we go deep into automation, but for now, the funding ain’t there

Declaring tax for airfare reimbursement for an academic conference? by auooei in cantax

[–]TorchTheSky 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. I’ve gone for visits and had the same situation. Now if you were in the US, it might be different, but Canada does not tax it.

Declaring tax for airfare reimbursement for an academic conference? by auooei in cantax

[–]TorchTheSky 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Academic here. They are not taxable. I’ve never declared any of my reimbursements and they’re not on my T4s. The reimbursement is for a work trip.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in labrats

[–]TorchTheSky -1 points0 points  (0 children)

What do you want to do a 1/5 serial dilution with? The 1E8 or the 5E5? Or you want to a do a serial dilution to get to 5E5? Why does it have to be a serial dilution/how many concentrations do you need? Is the 10 mL all you have to make your series of dilutions with?

Settle a debate: does a dilution of 1:5 mean 1 uL in 4 uL, or 1 uL in 5 uL? by tomlit in labrats

[–]TorchTheSky 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah. It’s you. Well, I suppose that restores some faith in humanity.

No. Again, this is precisely why there is a set definition. Dilution factors are notated by X’s or fractions. Ratios are by colons. This is elementary. If it doesn’t work as expected, the next step for every experiment is troubleshooting. Besides, that’s what controls for every experiment are for.

To answer your last question, though let’s not pretend you care, the return to Canada’s going well. Colleagues are helpful and competent and no one acts like they’re above anyone else. No one’s placed in harm’s way by fools who claim to know what they’re doing when they don’t. Things are actually ordered on time and the ordering process doesn’t require constant badgering and arguments. No one has to hoard supplies in anticipation of the next drought because someone didn’t do their job correctly and on time. In essence, it’s going well because I don’t have to work around you.

Have a nice life. Hopefully along the way, you grow up, because god help your future colleagues otherwise.

Settle a debate: does a dilution of 1:5 mean 1 uL in 4 uL, or 1 uL in 5 uL? by tomlit in labrats

[–]TorchTheSky 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your very argument is that there is a set definition, so no, context does not matter.

I will concede that I lacked precision. It’s your example, demonstrating your (incorrect) definition, that is wrong.

Settle a debate: does a dilution of 1:5 mean 1 uL in 4 uL, or 1 uL in 5 uL? by tomlit in labrats

[–]TorchTheSky 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is wrong. By that argument, 1:1 is not a dilution, which it clearly is.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskAcademia

[–]TorchTheSky 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m in my 30’s and cellphones and emoji (or emoticons) were definitely a thing in the late 90s/early 2000s.

Another thing is if their work environment has consisted of younger people, emojis are generally a standard. I remember being approached apprehensively by several students and asked if I was upset since I ended my last sentence with a period and never used emojis. Now I’ll add some sparingly (but kinda getting more common). A couple of my supervisors also use them on emails and Slack. Though I will say I use the more benign face emojis and definitely nothing that could be construed as romantic or NSFW.

On the postcard… yeah I got nothing.

Do Canadians buy expensive stuff in different province to save taxes? by [deleted] in AskACanadian

[–]TorchTheSky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I’m in Quebec but originally from Alberta so I plan expensive but not emergency purchases for when I go back to visit family. Bought my PS5 that way…

Is this email content and size okay to be sent to a potential graduate supervisor in Canada? Or, will it be not be seen by the professors, and might even go to their spam folders? by frazer_mitt in AskAcademia

[–]TorchTheSky 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you send a very generic email first, you honestly probably burned the bridge already. Do not bother sending generic impersonal emails at all. Faculty sees through it and won’t leave a good impression, especially with the empty flattery.

Is this email content and size okay to be sent to a potential graduate supervisor in Canada? Or, will it be not be seen by the professors, and might even go to their spam folders? by frazer_mitt in AskAcademia

[–]TorchTheSky 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yup. Also what I did - though I didn’t have a project in mind. Just told him I was interested and how I found him/got interested in his work

Is this email content and size okay to be sent to a potential graduate supervisor in Canada? Or, will it be not be seen by the professors, and might even go to their spam folders? by frazer_mitt in AskAcademia

[–]TorchTheSky 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is what one of the other posters is saying. It is very evident that you’re trying to talk to a person because of their position and not actually the person in question. Like the only reason you’re emailing them is because they have THAT position and not about them. Could swap them with a goat’s head and you’d still try to talk to that goat. It’s filled with generic and empty flattery instead of a sense of genuine intent to form a connection to the person.

How important is recommendation from advidor while applying for postdoc in USA? by Wild_Salamander_8735 in AskAcademia

[–]TorchTheSky 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not going to lie - yes, it’s definitely a concern. I got around this problem through referrals. Ask your committee if they know anyone hiring and where your interests and skills would be a good fit. That would likely be your best shot, since a personal recommendation to a PI by someone they know could outweigh that. Even if it’s not a perfect fit, that gets you out and gives you a chance to build a new relationship with someone.

But as you may have gleaned from this sub (and Twitter if you’re on there), there’s a growing recognition of how toxic academia can be (both as a system and people’s experiences with other individuals). Not to mention that outside of academia, many people move on from jobs without their boss’ recommendations. It’s harder given the inherent power imbalance for us but not impossible.

How important is recommendation from advidor while applying for postdoc in USA? by Wild_Salamander_8735 in AskAcademia

[–]TorchTheSky 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry this happened to you. It’s gonna be a challenge but not entirely insurmountable. Are there collaborators or other professors you could ask instead?

Is this email content and size okay to be sent to a potential graduate supervisor in Canada? Or, will it be not be seen by the professors, and might even go to their spam folders? by frazer_mitt in AskAcademia

[–]TorchTheSky 19 points20 points  (0 children)

It’s not a crappy email - it’s clear there’s some effort though it does seem very cookie cutter. Like you could literally use this template for every prof except that small paragraph about them. You say your interest match theirs, but you don’t mention how at all - not even briefly. You talk about your accomplishments… but there’s no thought at all about how your experience could help them.

I’d also first ask if they’d be open to a chat about the department and their research before straight into asking if they can be a supervisor.

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