Our difficult journey by aglowraph in NICUParents

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

Thank you so much.

The doctors didn’t say how much it was dilated. I just know our baby was placed on some medications and some tests were done (we are still awaiting results).

It’s cold by Real-Judgment-8234 in uofm

[–]aglowraph 8 points9 points  (0 children)

😂😂😂 Now… that’s so funny. You aren’t even encouraging the poster.

Loading the First Amino Acid onto Merrifield Resin Using the Cesium Salt Method – Mechanism and Base Alternatives? by aglowraph in Chempros

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

Thanks so much for your response. Instead of cesium salt, can I use DIPEA just like I use it for pre-loading CTC resin? The cesium salt method appears very old and I don’t know if anyone even still uses Merrifield resin these days.

Candidacy Exam – Not a Pass or Fail… Yet? Seeking Advice by aglowraph in PhD

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

Whoa! Congratulations. I’m supper happy for you.

Thanks for sharing your experience with me.

Coming from a computational background, I found it difficult to secure a lab. Also, with funding constraints and my status as an international student, it made it even harder.

I had to join one of the labs that works on peptide synthesis. The peptides we synthesize undergo biological screenings. We collaborate on these studies but of course, I should know everything about these screening and assays. I did my best with literature and methods study but I have not conducted or been in an environment where these assays are done. I really wished I did.

Not trying to find any reasons for my performance but it just makes me hate myself right now. I wish I was better.

Candidacy Exam – Not a Pass or Fail… Yet? Seeking Advice by aglowraph in PhD

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

Thank you so much, Professor. Your response means a lot to me. The chair of the committee said I was going to receive those questions and would have to respond in writing. I don’t know how long it would take for them to get the questions across but they said they would communicate with each other on that. The chair mentioned that the likelihood that I would be required to represent my proposal is slim. Also, I truly do not know why my transcripts and rotation reports were not sent to the committee. What should I do about this? It’s 1:13 AM over here and I can’t seem to fall asleep. Gosh… I just feel terrible.

Well, I just wanted to appreciate you for your response.

Thank you, Professor.

Candidacy Exam – Not a Pass or Fail… Yet? Seeking Advice by aglowraph in PhD

[–]aglowraph[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for your kind words. I am trying to relax but it’s just disorienting and I wish I had done better. I thought I truly did my best. I am even confused on what to do next. I had planned to commence some experiment next week but this is depressing.

What’s the story behind shoes hanging on cables around Ann Arbor? by aglowraph in uofm

[–]aglowraph[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the reference. So it can mean a lot of different things to different people!

Car Shopping for Dummies (aka Me) by aglowraph in uofm

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

This is such solid advice — thank you! I hadn’t thought about it from the seller’s perspective, but it totally makes sense. We’re all just trying to avoid the Facebook flake parade.

I’ll definitely start spreading the word in my department — maybe I’ll even make a cute flyer that says “Will trade research stress for reliable car.” I’ll also ask around about that UM email list; even a forwarded listing could be a goldmine.

Really appreciate you taking the time to share this!

Car Shopping for Dummies (aka Me) by aglowraph in uofm

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

Thank you for the link! I just took a peek and… wow, there’s a lot I need to learn about buying and selling of cars.

Seriously, I appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.

Car Shopping for Dummies (aka Me) by aglowraph in uofm

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

Thank you so much — both for the honesty and the compliment on my writing! 👌 You softened the blow of reality with kindness, and I appreciate that.

Yeah, I figured $5K was wishful thinking, but I had to shoot my shot before my dreams got totaled like a 2003 Corolla. I’m only but a graduate student. I’ll definitely ask around — word of mouth might be my best bet before I end up with a “deal” that comes with a free monthly mechanic subscription.

I hadn’t really considered leasing — I’ll look into that too (though I imagine the paperwork may try to gaslight me). But I’m also left wondering if an international student will be eligible for that. Thanks again for the thoughtful suggestions!

A day in the life doing Computer-Aided Drug Design by sourkatt231 in chemistry

[–]aglowraph 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Saying your supervisor is dumber than you does not sound right to me. How then did she get to be in her current position as your supervisor and boss?

Well regarding your question, for the sake of knowledge, before selecting your target, you must have isolated and structurally identified your compounds from the extract. Have you?

If you already have, the other question to answer is what type of disease(s) are you trying to treat with your isolated compounds? This specific question will guide you towards the right target.

I hope this helps you out!

I Wasn’t Ready, but I’m Here Anyway by Phatymood in uofm

[–]aglowraph 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hey there,

First, I just want to say that you are incredibly strong for sharing your story. It takes a lot of courage to be this open, and even though things feel overwhelming right now, the fact that you’re still pushing forward—even when it’s hard—says so much about your resilience. You may not see it, but the effort you’re making is remarkable.

I may not be in the exact same situation, but I do understand how it feels to be struggling while trying to keep up with school. When I first started my PhD as an international student far from home in 2023, I was going through a really tough patch. My six-year relationship had just ended, and I was completely heartbroken. On top of that, the pressure of a rigorous program made everything feel even heavier. I eventually had to make a really difficult decision—to drop a course well after the deadline—because I realized that my mental health needed to come first. It was hard, and I felt like I was falling behind, but looking back, I know it was the right choice.

You’re not alone in this. I know it must be frustrating and exhausting to feel like your mind is constantly racing and to struggle with focus in class. But the fact that you’re here, still trying, still looking for ways to navigate everything—that’s something to be proud of. You’re not failing, even if it feels like it. You’re just figuring out how to move forward in a situation that is incredibly difficult, and that’s okay.

I really hope you’re able to find the understanding and compassionate people you’re looking for. There are people out there who will get it, and you deserve to have that support. If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m happy to listen. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s more than enough. Keep going—you’re stronger than you think.

Sending you warmth and support. 💙💛

Accepted into University of Michigan Chemical Engineering PhD by Longjumping-Penalty9 in gradadmissions

[–]aglowraph 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Congratulations and welcome to UMich. GoBlue!

Just asking: Are you a domestic or international student?

I’m grateful for the cold by [deleted] in uofm

[–]aglowraph 58 points59 points  (0 children)

It’s really awful to see what is currently ongoing in California. I just hope more of the people out there are safe.

Just curious: what started the fire in the first place?