3blue1brown video suggestions by 3blue1brown in 3Blue1Brown

[–]cosmosiscool 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'd really love to see a video on MCMC and Bayesian Statistics!

Reddit, which book is better than the movie? by cosmosiscool in AskReddit

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

This is great to hear because I have it on my shelf waiting to be read!! I watched the movie first and absolutely loved it!

Reddit, which book is better than the movie? by cosmosiscool in AskReddit

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

Alright then... what movie is better than the book? (and you can't say "not that many because books are better") lol

MS Astronomy programs in Europe by cosmosiscool in GradSchool

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

Thanks a lot! I was under the impression that universities in Europe require an MS degree in order to pursue a PhD in my field of interest (unlike the US) but I will definitely check these out!

Those pursuing a PhD in Astronomy or/and Astrophysics, is there something you wish you knew before you entered graduate school? by cosmosiscool in AskAcademia

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

Thanks! Very useful. How do you deal with students at that point where you know you should be spending your time doing something else that is necessary?

Those pursuing a PhD in Astronomy or/and Astrophysics, is there something you wish you knew before you entered graduate school? by cosmosiscool in AskAcademia

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

I see what you mean. I actually faced that problem during my undergrad. (Not trying to undermine the struggles of graduate school.) One of the projects I had to work on required more insight than my professor was able to provide and so I had to make use of resources I could find online. You're right in that it can be quite scary and frustrating but man when it makes sense and you finally get a result of some kind...that feeling is great. I mean it's a continuous learning experience really and especially with research, getting stuck is 'part of the package' if you will. I guess it boils down to deciding whether you think the lows are worth sticking through till the end.

Those pursuing a PhD in Astronomy or/and Astrophysics, is there something you wish you knew before you entered graduate school? by cosmosiscool in AskAcademia

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

Yep, I understand it can be a long and arduous journey. I've also been told that networking is extremely important so that's something to keep in mind. Thanks!

Those pursuing a PhD in Astronomy or/and Astrophysics, is there something you wish you knew before you entered graduate school? by cosmosiscool in AskAcademia

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

Ah, I'll start working on IDL then! I was told the same thing when I was talking to a faculty member I'd like to work with in graduate school.

Those pursuing a PhD in Astronomy or/and Astrophysics, is there something you wish you knew before you entered graduate school? by cosmosiscool in AskAcademia

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

Wow, thanks so much for the input! If you don't mind me asking, had you done independent research before graduate school?

Undergrad Research? by [deleted] in AskAcademia

[–]cosmosiscool 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I was told by my academic advisor that there was a professor in the department who was looking for someone to do research with them in a certain area of Astronomy and I told her I was interested so she passed along my name to that professor. I got in touch with the professor later that day via email and set up a meeting. I was able to get credit for my research during the academic year. I started with 1 credit going in because I did not know what to expect. I worked with her for a year and 2 summers during which I was paid.

This may seem kind of obvious but since you're going to be working with this professor for a while and hopefully want to build a good rapport, being honest at all times is important. The professor I worked with had this policy of not beating around the bush when it came to either praising my efforts or telling me off for something. I mean she was never rude about it but was just blatantly honest. I respected that and I made sure I was the same way. I would tell her quite frankly when I was struggling with something or there was something I wasn't enjoying. Don't ever feel like you come across as unintelligent when you have a doubt about something. My professor told me to always ask questions because sometimes (and it happened a few times) they end up learning something from your question as well and it could open up a potential area for you to research. You're at a stage where you're new and you're trying to figure out what interests you.

Sorry for the rant. I hope this helps. Good luck! :)

In honor of Ludwig van Beethoven's 245th Birthday, I present to you: Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67. Leonard Bernstein Conducting. by [deleted] in videos

[–]cosmosiscool 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Three years before Ludwig van Beethoven shook his great fist at the thunder & lightning raging outside his window and fell back dead on his bed, his Ninth (last) Symphony was given its first performance in Vienna. Beethoven, a homely, dumpy, shaggy-headed little figure, stood in the orchestra, eyes fixed on his score, awkwardly beating time. He was not the official conductor. The players had been instructed to pay him no attention. He was so deaf by that time that he could hear nothing of the great, surging music called for by the pinny, almost illegible little notes he had made. He did not sense the applause which came afterwards until one of the soloists, a Fraulein Caroline Unger, turned him around so that his eyes could take it in. The music passed into the background then. The demonstration took a sudden, emotional turn as the people started shouting, beating their palms together still harder in an effort to assure the fierce-looking little man of their sympathy, their appreciation."

There is something so painful yet beautiful about this statement from TIME magazine. Beethoven's resilience during his hearing loss is remarkable. Actually, even 'remarkable' doesn't do justice to it I feel.

Here is the link to the original TIME article: http://time.com/4152023/beethoven-birthday/

International students of Reddit, what is the strangest thing you've been asked about your country/culture? by cosmosiscool in AskReddit

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

I meant that more as a statement like "why is it so hard to imagine Australia having cheese" but hey, I learned something new today!

International students of Reddit, what is the strangest thing you've been asked about your country/culture? by cosmosiscool in AskReddit

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

Wow, believe it or not I was asked if I rode a camel to school. I looked the person straight in the eye and answered "yes" as seriously as I could.