From 13b9f3879034d8cc3b5cc53e61c8c7df8557f730 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Dane Sabo Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2025 08:39:54 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] vault backup: 2025-03-31 08:39:54 --- .../Journal/20250331_Should_I_Continue.md | 26 ++++++++++++++++++- 1 file changed, 25 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/9999 Personal/Journal/20250331_Should_I_Continue.md b/9999 Personal/Journal/20250331_Should_I_Continue.md index 8e3d50d5..cb332cde 100644 --- a/9999 Personal/Journal/20250331_Should_I_Continue.md +++ b/9999 Personal/Journal/20250331_Should_I_Continue.md @@ -33,4 +33,28 @@ in part to the HARDENS report, which tried to use formal methods tools at severa layers of abstraction to prove that a written requirement can be translated into a proof for a determined plant design. There is certainly work to be done there. -But is that work that I want to do? +But is that work that I want to do? My brain says I could do it, but my gut +screams out a vehement no. This is the core issue--I know I could do it, but +once I would finish, where does that leave me? The answer: a formal methods +expert. Formal methods experts are highly sought after, but it is an intensely +theoretical oriented field. When I think about what I want to do in my career +and what my values are, they are not only working through a computer (despite +my aptitude for such). I want to build real things, works you can touch, and +that interact with the world. A formal methods proof about a reactor that *might* +get built is not in that alignment. + +So what the hell do I do? As I write this, it seems pretty clear the relationship +between myself and the Cole Lab's work is fractured. Going forward, I see three +main options: + +1) Find another PhD advisor at Pitt. Bajaj is an obvious choice. +2) Master out and go find a job. +3) Go find another PhD opportunity somewhere else. Yichen did this. + +Pros and cons of each situation: + +1) Find another PhD advisor at Pitt + + I would be able to keep my NRC Fellowship + + I know people here already + + I've already passed the qualifying exam +