Comments for Just Another Electron Pusher

Comment on Work, Coworkers, and Love by James Fraleigh

James Fraleigh — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:15:34 +0000

This post is a more fitting use of my flask photo than I ever could have imagined. Well done! (And many thanks for the attribution!)

Comment on The Quest for a Passionate and Purposeful PhD by Rich

Rich — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:30:20 +0000

Good article, and I love your conclusion.

So, the million dollar question… what did you go on to do?

Or perhaps a better one, how did you honor the part of yourself that needs to feel alive in your work (which I think is a natural and crucial human need)?

Comment on #ChemMovieCarnival – The Absent-Minded Professor by Carmen Drahl

Carmen Drahl — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:56:22 +0000

Hugely belated reply– but no harm done, Glen. For more Princeton goodness (albeit with less wackiness): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8OTLoaA8yY
Kathryn Wagner is the current keeper of the Princeton chem-demo legacy.

Comment on #ChemMovieCarnival – The Absent-Minded Professor by Glen Ernst

Glen Ernst — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:25:09 +0000

Whoops! Sorry about that. I remembered that you’re a Princeton alum, but didn’t think to check with you before proceeding. My bad. Glad you like the post, though!

“The Orange and the Black” clock reaction is the finale at around the 26 minute mark in the Alyea video.

Comment on #ChemMovieCarnival – The Absent-Minded Professor by Carmen

Carmen — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:02:16 +0000

Well, so much for this Princetonian’s intended #chemmoviecarnival topic. But seriously, great post! I didn’t watch the full video clip of Alyea, but does it include him performing the clock reaction to “The Orange and the Black”? If not, I’ll have to find it for you. We used to do that at demo weekends.

Comment on How long does it take to make a chemist? by dan @ Free Chemistry Online

dan @ Free Chemistry Online — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:41:54 +0000

Thanks Glen for sharing Deirdre’s article here. I can say it’s very enlightening. I agree with you Deirdre that five years seems good enough.

Comment on How long does it take to make a chemist? by Bryan Sanctuary

Bryan Sanctuary — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:15:56 +0000

I believe, like in all education, that it is the quality of undergraduate studies that determine if a person is a successful chemist. Of course they must that the curiosity and interest, but a good preparation will set them up for gaining experience.

By far the most important basics needed are the macroscopics (Thermodynamics) and the microscopics (quantum mechanics). This is helped a lot by a good basis in group theory.

Upon this, the undergrads can then build applications into all areas: learn about syntheses, spectroscopies and applications.

The big problem I see is that many profs as well as students do not appreciate the value of physical chemistry, shy away from the math and the simple derivations and miss a great deal. I find it disconcerting when some organic profs tell their students they do not need quantum mechanics. It does a huge disservice.

No matter what anyone says, without a good basis in the fundamentals, a chemist can only be lucky to succeed.

I see undergrad as a time students are taught to think critically. Grad students learn how to do research. However I think that grad studies should not be longer than 5 years.

Comment on I know. Enough with the bad news, already. by cws3e

cws3e — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 02:49:00 +0000

Chemistry PhD from Illinois, 3 years removed from a postdoc, still unemployed, I’ve really got to stop reading all the depressing news.

Comment on The “10K BA” — Is it possible in chemistry? by Samuel71

Samuel71 — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 04:13:49 +0000

Outside the U.S., B.A.s under 10K are the norm, even at internationally-prestigious schools. Of course, there is a lot of public funding behind that, but it is certainly not an impossible goal.

Comment on The “10K BA” — Is it possible in chemistry? by Jyllian

Jyllian — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 05:41:32 +0000

‘Tis a bit off topic, but your comment on cost of lab space and infrastructure reminded me of this post by Dean Dad:
http://suburbdad.blogspot.com/2012/11/whiskey-cigarettes-and-jane-austen.html