This week saw me move my desk space into an isolated, unoccupied optics lab. I had decided to relocate so that I could focus, uninterrupted, on reading, thinking and writing. And I am pleased to report, it's working. I am extremely happy with the progress I've made in reviewing textbooks and straightening out my understanding of background concepts. As an experimentalist, even one who develops new techniques, I've found it extremely easy to get tunnel vision on aspects of my work. After three years I have significant results to show, it's meaningful and contributes to my fields of study, however, I struggle to narrate (at a technical level) the link between my research and first principles. For me I want to be proud of my thesis not only because of the lab work, but also because it's a starting point for future students. Now I don't expect my thesis (specifically the introductory chapters) to repeat, repackage or regurgitate all the information found in numerous textbooks, but I do want there to be a continuous string from basic concepts to why I did what I did. Maybe this sounds like what all theses do (or at least should); I guess I am just declaring my intentions, which explains why I am spending most of my time with my nose in books.
I am pleased to have started writing my thesis (there's still over 150 days to go), I am motivated to be reviewing concepts and working through examples/exercises, and I am happy with my progress this week.
Just as a side note, and maybe to explain in another way how focused I am on my reading... The lab I occupy is also the new home to our lab's 3d printer. Yup, we picked one up earlier this week and get this, I haven't printed any parts. Now anyone who knows me has got to see what a sign this is that I am committed to my thesis preparation.
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