Merge pull request #15 from comp-physics/sbryngelson-patch-1

group-syllabus/intro-to-group.md

@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
 # Welcome to the Computational Physics @ GT CSE research group!
 
-We are happy to have you (you wouldn't be reading this, otherwise).
-This document has some parts that are Ph.D. specific, but much of it applies to undergraduate researchers in the group as well.
+The most important thing about this document is that I/we are _very glad_ to have you.
+You wouldn't be a part of the group otherwise.
+This document has some parts that are specific to Ph.D. students, but much of it applies to undergraduate researchers in the group as well.
 
 ## Getting started 
 
@@ -11,7 +12,7 @@ You will need access to the CODA building.
 GT CSE is on floor 13, and our group is in room S1347.
 We also hold meetings either in my office (S1313) or one of the conference rooms on the 13th floor.
 Request this from Spencer. 
-Send him your GTID number, it will likely take about a week to "start working," though times vary.
+Send him your GTID number. Though times vary, it will likely take a week to "start working."
 
 ### Websites, software, course numbers, and such
 
@@ -20,12 +21,12 @@ Send him your GTID number, it will likely take about a week to "start working,"
     * Request access to group Box from Spencer.
 
 * GitHub organization, located [here](https://github.com/comp-physics)
-    * Purpose: Your code goes here. Keep it up-to-date via commits. I will likely bug you if you don't keep your codes updated via regular commits as you make progress.
+    * Purpose: Your code goes here. Keep it up-to-date via commits. I will likely bug you if you don't update your codes via regular commits as you progress.
     * If you're reading this, you already have access.
 
 * Zotero, located [here](https://www.zotero.org/groups/4507615/comp-physics/library)
-    * We have an unlimited shared Zotero group, where you should place papers and books relevant to your studies. I also reference many different texts at random times, and you can often find them available here. 
-    * It has an iPhone app, a MacOS/*nix app, a web interface, etc. Very convenient. I prefer over Mendeley after using both significantly.
+    * We have an unlimited shared Zotero group where you should post papers and books relevant to your studies. I also randomly reference many texts, and you can often find them available here. 
+    * It has an iPhone app, a MacOS/*nix app, a web interface, etc. It is very convenient. After using both significantly, I prefer it over Mendeley.
     * Request access from Spencer.
 
 * Group email list
@@ -34,16 +35,26 @@ Send him your GTID number, it will likely take about a week to "start working,"
 * Group website, located [here](https://comp-physics.group/team/)
    * Send Spencer a headshot and your LinkedIn, ResearchGate, personal/research website, Google Scholar, etc. for the website
 
-* Taking a special problems or research "class" with me? Find the course and section number for me below
+* Taking a "special problems" or research "class" with me? Find the course and section number for me below
    * For graduate students
-      * Special Problems - 30901 - CSE 8903 - B13
-      * Teaching Assistantship - 30903 - CSE 8997 - B13
-      * Research Assistantship - 32385 - CSE 8998 - B26
-      * Doctoral Thesis Preparation - 30902 - CSE 8999 - B13
+      * CSE
+         * Special Problems - 30901 - CSE 8903 - B13
+         * Teaching Assistantship - 30903 - CSE 8997 - B13
+         * Research Assistantship - 32385 - CSE 8998 - B26
+         * Doctoral Thesis Preparation - 30902 - CSE 8999 - B13
+      * AE
+         * Research Assistantship - 93417 - AE 2698 - BRY
+         * Doctoral Thesis - 93424 - AE 9000 - BRY
+         * Special Problems - 93423 - AE 8900 - BRY
    * For undergraduate students
-      * Undergraduate Research Assistantship - 32788 - CS 2698 - B26
-      * Undergraduate Research Assistantship - 32880 - CS 4698 - B26
-      * Undergraduate Research - 34679 - CS 4699 - B26
+      * CSE
+         * Undergraduate Research Assistantship - 32788 - CS 2698 - B26
+         * Undergraduate Research Assistantship - 32880 - CS 4698 - B26
+         * Undergraduate Research - 34679 - CS 4699 - B26
+     * AE
+         * Undergraduate Research - 93418 - AE 2699 - BRY
+         * Research Assistantship - 93419 - AE 4698 - BRY
+         * Undergraduate Research - 93420 - AE 4699 - BRY
 
 ### Computers
 
@@ -54,11 +65,11 @@ We maintain a separate page on this [here](computers.md)
 
 You will usually have a meeting with Spencer every week (often on Monday). 
 These sometimes involve you and another student (2-1 meetings).
-During this meeting you will present an update on your research.
+During this meeting, you will present an update on your research.
 We also have an in-person group meeting every week.
 Some guidelines apply:
 * Have at least one PowerPoint slide for each update, stating the work you did and plan to do in the next week (see examples in the Box `updates/` directory).
-* If you have little progress, that's OK! In fact, the weeks you have the least progress are the most important for updates, since my job (in part) is to help you.
+* If you make little progress, that's OK! In fact, the weeks you make the least progress are the most important for updates since my job (in part) is to help you.
 * Even if you have little progress because you were busy with coursework or on a vacation, please put this on a slide so I can keep track of things.
 
 ## Group GitHub Page

group-syllabus/undergraduate-specifics.md

@@ -38,9 +38,9 @@ Taking fewer classes might mean graduating in 4 years instead of 3 (or something
 You must consider this trade-off on your terms, though I'm glad to discuss it with you.
 GT CS offers an undergraduate thesis option, which meets several degree requirements but is otherwise a small time commitment (and teaches you useful things!).
 
-Some commitment topics to consider: if you
-* hope to go to a top graduate school (or are considering it), at Georgia Tech or otherwise, then completing your degree early is quite unlikely to help with admission, but completing high-quality research _definitely_ will. 
-* don't think you do not want to go to graduate school. Research can still expand industry opportunities. The degree to which it expands those opportunities will depend on the job you hope to obtain. Discuss with Spencer for more details.
+Some commitment topics to consider: 
+* If you hope to go to a top graduate school (or are considering it), at Georgia Tech or otherwise, completing your degree early is quite unlikely to help with admission, but completing high-quality research _definitely_ will. 
+* If you don't think you do not want to go to graduate school, research can still expand industry opportunities. The degree to which it expands those opportunities will depend on the job you hope to obtain. Discuss with Spencer for more details.
 
 ### Outcomes
 
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ You should talk about it with me if you are thinking about it.
 
 ### Internships
 
-If you want to participate in an internship, I will gladly support you and your effort to find one.
+If you want to participate in an internship, I will gladly support you in your search.
 I can guide you more closely if you want your internship to work well with your research.
 Whether you should or should not take on an internship will depend on several factors, depending on your goals upon graduation and your research area.
 I recommend you talk about this with me so I can give more personalized guidance.

group-syllabus/working-with-me.md

@@ -28,18 +28,20 @@ I _will_ help you get all these skills, though, by pointing you to the right res
 #### Spencer's quirks
 
 We all have our quirks and it is only fair to tell you mine as a fair warning.
-Some of these tendencies blend into what I just consider professional behavior, but one could just as well cast those as quirks.
+Some of these tendencies blend into what I consider professional behavior, but one could cast those as quirks.
 I take these rather seriously, so please read them.
 This list is surely incomplete, but it's what I've come up with for now.
-* Punctuality: I have little patience for tardiness (of myself or others). Arrive at meetings on time. If you cannot arrive at meetings on time, tell me why ASAP and we can try to reschedule them!
-* "No-call no-show": Do not miss meetings without letting me know. I make time for you (in the same way you sometimes make time for me!), so I consider it respectful behavior to let me know if you cannot make it (sick, out-of-town, or whatever). Also, add a slide in your "updates" slides that says you are unavailable/out-of-town so that I don't forget.
-* Unresponsiveness: If I ask you something on Slack I generally expect a response within a few work days. The response can just be a confirmation of receipt ("acknowledged"). Of course, I do not expect this during holidays, weekends, vacation time, etc., and you may have other situational circumstances (e.g., you're sick or away at a family event) that prevent this. That is fine! Though please give me a heads-up.
+* Punctuality: I have little patience for tardiness (of myself or others). Arrive at meetings on time. If you cannot arrive at meetings on time, tell me why ASAP, and we can try rescheduling them!
+* "No-call no-show": Do not miss meetings without letting me know. I make time for you (in the same way you sometimes make time for me!), so I consider it respectful behavior to let me know if you cannot make it (sick, out-of-town, or whatever). Also, add a slide in your "updates" slides that says you are unavailable/out of town so I don't forget and wonder where you are.
+* Unresponsiveness: If I ask you something on Slack (or occasionally email), I generally expect a response within a few work days. The response can just be a confirmation of receipt ("acknowledged"). Of course, I do not expect this during holidays, weekends, vacation time, etc., and you may have other situational circumstances (e.g., you're sick or away at a family event) that prevent this. That is fine! Though please give me a heads-up.
+* Demeanor: I have a rather deadpan effect most of the time. This has followed me around for my whole life and seems unlikely to change much, unfortunately, despite some efforts on my part. So, don't be shocked if I don't jump out of my chair with a giant smile on my face when you show impressive and exciting results. I really am excited. It just isn't as externally obvious. Please do not let my demeanor damage your sense of self-worth. You are part of the group for a reason, and if I weren't excited to have you be part of it, then we wouldn't be working together anymore.
+* Jokes: I sometimes make sarcastic jokes about myself or others that aren't meant to be taken seriously. I realize these aren't always appropriate, and discerning that I'm joking is not always trivial. These are usually meant to keep the mood light and fun, though I'm trying to avoid at least most of them.
 * Writing and style: I take academic writing and presentation quality seriously. Please read the rest of this syllabus to bootstrap your way to high-quality dissemination of your work. 
 
 ### Power Structures
 
 The university has strong hierarchical structures.
-Professors are in positions of power over students, and students, unfortunately, cannot always speak up when something isn't right.
+Professors have power over students, and unfortunately, students cannot always speak up when something isn't right.
 I welcome student input, especially if I or one of my colleagues has said or done something that makes a student feel uncomfortable.
 I realize it is a difficult proposition in many cases, especially if you feel I am the culprit.
 If you feel you suffered an injustice, I encourage you to speak to me or other trusted individuals.