diff --git a/group-syllabus/faq.md b/group-syllabus/faq.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ea2a6e8 --- /dev/null +++ b/group-syllabus/faq.md @@ -0,0 +1,86 @@ +# Frequently Asked Questions + +This document addresses common questions that students and researchers in our group often have. +If your question isn't answered here, please reach out to Spencer or other members. + +## General Questions + +### What is the focus of the Computational Physics Group? + +Our group focuses on developing computational models and numerical methods for physics problems. +We accompany our methods with algorithms crafted to make efficient use of the latest exascale machines and computer architectures, including AMD GPUs, Arm/RISC CPUs, and quantum computers. +We develop open-source software for these methods that scales to the world's largest supercomputers. +Our work pushes applications forward in areas jet and rocket design, defense broadly, medical therapies and physiology, and the energy sector. + +### How do I join the group? + +Visit our website at https://comp-physics.group for information about openings. +Messages to Spencer that do not follow the website instructions will be ignored. + +## Research and Collaboration + +### How are research projects assigned? + +Research projects are typically assigned based on a combination of the group's current research priorities, funding availability, your interests, and your skillset. +We try to find a good match between these factors, and there's often room for you to propose your own ideas within our broader research themes. +Our current research includes multiphase flow solvers, stochastic models for cell-scale flow, and information geometric regularization for extreme scale compressible flow simulation. + +### How often do we have group meetings? + +It ebbs and flows, depending on the interest of the students. + +### What software/programming languages should I know? + +Proficiency in one high-level and one-level language is important. +We often use Fortran (free-form) as a low-level language, but new projects may be more ammenable to C/C++. +High-level languages are mostly up to you, though I prefer you use Python to maximize the reach of your software. +Our group develops widely used open-source software like MFC, an exascale multi-phase flow solver. + +## Academic Progress + +### What are the publication expectations? + +PhD students generally author or co-author 3-5 papers during the program, with 1 or 2 as first author. +The quality of publications is valued over quantity. +See the [Publishing](publishing.md) guide for more details. +Our group regularly publishes in high-impact journals and conferences in computational physics, fluid dynamics, and related fields. + +### How do I know if I'm making good progress in my research? + +Feedback should be provided during one-on-one meetings, but if you have any questions or doubts you are *strongly encouraged* to talk to Spencer. +Generally, good progress includes advancing your research questions, developing your technical skills, producing results (even negative ones), working toward publications, and __becoming an independent researcher that does not need Spencer__! +Of course, I understand research has natural ebbs and flows. + +## Resources and Support + +### What computing resources are available? + +Our group has access to various computing resources, like Georgia Tech's PACE cluster and external supercomputing facilities. +See [Available computers](computers.md) for specific information. + +### Is there funding for conferences? + +Yes, attending conferences is an important part of academic development. +Funding is often available for students. +See [Going to conferences](going-to-conferences.md) for the process of requesting conference funding. + +### What should I do if I'm struggling with my research or coursework? + +First, know that challenges are normal in research and graduate studies. +Reach out to Spencer for research difficulties or course instructors for academic challenges. + +## Work-Life Balance + +### What are the expectations for working hours/days? + +I value productivity over specific hours worked. +While I expect full-time commitment during normal workweeks for funded students, I'm flexible about when and where you work. +See [When and where of working](when-where-working.md) for more details. + +### Can I take vacation time? How much? + +Yes, taking breaks is important for maintaining productivity and mental health (at least for most folks). +Typically, students take 2-3 weeks of vacation per year, plus university holidays. +This is flexible, so just talk to Spencer and coordinate with Spencer in advance, especially for longer absences. +You may find yourself taking semi-vacations, where you aren't in town but find yourself doing some side-work for fun anyway. +This is up to you. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/readme.md b/readme.md index 9b2452f..04a6115 100644 --- a/readme.md +++ b/readme.md @@ -27,6 +27,10 @@ * [Available computers](group-syllabus/computers.md) * [Whose hardware is this, anyway?](group-syllabus/hardware.md) +## Resources + +* [FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions](group-syllabus/faq.md) + ## Templates * [For papers](templates/paper)