Hi everyone! 👋 I’m Julia Frank, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to my blog. This space is where I’ll be sharing my experiences, insights, and sometimes, my struggles, as I navigate the fascinating world of physics, coding, and more.
A Bit About My Journey
My path to becoming a physics PhD student has been anything but traditional. I began my career in the financial sector, where I worked for almost 8 years. But at the age of 33, I decided to completely change my career path. I left finance behind and went back to university. (Typically, it is the other way around 😁).
Returning to school as a mature student, especially with 4 kids at home, was no easy feat. My oldest son just graduated high school this June and will be starting his own physics undergrad in September—looks like physics is becoming a family tradition! 😂
The Struggles and Triumphs
I’ll be the first to admit that my journey hasn’t been smooth. My grades during my undergrad weren’t great; in fact, they sucked. It wasn’t until my third and fourth years that I started to find my footing academically. Math, in particular, has always been a challenge for me. Even now, as I’m about to start my PhD, I’m taking a mathematical physics course first to shore up my skills before diving into more advanced physics courses.
It’s a bit embarrassing to admit that I still struggle with math, but I’ve learned that being honest about my challenges is the first step toward overcoming them. Plus, it’s a reminder that it’s never too late to improve and keep learning.
Why This Blog?
As I embark on this PhD journey, I wanted a place to document my experiences—not just the successes but the setbacks and lessons learned along the way. I’m also a YouTuber, where I try to share my knowledge and help others understand complex concepts. I’m not always correct in my explanations (as my comment section often points out), but the feedback has been positive overall. I’m committed to improving my communication skills and continuing to make science more accessible to everyone.
Here are some topics I would like to cover in this blog.
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PhD Journey
- My insights and experiences from my journey as a physics PhD student.
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Nanomagnetism
- Interesting articles and latest research news in the fascinating world of nanomagnetism.
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Linux & Open Source
- Tutorials, tips, and experiences with Linux and open-source software.
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Julia Programming Language
- Guides, projects, and discussions around coding in Julia.
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Machine Learning
- My learning journey in machine learning and how it can be used in physics.
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Career & Academia
- Tips, advice, and reflections on navigating academia and building a career in science.
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Personal Development
- Balancing life, study, and work—personal stories and self-improvement tips.
What’s Next?
One of the biggest questions on my mind right now is what research topic I’ll eventually choose as the main theme of my PhD. It’s likely going to take the first year of my program before I really start to see the light, but I’m excited to explore different areas and find my niche.
Join Me on This Journey
Whether you’re a fellow researcher, a student, or just someone curious about science and technology, I hope you’ll find something valuable here. I’ll be sharing in-depth articles on my research, tutorials on Linux and the Julia Programming Language, reflections on my journey as a PhD student, and updates on my YouTube channel.
As I begin this new chapter, I’m reminded daily that the road to success is rarely linear. There are moments of doubt and frustration, especially when grappling with complex concepts or feeling like I’m behind my peers. But those challenges are what make the victories, no matter how small, so rewarding. Each step forward counts.
Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to connecting with you through my work! Feel free to leave a comment or reach out—I’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you! I also would love to hear about your own journey—whether you’re a student, a career changer, or just curious about physics or code. Share your story in the comments below!
