Much of my energy lately has been focused on studying for the comprehensive exam, a necessary hurdle in most graduate programs. Although the exam brings about the inevitable stress, I'm actually grateful that I'm being "forced" to learn physics to such a degree. I look forward to the day when I am confident in my physics knowledge, problem solving and critical thinking skills. The thrill of solving a tough problem makes the frustration of solving that problem worth it.

My program focuses on four main areas: classical and statistical mechanics, electromagnetic theory and relativity, quantum mechanics, and astrophysics (my emphasis). I'm studying E&M from Jackson and Griffiths, QM mostly from Griffiths, and astrophysics from several books, mainly Carroll & Ostlie and Rybicki & Lightman. I've recently discovered Special Relativity by French, a classic that I'm learning much from.

Even more important than reading books is solving problems. I am very grateful to several people who have lent me their old problem sets and previous years' comprehensive exams. Solving problems takes the most time, but it the best way to learn the material and prepare for the test.

Studying isn't very exciting to do or read about, but that's the reality of life as a graduate student. Return next week for tales from the 2007 Chandra X-ray Observatory Symposium.