The education of a physicist depends on a system of mentors and protégés. Established professors get research assistants to help with laboratory work or tedious calculations. In return the graduate students and postdoctoral fellows get shares of their professors' grant money and bits of publication credit. A good mentor helps his students choose problems that will be both manageable and fruitful. If the relationship prospers, the professor's influence helps his protégé find employment. Often their names will be forever linked. [from "Chaos", James Gleick].
No comments:
Post a Comment