Undarkened Doors

The speaker discusses their PhD research on nuclear winter, highlighting the challenges faced due to isolation and a small research community. After completing the PhD, they engaged in various voluntary activities, including work with anti-war organizations and charities. Despite initially vowing not to return to physics, they were drawn back by a compelling topic in solar energy.

What was the main focus of the research problem given to the speaker by Berry?

• The development of new solar energy technologies

• The optical properties of soot in nuclear winter

• The study of mental health in war zones

• The impact of nuclear weapons on global politics

What was one of the main challenges the speaker faced during their PhD?

• Difficulty in finding a research topic

• Isolation and being the only one working on the topic

• Disagreement with the thesis advisor

• Lack of funding for research

How did the speaker feel upon completing their PhD?

• Eager to start a new PhD

• Triumphant despite the challenges

• Indifferent and ready to move on

• Disappointed with the outcome

What type of work did the speaker engage in during their year away from physics?

• Starting a new business

• Various voluntary and charity work

• Full-time research in a different field

• Traveling around the world

What eventually brought the speaker back to the field of physics?

• A promising topic in solar energy

• The need for financial stability

• A new interest in nuclear winter

• A job offer from a prestigious university