February 1

I had a tough day today, but altogether a productive one. I met with Pawel and Anirban and we decided to submit to J. Appl. Phys. I don't know why two different journals don't want this paper. It's frustrating. But I'm glad I stuck to my guns and pushed for J. Appl. Phys. rather than Phys. Fluids since I'm not sure the latter is the best fit for this work. 

Had a tough conversation with Shrishti. It felt at times like I am giving myself advice. Comparisons are odious. The only thing that matters is, "am I doing what I need to be doing today to get myself to where I need to be?" 

She said I seem like someone who reacts in the moment (or something of that nature, drawing a contrast with herself, who is more focused on planning long-term). I'm not sure how to react to that. I will try not to take it as a value judgment. But I intend to lean into it, and use it as fuel to make myself a better advisor. Criticism is good if it enables me to make a positive change. I tried to do that tonight by sending her a template for a strategic plan. I tried to do that by having a weekly one-on-one with Shrishti. I'm trying.

I continued and finished the Specific Aims page for the proposal Remi and I want to write on DNA nanoswimmers and sent it to the Program Manager. I really hope we get a positive endorsement on this work soon. This is the kind of proposal I am excited to write.

Past 1 AM now, time to get some sleep.