Is it possible to get a Mentor for personal mentorship?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the quest for personal mentorship in understanding Quantum Field Theory (QFT) at a non-perturbative level. The individual, with an MSc in physics, seeks guidance over an extended period, ideally through remote interactions. Suggestions include exploring local university physics departments and societies like the American Physical Society (APS) for potential mentorship opportunities and networking. The conversation highlights the importance of human interaction in maintaining focus and understanding complex subjects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
  • Familiarity with non-perturbative approaches in theoretical physics
  • Knowledge of General Relativity and its integration with QFT
  • Experience with academic networking and mentorship dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research local chapters of the American Physical Society (APS) for mentorship opportunities
  • Explore online platforms for connecting with physics mentors
  • Investigate non-perturbative methods in Quantum Field Theory
  • Attend virtual seminars or workshops related to Quantum Gravity
USEFUL FOR

Individuals seeking mentorship in theoretical physics, particularly those interested in Quantum Field Theory and its applications, as well as anyone looking to enhance their understanding through structured guidance and community engagement.

jordi
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I am a person working in the private sector. I studied physics, up to MSc level (QFT, string theory). But then I moved towards the private sector, raising a family, etc.

My wish is to try and understand QFT at the non-perturbative level. I do not need to write any paper on that subject, just to feel I understand well the subject (in other words, to internally feel that I understand the main stumbling blocks that prevent professional physicists to be able to define Yang-Mills as a non-perturbative theory, and to mix General Relativity and QFT/SM into a quantum gravity theory).

When I have some time, I try to read books that interest me. But (probably for some psychological failure I have) my attention span does not last enough to finish a given book. My personal experience (in other fields, different from physics) is that when I recurrently speak with somebody else about a given subject, then my attention span improves dramatically.

So, what I would like is to have a mentor that guides me for the following say 30 years of my life, in this path. I do not know if this is possible (especially, a mentor with no physical meetings, as a PhD advisor would be, for example), or if anybody would be interested in being my mentor at all.

Have there been previous experiences on this endeavor?
 
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Sounds like a good candidate for AI. I don't think it's developed to that point yet, though.
 
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berkeman said:
Sounds like a good candidate for AI. I don't think it's developed to that point yet, though.

AI? Artificial intelligence?

I think I need more like a "human intelligence", more on the "emotional" side ... :)
 
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Are you near any universities with Physics departments? Are there societies that have local chapters near you who have/had meetings and presentations? Hopefully such in-person get-togethers can resume soon after the COVID vaccine becomes available.

I used to belong to the Society for Information Display, and we had monthly meetings where members and guests presented about their work on display development. It was very interesting and valuable for me, and a great way to meet people who were interested in many of the same things I was.

Would some group in APS be a good place to start? Is there a local chapter near you that is active?
 
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