u/Ryoman-Sukuna007

Hello everyone,
I recently started my PhD in physics, specializing in photonics. Since the project is brand new, I was one of the first people on board. Naturally, it’s been a steep learning curve, I’ve had to quickly pick up everything from CAD design and simulations to ordering equipment. Honestly, I love what I’m doing and find it incredibly cool.
However, as the project progresses, more people are joining the team. My task list is exploding because I’m now splitting my time between scientific discussions with new members and working with senior scientists to set up my own experiments.
For the first time, that infamous, overwhelming "PhD feeling" is hitting me. I’m looking for advice from current or finished PhDs on two specific things:

1. Task & Time Management
   I’ve started keeping a running task list to keep myself in the loop and remember next steps, but the sheer volume is getting tough. What are your favorite systems or mindsets for managing the workload before it manages you?

2. Coping with "Senior Scientist Brain"
   When I work with senior scientists, their chain of thought is so fast and technical that I start to zone out or get overwhelmed. I feel incredibly guilty about it, even though I logically know they have years of experience and I'm just starting.
   How do you handle situations where the technical discussion moves at hyper-speed? How do you ask them to slow down without feeling embarrassed?

Thanks a lot for your help!

Hello everyone,
I am an Indian national with a valid US B1/B2 visa and a german resident permit. I will be travelling from Philadelphia to Hamburg (Germany) with a layover at Dublin airport for 3.5 hours. My itinerary says that I will arrive at 06:30 at terminal 2 in DUB and depart from the same terminal at 10:00. I am a bit confused if I will require an Irish transit visa. On the Irish immigration website it says that “If both your arrival flight and onward connecting flight are in Terminal 2 between the hours of 04:00 and 20:00 on the same day, you can use a transit visa in this case”. I checked the list of countries that require transit visa and India is not one of them, so does it mean I should be good to go?

If anyone has had a similar experience, it would be great if you could provide some clarification.

Thanks a lot for your help!