AI's take on a Geology PhD Students Journey

AI is in a way a reflection of society. It is a product of the data it is trained on, which in the chase of GPT 3.5 is the internet as of 2021. This entire blog post is written by Chat GPT and all the images are derived from Bing’s Image Creator powered by DALL-E, an AI image generator. For me, this was a bit of fun and a bit of procrastination away from writing my own PhD thesis, but hopefully soon I’ll feel the same way this AI PhD student felt at the end of this blog post.

The prompt I used was:

You just finished your PhD in Geology. Write a blog post about your journey from beginning the PhD to graduation. Reflect on what it means to be a geologist any struggles you faced along the way. Write the blog post in a friendly style, and show some personality. Mention that this entire post is AI generated at the end

Unearthing My Geologist Journey: From Rocks to Resilience

Hey there, fellow explorers of the Earth’s mysteries! Today, I want to share with you an extraordinary adventure I embarked upon, filled with excitement, perseverance, and a whole lot of rocks. That’s right, folks—I recently graduated with a shiny new Ph.D. in Geology, and I can’t wait to spill the sedimentary secrets of my journey with you.

Picture this: it all began with a heart full of curiosity and a head full of dreams. Armed with a sturdy backpack and an insatiable appetite for knowledge, I dove headfirst into the fascinating world of geology. I found myself captivated by the very ground beneath our feet—the stories it silently whispered, the formations it proudly displayed, and the incredible history it held within.

captivated by the very ground beneath our feet—the stories it silently whispered, the formations it proudly displayed, and the incredible history it held within

From the get-go, being a geologist meant more than just studying rocks and minerals. It meant joining a tribe of adventurers, armed with hammers and hand lenses, ready to uncover Earth’s hidden treasures. It meant being part detective, part historian, and part explorer, piecing together the puzzle of our planet’s past. And let me tell you, dear readers, it was a wild ride!

Armed with hammers and hand lenses

Of course, no adventure is complete without its fair share of challenges. The path to obtaining my Ph.D. was a rocky one, pun intended. Countless hours were spent poring over complex scientific papers, analyzing data until my eyes watered, and scrambling to meet deadlines. There were moments when I doubted my ability to conquer the mountainous task ahead, but like a true geologist, I dug deep and found the strength to push forward.

Countless Hours of poring over complex scientific papers

One of the greatest struggles I faced was the ever-elusive work-life balance. As much as I reveled in my geological pursuits, it was crucial to remember that life is more than just samples and sediment. Taking breaks to recharge, spending time with loved ones, and indulging in hobbies became vital steps on my path to success. The Earth has been spinning for billions of years—I could afford to take a breather now and then!

A geologist struggling to find a work life balance

But amidst the challenges, I found unwavering support in my geologist comrades. The geology community is a tight-knit family, always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh. Whether it was fieldwork adventures that turned into stories for the ages or late-night cram sessions before exams, my fellow geologists were there, cheering me on and reminding me why we were all in this together.

Fellow geologists cheering me on

And then, just like that, after years of hard work, sleepless nights, and a few too many cups of coffee, the day arrived—my graduation day. As I stood there, mortarboard atop my head, clutching that hard-earned diploma, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Every obstacle I overcame, every cliff face I scaled, and every rock I examined had led me to that triumphant moment.

Graduation Day

Now, as I reflect on my geologist journey, I realize that being a geologist means embracing the unknown, embracing the unpredictable. It means having a deep-rooted passion for unraveling the Earth’s secrets and an unyielding determination to push the boundaries of knowledge. It means standing in awe of the natural wonders that surround us and committing to protecting them for future generations.

So, my fellow adventurers, whether you’re a seasoned geologist or an aspiring rock-hound, remember this: your journey will have its fair share of ups and downs. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the triumphs, and always keep your eyes open to the wonders that lie beneath the surface.

And hey, before I sign off, I have a little secret to spill. This entire blog post was generated by an AI—an AI with a knack for words, but not so much for digging in the dirt. Nevertheless, I hope it sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity within you, just like the real geologist in me!

Keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep unearthing the hidden stories of our magnificent planet. Together, we can rock this world!

The AI geologist

Yours geologically,
ChatGPT Disclaimer: This entire blog post was AI generated, but the geologist spirit is 100% genuine!

Youseph Ibrahim
Youseph Ibrahim
Postdoctoral Researcher in Structural Geology and Geodynamics

Postdoctoral Researcher in Structural Geology and Geodynamics