>>12574850I'm staying anonymous so I won't post any publications but I do computational materials science mainly. Read up on molecular dynamics simulations. It's classical mechanics applied to molecules. The interaction energy of atoms comes from quantum mechanics. It's a nice blend of physics and describes how atoms move/vibrate, which dictates nearly everything. You also learn to code in the process.
To be an expert in so many subjects, make sure you have strong fundamentals in subjects that apply to everything. That would be math, physics (especially classical mechanics), and chemistry/thermodynamics.
I have a very strong foundation in those basic areas. It takes time and you gotta digest textbooks, and solve problems.
I don't read new textbooks anymore. I only review the fundamentals of broad topics that I already know, seeking deeper understanding. For example I'll review my notes on Landau's Mechanics or Planck's Thermodynamics daily, maybe an hour or so.
I wake up at 7-8, jog for 10-20 min, code or do whatever calculations/writing/designing is on my agenda, and that's it. It's a simple life. I have good friendships with my coworkers and collaborators (also scientists or engineers), and those connections are important. I try to jump in bed before 11pm, no phone or distractions. Just relax.
Sorry if this is boring or not useful. There aren't really any secrets aside from dedication.
