In general setting up the ssh config files and properly setting up bashrc (or similar) files, too! (Usually when I see people having compilation issues, they haven't set paths or environment variables properly)

I switched to using uv + rust on my new machine and it's been fantastic, especially for coding with VSCode! Definitely so far the best implementation of package management so far (compared to my current laptop that has like 6 different venv setups on it...)

There is also this gem, "proposals to systematically evaluate artificial origin hypotheses met with resistance that
exceeded normal scientific skepticism" - but themselves refuse to properly cite and acknowledge the work of experts with plausible astrophysical origins behind the three ISOs...

Plus, this little nugget of ridiculousness in their footnotes. Also, it's quite bold to be a co-author on a paper naming a classification system after yourself. In their examples discussion, it is another clear example of a Loeb coauthor paper inflating their claims and ignoring scientific works

The combination of all of these stresses and difficulties, in part due to my disability with the qualifying exam, almost led me to leave astronomy and academia. I am glad I did not! But I would not have been able to if not for a few very supportive faculty who really helped keep me motivated.

Since it was in the US, I'll just note that the physical and speech therapy each cost a copay, so not only at the time was I stressed about trying to get through the qualifying exam process (and thus continue on to a PhD), but also was even more stressed about money than I usually was a PhD student.

Throughout the month I'll post here some of the other stories or impacts I've had from my physical disability, and welcome any other astronomers with disabilities to do also! One of the biggest things I've learned is many colleagues don't mean ill, they just don't know since they don't experience it

The protections around disabled persons are sometime a bit fuzzy with lots of wiggle room for bad behaviors. So, people still sometimes worry about speaking out, especially worrying that in such a competitive field you are seen as "lesser". But, talking about the issues will break this trend!

since I often felt that if I didn't partake, I would miss out on building the social networking connections that are so important. So, I ended up putting myself into pain for half a conference because it seemed there was often a pressure to join, rather than stay behind with nothing planned

As a starter: throughout my career so far, many conferences (probably majority) had their social event be a physical activity - i.e., a tour or a hike (EAS 2024 had a 5k run/walk as a social!). Early on, I would partake, resulting in me often spending the rest of the conference in pain,

For those who are in their first postdoc, I would also highly recommend looking into the Emmy Noether program - this is for early-career researchers looking to start a group in Germany with the goal of establishing a permanent position in Germany. ERC Starting Grants also 3-7 years after PhD!

I am a professional astronomer

yes