My Story: How I Became A Homeless Physics Professor

It wasn't supposed to be like this! When I graduated with my PhD in Physics from UCI, I thought all my hard work was finally going to pay off! How did this happen? How did I end up homeless despite working Full Time at #UCLA, the number One Public University in the country? Greedy Administrators, Corrupt Politicians, and a Professor who once dated Richard Feynman all played a role. Watch to Learn more!

[NemMesmoErrado]

Hello, Professor! Thank you for sharing your experience. In Brazil, this is also very common—there is a complete disregard for science, scientists, and professors. The worst part of it all is that professionals within the field themselves do not help to break the system. I remember many years ago, I was attending a lecture in Brazil by MIT professor Mildred Spiewak Dresselhaus, and she said a phrase that has never left my mind: 'those who pursue physics do so out of passion, not for money; you will never become rich by doing science.' Hearing this was completely disheartening. Apparently, an Uber driver in the U.S. makes more money than a university professor with a Ph.D.

[terrygivens]

Thanks for making your videoed. I have followed you on TikTok as well. I am a lecturer in the California system as well. I so admire you speaking out as what you have experienced is the same for thousands of us in a very similar situation. There are more lecturers and adjuncts at UC’s, CSU’s and CCC’s then there tenured full-time professors. It is truly shocking how the system works. Most of us lecturers and adjuncts have multiple jobs not all in education just to afford our monthly expenses.
I agree with you it needs to change but as long as ppl are willing to accept the situation it will likely not change quickly.

[NearZero]

Thank you for sharing this, Professor. Please let us know how we can offer our help or support. Nowadays, with platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and other social media, it’s very easy to spread the word. I completely understand and support you, as I was once a Physics PhD student at one of the top universities in the U.S. I made the difficult and emotional decision to drop out of the program for various reasons, primarily because I didn’t see a viable financial future in Physics.

[francesharvey]

I am not in the position to provide financial support but I can relate to your story. When I started working as a grants Management specialist at a public university in NJ I was not earning enough to cover my living expenses. The small inheritance my father left me was covering the gap. Greatful to my union, they supported for my raise as now I can afford the cost of living. Try not to show anger as you can catch more flies with honey.

[ivelisefeliciano]

I had aweful physics professors in Puerto rico and there is a lot of people that wants to be a professor. We have a saying "if you don't have a godfather, you cannot be baptize". The government don't want to make things better and they employ people who does not deserve it. I wish you the best professor. Gonna watch your videos to see if I can expand my little knowledge in physics.

[dillegitante]

5:55 this is how people who cannot pay for college feel about people that have a college diploma. Diplomas and presriptions should be abolished.

[FreddyAccountant]

Many families in the 80s and 90s, moved far away to be able to work and still have a place to sleep. Many from Los Angeles areas moved to Palmdale or Lancaster. Why can't you do the same. Why does there have to be haves. Many parents in the 80s worked two jobs to able to support a household (Many still do). Why are you so different? Move far away like the working class and commute 3 hours like those living in Riverside county. What a guy? Do you need a hug? or some sort of closure?

[thomaswilke]

I have a relative who is an assistant professor of mathematics at Berkeley but he started off as a postdoc. He gets paid $150k by the university but his income is supplemented by another $120k through research grants. Could you do something like that? The salaries at UC are public knowledge but the grants are not published because they depend on the number of grants they’re paid from

[spinebuster]

People don't know how much academics are overworked and how little their pay is.

[PhysicsProf]

You know that the kids graduating from top schools are not “rich kids.” Did you pay for your PhD or were you on fellowship like every other PhD student everywhere? Don’t make this about classism when it’s not.

[DoctorX_]

I believe that the reason why the professors backed out from giving you LORs was because they saved their letter for a student that sucked up to them. That’s why they got the professorships and the rest didn’t. It’s what I noticed during my stay at Irvine.

[imraan]

Glad you’re bringing this to light. Cheering for ya

[fpn]

This is the real story for everyone who pursuing academic position. You won't hear this real story from somewhere else. Thank you professor.

[HotDogTrails]

How could anybody ever want to go into academia??? I feel belittled in undergrad, I couldn’t imagine how someone could want to do this shit for 5 more years

[AngelaHenderson]

Thank you for not doing weapons. I’m from OC and my ex taught at UCI…sorry this is happening. Hopefully you can get people to join you in the struggle.

Also: Elon is a joke, agreed

[a]

Isn’t there a faculty union at UCLA? Why are academic unions not able to negotiate for higher wages?

[rezafarokh]

cool prespective it force me to rethink about some subject

[tp]

Housing assistance should be given to educators in high income areas so we can keep top talent in our schools

[SongSite]

wow, your students pay the college $3, 200, 000 per year to take your class... you should at least be getting 10% of that in my opinion.

[roboticperson]

Instead of asking how we will get to mars, have you considered if we should? It is not a priority. We should colonize and explore the deep oceans first. And then properly explore Antarctic Oceans