In my experience, true motivation like you seem to have is not very common in university, so you have a leg up over most. There are plenty of reasonable profess

In my experience, true motivation like you seem to have is not very common in university, so you have a leg up over most. There are plenty of reasonable professors doing great work. Send them emails, attend conferences. Find professors that are 1. Smart 2. Friendly 3. Financially well-off. You sound destined for academica, don't give up. And don't be afraid to exile yourself to Australia if that's where the opportunities are.