> we treat understanding new systems as something approachable

And, computer scientists, mechanical engineers, and chemical engineers don't?

    > from my boss's perspective, I'm the only one who's actually willing to just read code, investigate, possibly read a paper, and figure out what's going on instead of punting and saying it's someone else's turf I'm blocked until they get back to me.

Humblebrag alert! This has little to do with being a physics grad student, and much more to do with your motivation.