I have an announcement. . .

Yesterday, I applied to graduate in the coming spring quarter!

In 70 days I have to:

1) Have a final thesis committee meeting and get permission to write up.

-So most of my experiments should be finished, I'm thinking by early april--This is tough because I keep thinking about questions that I want to answer and experiments that I can add in a short time! But I know that I can expand on those ideas after I finish and do a little transition post-doc in my current lab.
-In the meantime, I'm writing a review that will be published with my boss (first chapter of my dissertation).
-I'm working on a journal article that will describe my data (one or two chapters in my thesis)
-I'm compiling my data thus far--I have a lot, I didn't realize!
-And I'm praying for strength, I see a lot of long days in my future.

2) Submit my dissertation by April 30th (first draft)

-I want this to be my final draft, there will probably be changes after my defense
-I'll keep you posted on my defense date!

3) Submit a final draft of my dissertation by May 21st
-That's it, thesis defense done, dissertation signed off by my advisor and committee, it all has to be in, formatting changes made, that's it!

4) Walk and be "hooded" on June 13th!

I knew this time would come but it easily felt that it never would! I'm scared and excited at the same time, but it's time. . .I can't wait!

Talk to ya soon, and please keep me in your prayers, I need all the support I can get!
Chi(:

May was a busy month!

Hey peoples!

Last month was too busy! There was many a photo op and you know I had to take it. First, I was a bridesmaid for a friend whom I've known since 7th grade. Although she lives far away all I have to do is call her on the phone or make a visit and it's like I saw her yesterday. The wedding was really a blessed event. I enjoyed seeing her and her family. And I also made a lot of great friends in the bridesmaids and the grooms family. As far as hair, mine didn't get in the way (: One of the bridesmaids had traditional locs and her style was on point! I really enjoyed myself and I wish the new couple all my best!

Exactly one week later, James and I took a road trip to attend my "play" cousin's graduation party. I am so proud of her!!!! My girl is 24 years old and she just graduated from medical school. Although she was in Wisconsin, devoid of cultural fun, she's about to kick it up a notch and pursue an Opthamology research fellowship at Emory in Atlanta. Any tips on settling in? I'll pass them on (: She's incredibly sweet I only see great adventures in her future (:.

On the career tip. . .I've been conducting informational interviews. So far I've meet with someone in tech transfer and another person who consults for a biotech consulting firm. I also received some great advice from Brunsli about approaching VC from the patent law route. I really appreciate the help, thanks lady! (: So far I'm still interested in the business side of science so I'm going to continue investigating this route. I'll keep you updated. As far as my research, its coming slowly but surely. I've revised my end date to October 31--which is the date for submitting the first draft of my dissertation to the library. I'm writing it here because the more I say it, the more I'm going to believe it! That day is not to far away so its all about progress now.

Unfortunately, I've been gone for a while but I have too many photo's that I want to share so you may see random posts (outdated) in the near future. . .stay tuned.