Dissertation proposal date!

Thursday, May 5th, 8am.  Successful coordination of dissertation committee schedules achieved on the first try!

I could eat that

One of the shows that Ben and I are enjoying on our Netflix "watch it instantly" queue is Bizarre Foods.  It is hosted by a chef named Andrew Zimmern, and he travels all over the world to sample local cuisine.  He is definitely right when he says that what is common in one country is quite exotic in another.  I think I was a little taken aback when I first started watching the show, but then again, one of the first episodes I saw was people in southeast Asia eating fried tarantulas.  Apparently though, they taste really good, and you eat them like a crab.  The kids were flocking to them.  I, however, would probably pass, as I am afraid of large spiders.  But now after watching a bunch of episodes, I'm starting to think that some of the previously bizarre eats are looking kind of appetizing.  Crickets sauteed with spices and vegetables?  I think I could eat that.  Crispy fried mealworms for a snack?  They look just like little french fries, I think I could eat that too.  Eyeballs, brains, heart, lungs, and digestive system parts? Hmm, I think I'll pass and stick with regular muscle tissue.

So many great things about Spring

I love this time of year. The flowers are starting to bloom, the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, the semester is half over, and Easter is approaching (i.e., good music making opportunities at church).  But I think one of the best things about this time of year (and I believe my siblings-in-law will agree with me here) is NCAA basketball!  March Madness is underway, and UNC just won its first ACC tournament game against Miami.  Go Heels!

10 lessons I am reminded of. . .

as I develop my dissertation project and about research in general:

1. Everything always takes way longer than you initially think.
2. You are often at the mercy of other people's schedules.
3. Your project is the most important thing. . to you (i.e., not necessarily to others).
4. You will read many articles. Then you will re-read them multiple times.
5. The literature summary table will save you an incredible amount of time when constructing your lit review.
6. Don't re-invent the wheel; looking at other people's dissertations is very helpful when organizing your chapters.
7. Consult with a statistician.
8. Your advisor and committee members know a lot, but they don't know everything. You may end up having to educate them on a thing or two. In my case, that thing is using flow cytometry to measure NK cell counts and activity.
9. It is incredibly important to have very clear research questions, as they will drive the formulation of your hypotheses, study variables, and design.
10. Sometimes a figure is a great way to go when describing a concept.

I'm sure I'll think of more as I continue chipping away at this beast!