So my first semester of grad school is over and I have a 4.0! I had a 3.92 when I graduated from Oregon State so I expected to do well, but it is a relief to have the first semester done and know that I haven't taken on more than I can handle. This first semester I took advanced genetics, population genetics, and a seminar on adaptation. I think that all of the classes will prove to be useful in my work. The advanced genetics course was probably the most important because it brought my base level of knowledge in genetics up to par. Population genetics was an interesting course and I now have several population genetics projects that I would like to pursue at some point. A couple of these should make for good little side projects over the next couple of years as I work on my dissertation project.
In the spring term I am taking a molecular evolution course, scientific writing course and an ecological genomics seminar. In addition, I will be submitting my first manuscript and I am in the process of planning a field project for this summer. I am hoping that I will get a couple of grants that will allow me to spend a month or so in the southwest at the end of the summer.
I think that grad school is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Being able to devote several hours a day to researching, studying, and teaching evolution, Coleoptera, and biology in general is a real treat!!
Happy Holidays
