Prelims: Day 3 Recap

Use of δ¹⁸O-CO₂ to 1) quantify terrestrial ecosystem respiration, 2) understand mechanisms responsible for variation in atmospheric δ¹⁸O-CO₂, and 3) model global carbon cycling

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READING: Wingate et al. (2009). The impact of soil microorganisms on the global budget of δ¹⁸O in atmospheric CO₂. PNAS.
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Prelims: Day 2 Recap

Evolution of carbon concentrating mechanisms in aquatic primary producers: Resulting stable isotope composition and ecological implications given projected increases in atmospheric CO₂

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READING: Tortell (2000). Evolutionary and ecological perspectives on carbon acquisition in phytoplankton. Limnology and Oceanography.
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Prelims: Day 1 Recap

Perspectives: Impacts of rising atmospheric CO₂ on freshwater ecosystems

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READING: Urabe et al. (2003). Stoichiometric impacts of increased carbon dioxide on a planktonic herbivore. Global Change Biology.
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The Dreaded Prelims

Progress as a PhD student includes many benchmarks: deciding on an advisor/University/program, research topic, committee members, dissertation research objectives/methods, and the list of courses to include in your program of study. Presenting your proposed research. Writing your dissertation research proposal. Finishing required classes. Passing your preliminary exams. Writing-up and publishing dissertation research. Defending. Finding a post-doc or real job. Graduating.

So...where am I? I begin the written portion of my preliminary exams (prelims) this Tuesday. And I have been dreading this part of the PhD process more than any other.

Prelims for the Program in Ecology begin with a week of written questions from your 5+ member committee.  The written part is open-book, and I'm actually(!!!) looking forward to it.  I think I am a decent writer, and I enjoy reviewing and synthesizing material to answer "think big" questions.

Two or more weeks after finishing your written questions, you will meet with your committee for your oral exam.  Your oral exam questions will not be limited to your research area or your written questions - they are in part used to confirm that you know (and can think) enough to be a PhD Candidate in Ecology, so the range of possible topics is daunting.  The point seems to be to take you to the edge of your abilities.  And, like many PhD students, I fear that this "edge" won't be on a deep enough ledge to satisfy my committee.

Your committee members will vote on whether you have passed your prelims immediately after your oral exam.  If you pass, you get to 1) celebrate, 2) sleep, 3) call yourself a "PhD Candidate", and 4) carry on with all of the research you have neglected while preparing for and completing your prelims!

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READING: Biology, physiology, chemistry, biophysics, ecology, biogeochemistry, statistics, limnology....

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Yet another peaceful feast day

February 10th marked yet another peaceful St. Scholastica Day at the University of Wyoming. Unlike the days-long riot between armed bands of scholars and townsfolk that broke out on this day many years ago in another university town, the tenth of February - like other days - was characterized more by continued tranquility between the town and the university. In fact, there's quite a bit of support and pride in the University and its teams around town; in turn, scholars here generally refrain from throwing alcoholic beverage containers at tavern-keepers while using abusive language and sparking riots. All of which is to say that town-gown relationships here are pretty nice.

Downtown

I've lived in college towns with less than thriving downtowns, so it's nice to see folks in Laramie who care about keeping the downtown area thriving. In the warmer months, there's a farmer's market on Friday afternoons. Recently, downtown has seen a new bar open (which houses one of the oldest bars in the state), a new sushi restaurant open, and a new Italian restaurant is coming soon.

In addition to the mountain west location and amount of outdoors, Laramie's downtown is one of the best parts of the area. The Main Street Program is a good source for information about the downtown area and the shops found there.

Feedback

As I work on refining some ideas for my dissertation, I'm looking forward to getting some feedback from professors and fellow grad students. This Monday, I'll be giving a talk going on some of my research ideas in the Zoology and Physiology Department's informal weekly seminar.

I've enjoyed conversations with grad students in my home department and PiE at seminars and receptions, but I'm really looking forward to having a captive audience of scientists to help sharpen some of my ideas. The Monday "brown bag" series is a nice way for students, faculty, and guests to share ideas and get feedback from folks who have expertise outside your study area.