It’s hard to believe I’ve been in Texas A WHOLE YEAR! There were some rough times when I wanted to move to Houston, but I think I’m good now.
I’m officially a 2nd year grad student. Woo! That means that I have completed the Basic Biomedical Science Curriculum (BBSC) in which all of the incoming students are in the same basic classes (think Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Statistics, Ethics, etc.) and have entered the Cell Biology Program in the Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology. Cell Biology is thought of as one of the “easier” degree programs because they don’t focus on class work as much. The director of the program, Dr. Boehning, thinks that your research is the important part of the program, not the course work which I am TOTALLY fine with!
So with that, this year I will be focusing on finishing up my cell biology course work. I should be done with all of my classes by the end of the summer semester 2011. I am required to take 6 hours of electives this year as well as two bigger courses in the summer of 2011( Advance Cell Biology and Academic Skills, where we will be working on our research proposals) I will also be taking my qualifying exam in the Spring of next year. Several of the Cell Biology professors write questions for us to make a take home exam. We research each question and basically write a mini research paper for each question. Passing the exam allows you to apply for candidacy. To apply for candidacy I will submit a proposal after the summer of next year detailing my proposed research path and everything I plan to do. I’ve joined Dr. Boehning’s lab (the link to his website is in one of my previous posts). I’m really happy with the choice. He really likes to get things done early, which is good for me. He has a young family so he understands that people have lives outside of the lab and he supportive of me coaching gymnastics. I am also presenting a poster at the Neuroscience and Cell Biology Department’s research retreat at the end of September. After I submit my proposal, which includes a written portion (in a grant format) a presentation to the public (UTMB faculty and students) and a question and answer session with my proposal committee I will be focusing on research for the next three years.
As for gymnastics, my level 4s and level 6s (I don’t have any level 5s in my groups) will have their first competition on Saturday! They will be competing at their first district qualifier which will qualify them for the level 4 district championship in which they will compete to qualify to the south state championship. Last week we had two judges come in to evaluate the girls. The judges were pleased with their routines as they are now, while there is always room for improvement! I’m probably as excited for their first meet as they are….. especially since its at 3:15pm (instead of 7:30am) and at the closest gym to my house! YAY!
I’m also thinking about running in a half-marathon in November! Here is the link to the one I’m thinking about http://www.seawallhalfmarathon.com/seawall/index.html. IT looks really fun! My friend Lynn is (that just moved to Washington Dc : ( ) is thinking about coming down to do the race as well! I just bought a new pair of running shoes (SUPER AWESOME!) and I’ve got a training program picked out as well as a 5K and a 10K to run as practice and mini-goals along the way. I haven’t paid the registration for any of the races yet, but I’ve been talking about how I’m going to do it… so I guess I have to do it now, right?!
Anyways, I think that’s just about it, I think. I’m sad that I’ve been here a year and not made more posts. I guess on the other hand, it’s been a year and I’m still posting on this blog…. That more than a lot of people can say for theirs! I changed the title, so Its not going to be about just Texas anymore… just my life and adventures,etc!
Love yall,
Serena
