Always good to take a step back

This week has been wonderful.

 

I’ve managed to get experiments running each day. The data hasn’t been exactly what I wanted, but that’s how science works. Dr. Shaw, the professor in charge, has been happy with what I’ve been doing. But what I’m truly grateful for is his insight into my development as a scientist. He demands more and more from me each time we begin another experiment, and its been pushing my understanding of how to be the best scientist I can be. This one on one coaching has been vital to my development, and all around in the research group I can see amazing scientists, products of his work. I’m so happy to have this opportunity, and I know i’m becoming a better chemist as a result. Challenges are always good, and doing this research challenges me in every way. But with a little luck, a lot of good will come from it, and maybe what we are doing with renewable energy and chemistry will make a real change some day.

 

Next week I will be away, as it is the fourth of July, and so the lab will be closed with Appalachian State University. I look forward to a little relaxation, but am also excited to kick the second half of the summer into gear. Happy Fourth everyone!