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A place for random updates and for me to practice writing, even if it's not science related.

Winter conference and prep for comprehensive exams!

February 13th, 2026

Fall semester synopsis

My field work last summer, including a failed growth chamber experiment at the end, lasted until late September. The first week of October I moved and my dad drove from Reno with more of my things from home. After his visit, I drove back to Reno with him for my first break since winter holiday in January. Once I returned to KBS, I had two months to analyze my summer data and prepare a poster for the British Ecological Society conference in December. I presented at data colloquium, lab meeting, and KBS colloquium for public feedback on my poster and data. At the time, it felt stressful. However, looking to my plans this year, I would prefer fall semester.

Outside of school, I've enjoyed moving into a larger place (especially now that I have a washing machine). Last semester I spent a lot of my free time playing DnD, cleaning the house, and messing around with my 3D printer.

BES conference

Before the conference, my mom and I, for her birthday, were able to visit Paris and London for a few days each. Then we went up to Edinburgh for the conference. This was my first science conference. I was shocked by the amount of people there. The "sessions" were not favorite. I'm not sure how anyone is supposed to learn something from back to back 15 minute lectures with no breaks in between. I guess this is how science conferences are though. I'm happy I was able to go, as now I know that science conferences aren't for me, unless I need to present. (Read some more here)

For the rest of winter break, I was able to visit a few friends in Reno and California. However, I had gotten sick from the conference and as soon as I was feeling better I got a cold. There was only about a week where I was feeling decent and that was the time I set aside to get back to work.

Spring semester plans

This semester has quickly become busier then ever! I had my first committee meeting and scheduled my comprehensive exams presentation/oral for April 27th. That means I have two months to write my dissertation proposal and catch up on background reading to better justify my research projects, on top of class, committees, REU student interviews, and research fund applications. I am excited to have the comprehensive exams done. It's scary to think about it, but after my comps, I'll only have three more years, which doesn't really feel like that much time when I think back on how long a five year program felt.