Spring 2026: Comprehensive exam, AAAS CASE workshop, and summer prep

May 26th, 2026

Spring semester synopsis

Wow, it's been quite the semester. I had surgery in January, then spent the next 3 months writing my research proposal for comps, followed by the public presentation (recording) and private exam on April 27th. I had a lot of reading, writing, and studying to do to catch up in preparation. One thing I wish is that when I mentioned I was interested in a certain topic, why don't people who study that send you a packet of "here's the 10 best papers and a textbook". Why do they wait until an exam to say "you should have read these papers".

I would also like to say that I wish I had read more the first year and in fall, but I think everything works out eventually. I passed, and now moving onto actually doing my research. 

Summer plans

This summer I will be running my generations experiments from last summer, with some improved methods so maybe I can actually get generations (no more moldy eggs). Additionally, I will be starting some work in the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) around KBS. I will be looking at how the microclimate of the strips can effect caterpillar growth. This will give me some idea of how temperature differences in the field connect to my experimental treatments. 

I also have two REU students this summer again. I am enjoying working with them on cabbage white research and curriculum design.