Change

There's so much that has changed in the past week I don't even know where to begin. My thesis defense was successful. I'm teaching at Bowling Green State University. Life is awesome, if a bit overwhelming. Found an apartment, moved, started my job. Classes start next week. I've got a million things to do before then. Loose ends to wrap up at Cleveland State. I'm finding that prioritizing very important right now. But I'll get there.

legendary

So, scientific research is amazing.

You work your ass off and hope to figure out some timy bit of information, and when you do you hold it up to the world and say "HEY! Look at what I found!"

And for that moment you know something that no one else in the world ever knew, saw things that no one had ever seen.

Its some kind of powerful.

And then you take that little grain of knowledge and say"Here's why its important. Here's why the world should care."

And in that moment you become legendary, like you're leading humanity into the unknown.

Its awesome.


Working hard to finish. My world is amazing.

I am aged. :)

My 25th birthday is in 11 days.  Woo?  I'm doing pretty well I think, almost done with my master's, have a lead on a good job (teaching!), life right now is mostly hard work and hoping.  I think that's a good place to be, though.  It'd be nice if I didn't need to worry about money so much, but I don't think that really ever ends, for most people that is. Still, this girl dreams.

There are things I need, things I want, and things I think are awesome.  Some things fall into all three categories.  So, here's another wishlist.

 

Seeds.  Especially interesting, old, and "heirloom" seeds.  For all kinds of plants, not just foodstuffs.  Some day I'll have some dirt to put them in, but I like the idea of starting my collection now. 

 

 

 

I need some tools.  I don't own any.  These ones are green, and pretty awesome.  :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A wire basket for the back of my bike would be nice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and and air pump, patch kit, and WD-40? That's be uber useful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some stuff for cleaning my car would be pretty cool too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course, I could always use some hiking socks.  :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  If I had the money I'd buy myself an SLR camera kit and a few photography classes so I learn how to use it.  Alas.  Someday. 

 

 

If getting a master's degree was easy, everyone would have one. 


I keep telling myself this. 

Wishlist :)

Welcome to commercial America-- All the christmas ads have got me thinking of some of the things on MY wishlist.  Who knows, maybe some fabulous friend or family member will make a little magic for me.  :)  So here it is:

Seeds :) I'm starting a collection

I ALWAYS Need Socks! Especially wool hiking socks!

Hiking Boots from KEEN

For summer hikes, canoe rides, kayaking, beach/island visits :) 

I really need a futon.

Back to work.

End of another semester, and it's been a busy one!

ONE statistics class, 

        TWO ESA conferences (ecology and entomolgy),

                THREE research papers in the works! 

(see what I did there?)  

As if research and my statistics coursework weren't enough, I've been kept busy with work as (1) a tutor (2) a Structured Learning Assistant and (3) a Success Coach (think academic advisor, peer mentor, and motivational speaker wrapped up into one job).

In the next 5 months I'll be analyzing data, writing (hopefully publishing), and (again, hopefully) graduating with my Master's in Environmental Science. When I'm done with that, I'll get my doctorate, somehow, but I'll worry about that later.

Back to work.

Occupy Cleveland Kyle DeForrest sings the Hit //Welcome to the Revolutio...

Occupy Cleveland-Kyle DeForrest "99 to 1"- 11-17-11 019.MOV

ESA-RENO 2011 OVERVIEW

The past week I’ve had the opportunity to listen to seminars, workshops, and symposia, speak and network with top researchers in my field, and learn new strategies, theories, and discoveries in entomology. I’ve been in Reno, Nevada at the 2011 Entomological Society of America’s Annual meeting.

I presented a poster on my research (parasitoid wasp diversity in urban agro-ecosystems) and received incredibly insightful and constructive feedback on my work. I am actively looking for doctorate programs, and ESA was an incredibly valuable opportunity to speak with several potential advisors as well as students from their labs. This first impression will really help down the line (in the next few weeks) when I choose which schools/labs to apply to.

Among the conversations I had, several were on the different opportunities available to those who hold a phD in entomology and ecology. Understanding how state and private university assignments differ, the opportunities available in industry, and the ongoing and ever changing systems of sharing the knowledge gained by research has really helped to develop my own understanding of the field of entomology, and how it can relate to EVERY OTHER SCIENTIFIC FIELD.

STRESS.

Doc says I've got to reduce my stress, so I did some research. Stress can kill brain cells, add fat, unravel chromosomes, shorten telomeres (increase aging), cause low IQ and mental disabilities in offspring (yes offspring, this is SCIENCE)(when fetus is exposed to high stress levels), and shuts down nonessential body systems (digestion, immune). Top ways to reduce stress? Social interaction, especially connecting with and helping others. (Check) Taking on leadership roles. (Check) Taking action and producing change. (Check) SO. I've formulated the Better World Hypothesis: Work towards creating a better world, help others, take action, be creative, and TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE. Stress will be reduced. Health will be better. Awesomeness will be at maximum. If everyone does this: World Peace. As long as we can all reach a consensus. (Studies on Baboon societies prove this -- I think it could work for our species too.) I'm a scientist. I can handle this.


Side note for Occupy crew: In baboons it took six months to reach a consensus with the rest of society, hang in there!