Master's Defense: Passed!

My Master's defense went really well. I mean really, really well.

Not only did I pass, but...

1. It was the longest presentation I've ever given
2. It was the biggest audience I've presented to (other than my 10 minute presentation at the conference this past April)
3. It was the most important presentation I've ever given
4. And it was the BEST performance I've ever given

Needless to say, I am really proud of myself. I put a lot of hard work into my thesis, my powerpoint, and my presentation. Hard work does pay off sometimes.

Following my presentation, there was a reception in the "social lounge" where we usually meet following departmental seminars. We celebrated my defense and the defense of my friend Darcy, who defended the day earlier. Because the semester had ended some two to three weeks earlier in the start of May, it was really cool that Darcy and I defended on consecutive days. This is particularly cool because Darcy and I "came in together" to Clark, as we were part of the same first year seminar. Our first year seminar was a small, tightly knit group of biology-minded first years. Not only was the seminar great, but it was taught by one of my all time favorite people, Dr. Hibbett (he served as my undergraduate adviser and was a member of my thesis committee this spring.)

Defending our Master's theses in the same week and celebrating them at the same reception was a great way for me to end my student career at Clark. In a sense, I came in and left alongside a fellow student who I both identified with and really respected. Now that I'm finally finishing this post in early August, I can look back and feel fondly about the end of my stressful fifth year.

After my defense, I made some final touches to my thesis and started the process of getting it printed. It was a pretty big hassle and I didn't enjoy. Beyond that, I'll spare you the details.

But I did get it printed and professionally BOUND. A few weeks ago, I got my copies in the mail. I'm really pleased with the final product and it's great to have my thesis physically come to a close.

My professor is wrapping up my project and we'll use my thesis as a starting template for a manuscript to submit for publication.