Sending a big congratulations to our graduating lab alumni: Yamini Chavan, Princess Dikko, Alicia May, Lauren Thompson, and Jada Summerville. Each of these bright and wonderful women spent multiple semesters in the lab as an undergraduate researcher. And each is graduating from the University of Georgia today. I could not be any more proud. Yamini, thank you for bringing a constant dependability and organizational spirit to our group; I never had to worry about any undergrad deadlines when you were in the lab! Princess, thank you for your generous spirit and positive attitude. From the first day you walked into my office, you were always were a beacon of light in our lab and in my life. Alicia, thank you for your commitment and your ability to bring out the best in others. I always admired your focus and clear sense of purpose. Lauren, you possess a golden pair of hands (you can get almost anything to work!) and an unstoppable work ethic - a rare and wonderful combination. And Jada, you have blossomed into such a brilliant scholar and scientist. Your unshakeable determination, steady calm, and many talents will be huge assets in your future and to your lucky graduate advisor. (I’ll also miss your great book recommendations!)
Being your mentor and teacher has been a wonderful gift to me and it was a joy to watch you grow and develop as scientists. I’ll miss you lots, but I am so excited to watch you go out into the world and do big things. I wish I could celebrate this day with you, in person, as we had all planned. But know that I am with you in spirit, today and always. (I put a sign in my yard, too!)
