Graduate school is one of those experiences you can't quite fully describe and people don't fully understand unless they've been through it or have lived with someone who has gone through it. If you haven't read the "About" section you may not know that my background is actually in chemistry. (In case you're interested in giving yourself a headache my dissertation is most likely available at your university science library and here.) For 5.5 years I conducted research under the direction of a professor by the name of Dr. Patrick Holland (or just Pat) - who received the Blavatnik Award for Young Scientists almost exactly one-year ago. It's a BIG DEAL!

In short, "The Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists supports and honors outstanding scientists and engineers... by recognizing their extraordinary achievements as vital contributions to science and society." (nyas.org) Basically you have to be really freaking awesome with great research ideas and a bit of luck that they work out (those of you in the sciences know what I mean). To learn more about the award and/or awardees please visit the video links below: 

Pat's Profile - Watch him talk about his work.

Overview of all the 2013 winners (the cover thumbnail for the video are 2 photos I took! Homepage of an award's website? Don't mind if I do!)

As a way to say 'thank you' to his students Pat graciously hosted a reunion. Different generations of students attended and I reconnected with friends and colleagues - some that I had not seen in nearly 7 years! It was a quick reminder of just how nerdy I truly am. As we reminisced about our days in the lab there were many hilarious stories that made me cry from laughter that I am sure no one else in the restaurant would have found remotely amusing. It was a wonderful night and fantastic to see those that were by my side (quite literally) everyday (also literally) to support me and help me through grad school.

Here are a few from that night. It really was a great time. To those that couldn't make it, we missed you! And to my close friends I gained from my years at Rochester, you are absolutely irreplaceable. 

Held at the Richardson's Canal House in Pittsford, NY.

Apparently I am not the only having issues with the name, Patricia.