all right, here goes...

[dancer1983]

I've been really bad about updating this thing. Partially, because i've been feeling rather negative, tired, bitter, disillusioned, or something in between. But today I think i finally have something positive to write about. But i'll start with some background, since i feel completely out of touch with everyone and really miss you guys

Comments

[flowerfalls]

first, welcome back to LJ! it's good to hear from you

[dancer1983]

Thanks, Katey.

I seem to get get hooked on shows about to end as well. I was absolutely addicted to Blood Ties, now Moonlight. I'm absolutely heart broken. I need my hot vamp fix.

Unfortunately, there seems to be beaurocracy in every field, including science and academics. Although, it's true that the politics in public health are rediculous nearly to the point that so many programs are ineffective because of it.

I'm still trying to decide on the VT offer, i go back and forth. My brother is going to be in FL for a month over the summer, and I also really want to spend time with him, which would be easier if i try to get started up in USF.

I'd love to visit you in Hawaii. ...Ooh tropical paradise, it's tempting ;)

[dancer1983]

I didn't really get a date by which i should respond to the guy at VT. However I'm planning on getting back to him within the next few days. I keep going back and forth. On one had, 2 months over the summer could be perfect before starting in USF in the fall. On the other hand, it could be good to start acclimating to stuff at USF, getting to know people and begin networking, so I can start out really strong. And I'd also like to take a couple of trips over the summer, since I never ended up doing so when I got back from Nicaragua. And i could certainly use the break.

Thanks for the ideas. I shall try to bring out my dazzliness ;)

[aciel]

UT CMB tends to go for people who are "riskier," and not as immediately productive. What kind of stuff are you interested in?

[dancer1983]

In general, my interests are fairly broad within the realm of tropical medicine --but I'm especially interested in parasitology and vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and leishmaniasis. I just went to the UT CMB site, and couldn't get the Research link to work. Although maybe i was clicking in the wrong place.

[aciel]

In that case, you might also consider looking at microbiology and molecular genetics. It's very similar (almost the same classes), but with slightly different faculty.

The website works for me. Perhaps upgrade to the newest Firefox? Oh, and if it's not done loading, the links don't appear to work, so make sure it's finished loading. =)

The nice thing about CMB is that it's a HUGE program. You're pretty much guaranteed to be able to find something. That said, tropical medicine isn't a major focus. One lab that comes to mind is Krug.

You could also talk to my mother. She still works for GWU MTM.

[quirty]

I wish I had something more constructive to say, but this is all I've got: The more time I spend in the work world the more I believe it's rare for people to have linear career paths, so don't stress too much about getting to where your going :)

[dancer1983]

Thanks, Trisha. It really helps to hear that! It's easy to forget.

I'm mostly super-excited to feel like i'm no longer 'stuck' in my current employment and am moving in a forward, productive direction, more in line with my interests =).

[quirty]

Sounds good to me! :)