We value the empiricism that leads to these truths, and we appreciate how they help humanity. So it is with this backdrop that I look with bewilderment at plots that show the US having nearly 1,500 cases of COVID-19 per million residents, while others have 100 or fewer cases per million residents, including Canada and all of Europe. As of today, more than 150,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus.

I came to understand that there can be inherent beauty in writing, that you can convey your voice through writing once you find it. I like to think that my struggles made me a better writer and gave me the patience to be a good teacher.

Here we are in the time of Coronavirus and we have to remember how wrong each of us can be.  We can’t let our guard down or think we are in control of the situation. 

Getting our ducks in a row, avoiding surprises, being absolutely sure. These aren’t such bad things. I don’t want to run out of gas on a long road trip. I don’t want to show up at the hotel for a seminar trip and find I’ve forgotten my shoes (yes, it happened). And I don’t want my students to run out of lab supplies. Being sure, being secure, being confident. Much of the time, these are good things.

Let’s face it scientists, our public image isn’t always great.  The media often portrays us as mad scientists, on the fringe of society, and more than a little bit socially awkward. Take, for example, The Big Bang Theory, which I secretly love.  Truth be told, however, science is a social enterprise. 

Since a very young age, I’ve been interested in creativity.  When I was a kid, I listened to music all the time, and over the years I’ve accumulated quite a record and CD collection.  I love going to art museums when I travel, and I’ve always enjoyed reading poetry and good books. But more than any one piece of music, art, or writing, I’ve been fascinated with the creative process.  

It is the start of a new year, indeed a new decade. I get reflective this time of year. I pause to think about what I’ve done (and not done) and about what I value. During the first group meeting of the year, I give what I call the “State of the Group” address.