So I had a very busy semester between TA stuff and research. My qualifying exam is this spring, so I'm starting to get seriously worried that I won't have a solid research plan in time. Guess what I'm doing for the next few weeks. Yep, writing a research proposal. I'm working with David Mohrig now, studying the effects of hurricanes on Gulf Coast barrier islands. A little different than last year, but a lot more fun for me. I was in San Francisco for the week before Christmas, at the big geology conference that happens there every year. I presented my work, drank some free beer, and enjoyed all the delicious Thai and Japanese restaurants near Union Square. After the conference, I took a little roadtrip with a couple friends up to Redwoods National Park, where we hiked and camped for a couple days. We then crossed the Coastal range to visit Lassen volcano (snowshoeing and skiing!!!) and spend a night at my friend Lauren's house (with 4 dogs, 3 cats, 6 sheep, and a lonely goose!) Then I flew back to Chicago for the family solstice celebration (we're kinda over christmas these days). I'm back in Austin now, and so happy to be hanging out with Jasper again (my miniature poodle, adopted him three months ago!)
There's the update on what I've been doing the last couple months or so. Happy new year ladies!!!!!!
~katie
