What advantages has the SAO Predoctoral Program offered you in terms of your studies and career?

Being at the CfA offers contacts within the scientific community that I don't believe I would have had if I were not in the SAO Predoc Program. My advisor has been very good about introducing me to people I should know.

Are there many opportunities to interact with other graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff scientists in your field?

Yes, absolutely. I've only met a few Harvard graduate students, but I have met quite a few postdocs and staff scientists in my field, around my field and outside of my field.

How would you describe the atmosphere at the CfA?

Enriching. There are so many talks to go to and many brilliant people to have conversations with.

In general how would you characterize the social life of the department, and is it what you expected?

I think I am unusual as a predoc because my host institution is across the river, so I try to be as actively involved at the CfA and Boston University as I can, both scientifically and socially. Despite being at CfA for only part of the week though, I have met many people, especially through coffee hour, and, in general, everybody has been very friendly. Often someone volunteers to introduce me to everybody in a group and I've appreciated that.

Q: What about outside of the lab, do you live far from here?

I actually live 10 minutes away, so it's a great commute!

Do you like living in the Boston area?

I love living in Boston. There's so much to do for all sorts of different interests—restaurants, theater, etc., and I have made many wonderful friends here.

While you are actually in the lab, how much do you work with the other graduate students, the postdocs, and your principle investigator?

I work primarily with my advisor, Martin Elvis, and our collaborator, Guido Risaliti. However, I also worked on a smaller project in the fall and talked to other staff scientists as well.

Would you recommend the SAO Predoctoral Program to other graduate students in your field?

Yes, definitely.

On a typical day, what happens from the time you get here until you leave?

There is no typical day for me, since my schedule varies a lot. I spend my time at CfA meeting with my advisor, going to talks, and chatting with other people (staff scientists, postdocs, and, sometimes, various computer/syshelp people). Most of my in-front-of-the-computer time is spent at my host institution.

Any last thoughts on what you might say to someone who is thinking of coming here?

I would encourage them to get actively involved in the scientific community here as much as they can.