May, the gateway to summer, is here! If the temps are any indication, this summer is going to sizzle.
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do For Love”.
BITTERSWEET
Spring has sprung. Longer days, warmer temperatures, and the cascade of greenery across the landscape. The weather made for a lovely train south of the Mason Dixon Line to spend a weekend with my godson. Spending quality time with him was an eye-opening experience. He’s so smart, curious, and adorable. To be honest, I’ve never felt much of a connection with children. It’s hard for me to understand them – to anticipate their needs or know how to interact with them. His mother, one of my best friends, assured me it’s not too difficult and after a weekend of animal sounds, picture books, and funny faces, I can confirm that it’s possible for me to have heartfelt interactions with a little human. I’m going to miss him and his parents so much when they leave the US. The next time I see him he’ll speak in full sentences. I hope the world is a better place by then, and I hope that his godfather is still sane.
END OF THE SEMESTER
Deep exhale. Spring 2026 has almost come to an end. For me, summer break begins once grading, theses defenses, and recurring meetings have subsided. This has been an exhausting semester for many academics myself included. It’s not easy to teach in times of mayhem, and it’s certainly not easy to teach 2 classes after a four-week upper-level winter course. As the semester winds down, I’ve found myself reflecting on the challenges, lessons learned, and moments of appreciation. I bonded with wonderful students, generated a plethora of happy memories with close friends, and experienced the 8th circle of academic hell. I’m optimistic about the summer, and I am hopeful for the next academic year. However, right now the goal is to rest and recover. Well, at least after I return from Europe.
HOFFNUNGSLOS IN WIEN
This week I’m in the gorgeous capital of Austria attending the European Geophysical Union annual meeting, a large geoscience conference that draws ~18,000 attendees to the city every spring. One of my students and I presented posters on the progress of our ongoing research. He killed it, and we both had a great time chatting with fellow scientists who offered banter and constructive recommendations. I love providing this opportunity to students. I didn’t have much mentorship in college on how to navigate and utilize scientific meetings. I get a kick out of watching my student’s present their work. It’s one of the best parts of the job. An added bonus of conferences is the social aspect. I ran into acquaintances from graduate school and met new early career researchers. I also had a chance to share a delicious meal with a friend from graduate school who I last reconnected with at a conference in Helsinki.
Aside from science, I’ve also made time to enjoy the spectacle of Vienna. The weather has been spectacular this week with warm sunny days and cool, clear nights. I participated in a walking tour of historic Vienna and learned a plethora of information about the Hapsburg family and 18th – 20th century Austria. I had the pleasure of exploring different areas of the city thanks in part to my close friend and writing partner who lives here. We had a lovely and productive dose of quality time – much needed after 2 years of video chats. Of course, I’ve eaten my share of wiener schnitzel and enjoyed the delicious, and strong, coffee. Not to mention the architecture, outdoor spaces, and the seamless public transportation – I can’t get enough of this city!
CURRENT BOOKS AND SHOWS
Recently finished reading: Data Science for Dummies
Currently reading: New York 2140; Petrology and Plate Tectonics: an Earth Systems Approach
- Data Science for Dummies was dry, as expected, but select sections were informative.
Recently finished watching: Law and Order (s8); Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (s1); The Pitt (s2)
- Law and Order remains a staple for my mornings before work and whenever I need background noise.
- Monarch Legacy of Monsters was more fun and interesting than I expected, and honestly, a better and fuller view of the new monster-verse featuring Godzilla and King Kong.
- Season 2 of The Pitt was another rollercoaster of nail-biting anxiety and edge of your seat tension. I’m very excited to see where they go for season 3.
Currently watching: Invincible (s4); Jujitsu Kaisen (s3 – The Culling Game); Law and Order (s9); Scrubs (2026 – s1); The Floor (s5)
Thank you for reading! The next blog is scheduled for Thursday, June 4th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 