february 2026

After a long, freezing January, a symmetrical February has arrived. SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by Kehlani’s Toxic. FEBRUARY BREAK A week away in the sun and warmth of the Mexican riviera will do wonders for the soul and one’s sleep debt. After an exhilarating winter term, I decided not to repeat the […]

JANUARY 2026

Apologies for the one week delay – every few years it happens, but the new cadence works better for the spring semester. A few years back, I stopped making New Year’s resolutions, but I still have goals for 2026. SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by Happy from Doja Cat’s album, Vie. WINTER BREAK […]

DECEMBER 2025

My last blog was incorrect. NOW the cold has arrived! SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by Gorgeous from Doja Cat’s new album, Vie. THANKSGIVING There’s nothing like a week of warmth, sun, and familial love to restore the soul and tease you with leisure at the end of a busy semester. The week […]

NOVEMBER 2025

The cold, dark, and snow (can you believe it!?) has arrived with only a few weeks until the start of holiday season. This month’s blog is shorter and sweeter than usual because I have a lot of work to do. SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by Cards from Doja Cat’s new album, Vie. […]

OCTOBER 2025

It’s peak autumn in the Northeast. Bring out the hearty meals and crack open the warm beverages! SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by Jealous Type from Doja Cat’s new album, Vie. And, yes, I am obsessed with it. It reeks of the 80s. MIDWAY We’re halfway through October and the semester! I still […]

SEPTEMBER 2025

I’m drafting the first version of this blog on a 6-hour layover at Amsterdam Schipol airport. SONG INSPIRATION This blog is inspired by Emmit Fenn’s single, Painting Greys. HELSINKI Given the current funding climate and the lack of a permanent position, I am seizing every opportunity to share my science with the community. I’ve never […]

AUGUST 2025

Summer ends. Leaves turn. Fall approaches. SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by MONEY by LISA. FALL APPROACHES – NEW COURSE AND ANOTHER CYCLE Less than 2 weeks until classes start. The dregs of summer are almost over. The upcoming semester feels a lot different than previous ones. On the one hand, I’m teaching […]

JULY 2025

It’s peak summer! Time to grind and reflect. SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by Yung L.A.’s 2008 track Ain’t I. SWITZERLAND – ANOTHER WEEK OF SCIENCE Despite the oppressive heatwave that descended over Europe in late June, I had a wonderful time in Zurich and Geneva. While the cultural differences in either city […]

JUNE 2025

As we approach the end of June, I write this blog from multiple locations: a train en route to Brussels, a hotel room in Brussels, a train en route to Zurich, and a business hotel in Zurich. SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by Post Malone’s “I Like You” featuring Doja Cat. EDINBURGH – […]

MAY 2025 – PART ii

The lush green of Vermont heralds the beginning of summer and the second blog of the month! SONG INSPIRATION Taeko Onuki’s 4:00 AM (from the album Mignonne) START OF SUMMER The semester ended 2 weeks ago, and I submitted my grades last week. I taught mostly seniors this past spring, so the earlier deadline for […]