I was recently lucky enough to have been able to attend a mini conference for my workplace in Canmore literally surrounded on all sides by the Canadian Rockies. It was an awesome weekend away, my first out of Calgary since we arrived. The conference itself was fantastic and consisted of postdocs and grad students presenting their work to us over a day of seminars. The research was top notch not and I have to say that I am really impressed with the way the PhD is structure in North America v Australia/NZ. Basically they start off with 2 years of course work and a little bit of research and then spend another 2 to 3 years after the initial phase solely undertaking research and maybe working as a TA. You are also usually expected to have a Masters (2years research/coursework) before you start. What it means is that you are in uni a lot longer, but by the time you start your PhD you are actually a lot better prepared for the trials that it will you through. The caliber of the work these students presented was amazing given most of them had started in August 07.
After the day of talks we got to let our haid down at dinner, where we had yummy maple smoked duck for an entree, Alberta beef for the main and a yummy mango mousse for dessert. The company was spectacular and I have to say that it was nice to finally be able to meet the people in my field. It makes work a lot easier when you can put names and faces together!
The view from my hotel.
The Rockies as we were driving out.James and I are both pretty flat chat at work these days. Below are shots of our buildings (so you can at least visualise where we are talking about!). I think my only real complaint about being at the U of C is the fact that it is sponsored by Pepsi, there are no cokd products sold at all on campus which also means no Sprite!!! It really sucks as the 7-Up they serve as "lemonade" tastes like dirt!!
James work.
My work.I hope you are all safe and well and will post again soon!
Love Telle
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