I got an announcement for a Ph.D. defense seminar last week. Among the many different types of invitations I receive from time to time, I rank the thesis defense flyer up there with birth and wedding announcements. One’s defense is not usually the hardest test of graduate school; I feel that the doctoral qualifying exam deserves that honor. Rather, the thesis defense is a chance to showcase your accomplishments, to swat the questions away like Kong with airplanes, and then to celebrate years of grueling work. At that moment in time, you stand as the world’s foremost expert on something and it is an unforgettable experience. It is also a much relished opportunity to roast your thesis advisor. The best example of the latter that I’ve seen was during my friend Jay Shendure’s defense where he presented a series of curious observations, all supporting the conclusion that his advisor, George Church, was in fact not of the human species.
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The Red Pill by M. William Lensch
Though speaking mainly to life sciences research in and around Boston, I occasionally delve into other topics.
congratulations for receiving news of your final stage in the postgraduate study!! how i truly agree with you that the thesis defense is not the most grueling part – it is the qualifying exam… i remembered how i was grilled ruthlessly by the examiners during my qualifying exam, to the extent that i wanted to walk out midway of my presentation. but by the time of my thesis defense, everything went smoothly despite the short notice. you’re the only one who knows best about your project, you just need to convince the examiners (and the audience). you have come this far, put in your last step to finish this race : ) all the best!!