Student SPHere 2008-09

Its been another busy week, but there are only a few left. Life has been really busy lately, as I alluded to in the last posting. So this past weekend I took a break and spent time with my wife. We went to a friend’s house on Friday night, played some Wii, ate pizza and just enjoyed the company of good friends. Then we spent a relaxing day shopping on Saturday. Ok it was not that relaxing, some of the stores were crazy. I had to wait for parking at the mall and in multiple lines to purchase stuff. Its been a while since I saw so many people shopping. We ended up practically finishing our Christmas shopping. It’s amazing how hanging out with loved ones and friends can recharge your batteries. I did not even attempt to start my hw until Sunday evening, a mistake, as Monday came with a vengeance. Its that time of year when papers are due. I have two more to finish up, two more tests and finals to worry about now. I am sure going to be thankful for Thanksgiving break next week.

Well yesterday capped off almost a year of my life, as the report, formally know as my master’s project was released to the public. I started working on this project in December 2007. I kinda had an idea of where it would take me, but never really imagined reworking parts of the master’s project with my master’s advisor Dr. Osterholm for publication. Its really been an educational experience learning how to work with industry and government on content, trying to understand the interdependencies in public health on other industries and learning how to write/research with more direction and clarity. I know I am not done working on this topic, just that the report if done. Now is an exciting time, as the report is getting distributed and feedback is coming in. It’s pretty cool. We are working on a proposal to look at the problem the report highlighted in more detail, so the work continues. You can read Pandemic Influenza, Electricity, and the Coal Supply: Addressing Crucial Preparedness Gaps in the United States here if you’re so inclined. I would love to know what you think of it.

I am looking forward to a somewhat relaxing weekend. I have a paper to work on, an exam to prepare for and a presentation to finish. The relaxing part of the weekend will be the U of M vs Iowa football game tomorrow. My brother-in-law and his fiancée are coming up tonight (from Iowa) for the game tomorrow. It should be interesting; two of us will be in maroon and gold tomorrow. I am hopeful the gophers can pull a win out of their last game in the dome.

Little public service announcement…SPH apparel is still available to order until Tuesday November 25 at 2pm. More info here.