... how hot would you like that? Oh, I'll have my Pad Thai like I like my conversation, spicy.
Both of these were on the menu at Villa Thai January 24. Dr. Stuart Ravnik, assistant dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at University of Texas Southwest Medical School, hosted a dinner for hungry UBRP students wanting to learn more about graduate school or just looking for an opportunity to socialize with like-minded people.

The dinner followed a seminar, also hosted by Dr. Ravnik, which was very useful for students considering graduate school. This topic of conversation naturally continued at dinner, but quite often diverged down several interesting paths. The group was diverse, including younger undergraduates just getting started in UBRP, veterans that are presently applying for higher degrees, a recent graduate, Carol Bender, and of course our benevolent host. Dr. Ravnik was a great recruiter, mostly because he didn't spend too much time recruiting. He encouraged students to try new things after graduating and, most importantly, to do what is right for them.

Everyone was able to take something away from the dinner. Whether it was new ideas about graduate school, a recommendation for a good novel or a to-be-avoided professor, or even just a free Thai recipe book signed by the owner. The event was definitely worthwhile. Through opportunities like these, students have a chance to build networks with other students and/or mentors. UBRP undergraduates can really benefit from attending these UBRP sponsored occasions. And, for future reference, a number 4 spicy is VERY spicy.

Amy Alabaster, UBRPer in Dr. Roger Miesfeld's Lab, Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics