Saturday, September 6, 2008

That's DOCTOR Harris to you...

WARNING: Lots of bragging going on here...

You might have heard our sigh of relief from across the country last night. My amazing husband finished his 5 year long journey of graduate school (brag note: average PhD in his program is earned in 7 years, typically without a wife and 3 kids) and earned himself the title of Dr. Todd Harris. We still can't believe it's officially over. He defended his thesis yesterday at MIT in front of a large group of listeners including his thesis committee who sat front and center while he convinced them with his research and findings that he was worthy of such a degree. I was so excited because I thought I was really going to be able to take it all in with no distracting children around and incredible images on powerpoint that would help conceptualize what he was talking about. After an hour of "nano this," and "peptide that" I was maybe more confused than I was going in. Everyone else in the room seemed to understand what he was talking about. MIT shmem-I-T. However, he did an exceptional job and in the end he was awarded with a PhD and I was awarded with a happy and relieved hubby and lots to brag about. Go Todd! Let's celebrate!

Todd with Nobel Prize winning Dr. Phil Sharp (on Thesis committee)
With Bob Langer, thesis committee
With Sangeeta Bhatia, Todd's P.I. also on the committee
Lab members and friends
Undergrads (UROPS) who gave their blood, sweat, and tears in helping with the research (Peter, Mary and Jayanthi)

With Geoff, our good friend and Todd's lab partner for the past 5 years, will one day be very famous
The supportive family-thanks Kelli and Jared for coming!
The proud parents, also enjoying the bragging rights
Phew! We're done. Now on to a job so we can pay back some serious student loans.

20 comments:

Giandrea said...

geez ... nice work!

Nathan said...

You da man Todd. I didn't find out until after I talked to you today. Nice work!

darcie said...

i'm so impressed. it's like i always say: if you can't be a genius, it sure is nice to know some. that's the first time i've said it but it ring true in my ears.

WinnFamily said...

Congrats Todd, you are amazing. And congrats to you Ashley, for getting through the last 5 years.

Nancy said...

Dr Harris we are so proud of you! We wish we could have been there to be proud of you and befuddled as we tried to figure out the details of your research. We will watch the video soon, though.

Lindsay Dickson said...

Congratulations!!! (to you all). That is so wonderful! I dream of being able to take a similar sigh of relief soon.:)

Harris Beach Bums said...

Congratulations Dr. and Mrs. Harris! We are so proud of both of you! It's quit an accomplishment! Here's to the first day of the rest of your new life. We love you guys!

Kimberly said...

Congratulations!!! It's very impressive that you were able to balance an (accelerated) intense program, 3 kids, and still do all the fun things you do as a family. Celebrate big...you've earned it!

Ann said...

We have watched both of you...in awe...especially the past month as you balanced 3 energetic boys, illness, moving in, moving out, a week in Montauk...Todd making final preparations for his thesis defense and studying (all night) in preparation for his impressive consulting job...Ashley calm, sleep-deprived, homeless and positive as a single mom. You both deserve a big Congratulations!!!!

megan said...

What a crazy last month!! But to end in such a celebration, I'm sure, is worth it. Todd, many congrats. We are always impressed with how hard you worked and that you still managed to spend quality time with your boys and wife. Ash...unbelievable. You are amazing and it's been THE BEST to have been here with you most of the ride. We love you guys and miss you.

Andi said...

Yay, how exciting! Todd is MUCH smarter than I am. That doesn't even sound remotely fun to me. I am very proud of you both for getting through it.

Barrett said...

Congratulations Todd and Ash. You are both superawesome and should be proud of yourselves.

Kristin said...

Todd is officially Dr. Genius.

Craig said...

congrats!

Burnett Family said...

Way to go!! That must feel good to be done and be DR. Todd!!!

Whitney said...

Congrats you guys! That is pretty darn cool. Mason and I miss you guys.

Jen said...

congratulations on being done with school. Chris has just started his residency in Rochester NY. we have another 5 years to go.

Britty said...

way to go Harris clan. we never doubted you. if there's one thing i've heard Barrett say it's, "Todd's the man!"

Brooke said...

Welcome to the DR. club!!!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATUFREAKINLATIONS!!!! Way to go Todd. Way to go Ash!