Returning to Campus

COVID19 has resulted changed so many things in university life.

Since March 2020, the campus has been running at very limited capacity. Very few in person classes have been held. Some labs are conducting research within careful safety guidelines.

I miss the students, I miss the hustle and bustle of campus. I miss the scientific banter in the halls. I do not miss the drive or the search for parking when I get home. The Biology department has had one class on campus both fall 2020 and spring 2021, and even then, only with 6-8 students at a time to get their hands on training. Some labs are working hard to make progress in their research safely. Our new faculty Dr. Alvarado and Dr. Tajerian have permission to get onto campus and ensure their research is minimally impacted. I am so impressed by their planning and motivation during this difficult time. The department also has a lab focused on COVID research by Dr. Dennehy. This lab has been so busy trying to learn as much as possible about the virus, its spread in an urban environment and help with the struggle as much as possible. They have needed to expand their workspace to our teaching labs in order to ensure proper social distancing.

My lab is quiet. Becoming Department Chair during this time has required a lot of my attention. In addition, the NYC public schools are closed so my children are doing school from home. I go to campus once or twice a week to keep things moving, breed the fish, support the few students doing research in the lab. I miss it, I worry about the research progress and the students but staying home is the right thing for me. I have been working of writing papers and grants, designing new research projects and building collaborations. It is a time of reflection so that I can return to the lab with my best work ahead of me.

Looking forward to a world where I can return fully to campus. For now, stay safe, stay home if you can and most importantly be kind to yourself.