Shaun's Thesis Defense...

I am so proud of Shaun!! Last Thursday he defended his Master's thesis and passed with flying colors! He has worked so hard! Many of the holiday breaks were spent on his laptop cracking away at it!

For those of you who don't know about the actual defense part (like me before Shaun came along.) this is the process. First, his mentor professor introduced him and gave a little background about Shaun. Then Shaun had about 30 minutes to present his research, findings, etc. Then the general public can ask him questions about his work. After that portion they send the general public away and close the doors. At this point, his committee can ask him ANY question they want to. It doesn't even have to relate to his project. Basically any science question out there is fair game. (Yikes!!) They grilled him for awhile and then they send him away while they discuss if he should pass, etc. Well, they loved him and he did great! One professor on his committee said on the way out, "well that was easy." Shaun asked his mentor what that meant and he said that his thesis was well written and needed very few changes. What a compliment! Many thanks to the many people who have helped Shaun get to this point! His lab buddies have been a great help to him! Along with family and friends! Thank you for support!!

You may be asking what is next?? He is currently looking into PhD programs and we will see where it feels right for us to go. I am very grateful for the time we have had in Utah. Shaun's master's program has been such a blessing in our lives. Though at times it hasn't been easy, we have really been helped along the way!

Good work Shaun! I am so proud of you!!