Congratulations EJ on your first RIP in lab!

On May 22, EJ delivered his first research in progress (RIP) presentation since joining the Casali Lab. Research in progress presentations are usually done twice in a graduate student's career to demonstrate to his faculty and fellow graduate students, the progress being achieved towards a research goal. In answering a question posed by one of the attending professors, EJ stated that he aims to keep his research goals "ambitious enough, but not overly ambitious such that it is unrealistic" which drew approval from the faculty. In the words of some of the attendees, his research projects are truly ambitious and realistic and it would be interesting to see his next RIP to see the results of the proposed studies. Unlike most graduate students, EJ has the unique experience of a chemistry background, and a biochemistry background from previous research experiences here at UCI and at the University of Miami where he completed his undergraduate degree. On reflecting on the overall direction of his research EJ plans on focusing his work towards a central project on which to base his thesis. His involvement with various projects around the lab have given him a firm foundation in the workings of the lab. We are lucky to have someone with his level of expertise and ambition, which we are sure will contribute greatly to the success of our research group.