things are looking good out here in Poky. One of the first things i learned about grad school is the need for money. it's all about money. To get money you have to apply for a lot of grants. I think I applied for 7 student grants. My advisor got a 15,000 dollar grant to cover most of the field expenses for my thesis work this summer, but we needed more money to get mineral age dates (from zircons). We're starting to hear back and so far I'm 3 for 3 on student grants, for a grand total of around $3,400. Together with about the same amount allotted for dating in my advisor's grant, it looks like we'll be able to do the analytical work we were hoping to do. This also will involve a nice 3 week trip to Canberra, Australia next spring, which I am particularly excited about. It looks like we'll get to do some field work too in South Australia. Should be fun! Definately getting excited!

ed