My newest adventure: Florida

So one of my goals in 2014 was to apply for a faculty position... and I got one! I am so excited about this adventure, I am joining the faculty of the University of North Florida in the department of Chemistry. At the end of the day this job has all but one of my dream list items (it is missing a football team, silly I know but I would have loved to have one). I promise to write more about the job search but I thought I would share some of the excitement about the job I have. There is so much excitement about this job, I will get a small research group and teach 3 classes a semester. I am pumped to be able to train the future scientists, I feel like I have so much to offer.

Here are 5 things that convinced me to take the job:

-Very competitive start up funds (more than I dreamed)
-Ideal teaching load and class size (3 classes a semester and the lectures are about 100 kids)
-Close to the beach

-After the chair offered me the job she sent an email about dog parks and dog friendly events in Jacksonville
-I felt like I fit in well with the department

I know that this adventure will be super difficult but I am excited to move onto it.

About to sign the document, accepting their offer!!!

I know I look equal parts excited and terrified in the picture, but honestly that is how I feel when I realize that in a few months I am going to pack up all my stuff and be the boss. OMG this is insane. Lily is pretty pumped about getting to hit up the dog friendly beaches... well she is probably going to hate every single second but I am going to love it.

Hello Florida! I am so excited about living the beach life! Also I think I want my students to call me Dr. M...