I am currently in the middle of my first year as a Ph.D. student at CIRL. If I could pick a word to describe my experience here so far it would be challenging. The work I have done here has pushed me to stretch the limits of what I can do. I am learning a lot as a result.
I spend about half of my time on course work and the other half I spend developing my own research interests. I really value having the time and freedom to pursue my own projects. There are many open problems here that I find exciting and interesting, and I have currently chosen one to focus in on. When I have taken a problem as far as I can on my own there are always lots of people to talk to. I can count on someone having an idea or insight that will give me a new perspective or a new approach.
The faculty to student ratio here is great, but even more importantly, office doors are always open. I feel comfortable walking into anyone's office on the spur of the moment to get advice or feedback on whatever happens to be on my mind.
CIRL is a small lab with currently 5 graduate students, 3 faculty, and 2 programmers. The atmosphere is friendly, supportive, and spirited. People clearly enjoy what they are doing and are good at it.
When I need a break from work I spend my time hiking, snow-shoeing and skiing in the Cascades. The landscape is truly inspiring and I am determined not to miss it no matter how busy I am.
Heidi Dixon