Comprehensive

Part of being able to continue as a doctoral student is passing a comprehensive.  From what I understand it is a couple hour oral exam from a board of experts on the subject in which you are hoping to write your thesis on.  There is a paper that needs to be written as long as a presentation on what your project is so far.  From that they ask you things pertaining to your research and what you know about physics.  Sounds terrible to me.  Gaetan had his the Monday after the crazy week helping my sister, so I think the word 'fried' doesn't even touch how he was feeling.  He did great though.  The presentation looked awesome and his paper was much longer than it needed to be.  They told him that he didn't pass, but it was because they thought that he didn't have enough research to back all the theory he had.  No worries though, he will get another chance in a few months... and I'm sure that the circumstances and situations before his comprehensive will be much less stressful.  They really liked his project and what his thesis will be on and really the only thing they said was holding him back was not enough results... which, in time, will come.  :)  We are extremely proud of Papa and all his hard work.  You are kicking butt and taking names and are truly amazing.

The man, all dressed like a boss getting ready for his presentation

Have to keep with making treats for special occasions!

JVG