Jean was on the verge of completing her Ph.D. in biochemical engineering.  As her research included studying bacterial growth and innovative methods for enhancing the efficiency of bacterial growth, a critical component was a peristaltic pump.  Jean was spending countless hours in the laboratory, determined to make a significant breakthrough.

But, then one afternoon in the lab the pump to the bacterial fermenter broke.  Jean needed this pump to work so she could continue to feed the bacteria with her new formulation thus seeing if she could improve bacterial growth.  She opened up the back of the pump and found that there were two wires that had become detached.  The experiment was crucial for her dissertation, and the pressure was mounting.  And without thinking Jean grabbed the two wires to reconnect them.  But, she forgot to unplug the pump.

A surge of electricity shot through her body, causing her to fall back. Jean was sitting on the floor, both surprised and confused.

For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. Jean, despite the shock coursing through her, quickly assessed the situation. She realized that she had inadvertently closed the circuit while working on the pump.  The initial shock subsided, but adrenaline continued to pulse through her veins.

Ignoring the tingling sensation in her fingers, Jean took a deep breath and, with a determined mindset, examined the damaged components. The experiment was critical, and she couldn’t afford to waste any time.  The clock was ticking, and her dissertation deadline loomed closer.

Drawing on her knowledge and expertise, Jean meticulously troubleshooted the issue.  The pump was fixed.  However, she recognized her good fortune.  She could have been hurt more than just getting knocked to the floor.  Throughout her career Jean recognized the need to take time, plan out experiments, think about what could go wrong and if possible work potential problems into alternate plans.  

While careful planning became part of Jean’s scientific repertoire getting knocked to the proverbial ground would happen again.