Jean Bowman, eventually became a Ph.D. candidate. She found herself deeply immersed in her research on bacterial growth patterns. Her experiment aimed to unravel the mysteries of a particular strain’s behavior under unique environmental conditions. The nature of her study demanded precise and frequent data collection, and Jean was determined to leave no stone unturned.
Jean planned out a detailed sampling schedule that required her to collect bacterial samples every two hours. The strain she was studying exhibited rapid growth, and these frequent samples were essential to capture the nuances of its life cycle.
As the days progressed, Jean realized that staying true to her schedule meant sacrificing precious hours of sleep. Undeterred by fatigue, she decided to set up a makeshift camp in her laboratory. At night the sterile white walls echoed with the soft hum of incubators, creating a surreal atmosphere as Jean transformed her workspace into a temporary home.
Equipped with a sleeping bag, a small portable stove, and a determination that could move mountains, Jean embraced the unconventional lifestyle of a dedicated researcher.
Jean’s family was puzzled by her decision. As a graduate student there are long hours and the stipend barely pays for living expenses. Her mother was a secretary at a cosmetics company while her dad was a mechanic. Interestingly, Jean felt like what she was doing was very much like her dad and being a mechanic. A young scientist is required to be at the bench collecting data. And, a good scientist needs a “good pair of hands.” The ability to work with your hands to collect, store and measure samples accurately is important.
This is what Jean was thinking as she relaxed in the lab late at night waiting for the next sample. Jean thought about her dad. She remembered his stories about the jet engines and watched him fix their home car engines. To her both she and her dad were using their hands to build something.
Jean’s mind wandered back to the task at hand. The routine of collecting samples became a delicate dance between the diligent scientist and the rhythmic growth of the bacteria. Every two hours, like clockwork, Jean would wake from her makeshift cot, slip into her lab coat, and head over to the fermenters. The data she meticulously collected revealed a previously undiscovered growth pattern that would redefine the understanding of bacterial behavior in similar conditions. Her sleep-deprived nights and tireless efforts were not in vain; she collected the data she needed.