Scientists Playing 2020

From my vaults: A scan of an 8x10 glossy taken in July 1981 at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories (NY). This was right at the start of the "genetic revolution" and genetic engineering. At the time, I was receiving post-doctoral training in Advanced Bacterial Genetics at CSH and couldn't resist the shot, as it precisely captured my sense of wonder, awe, and fun at what we were doing. During my time at CSH, I met several Nobel laureates, including (the now infamous) Jim Watson and one of my personal heroes, Barbara McClintock, who was tending her vegetable garden when I happen upon her as I walked one morning to the lab.

I thought it was apropos to post this photo now, given the tremendous strides science made this year in helping to bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those scientists made a difference this year, and I am grateful for their efforts. (Of course, spending the better part of 40 years in science and microbiology may have given me a slight bias, but cest la vie.)

Happy Holidays,

Bob