"Way to go, Mommy!"

Last Friday was a special day. When I picked the kids up from daycare, I asked them if they had a good day. They both muttered and eventually admitted there was something they enjoyed. Then Samantha said, "Did you have fun today mom?". I told them that I had some really good news at work which was going to allow me to be a scientist for awhile longer. I told them I wanted to do some experiments to study why some people's stomachs get sick and that other scientists liked my experiments and ideas and were going to give me money to do them. Samantha said, "OH". I thought, I just confused them, but...Andrew said, "Way to go, Mommy! Yay!" and he clapped. He then chanted it a few times. It was very sweet. I know they don't truly understand, but they could feel my excitement.

I know many of my family and friends don't understand the 'system' or the politics behind writing grants and getting funding. I certainly don't want to use our blog to try to give a tutorial, but here are just a few points. Even when working at a University you must have funding. Funding is job security, a way to pay for the research, salary, and the salary of people who choose to work for you. One grant is not enough unless you have heavy adminstrative responsiblities, so there is always pressure to get more funding. I have been funded 100% on a 'Career Development Award' for the last 2.5 years. Hopefully, the my new grant will be through by the time that that award runs up. The new grant is a larger grant and for 4 years of research, but doesn't cover 100% of my salary or my 'effort' (designated time allotted to the particular project). I will be seeking a tenure-track position, hiring 2-3 people, likely moving into my own lab space and office, and trying to find collaborators/responsiblity to bring up my effort and cover my salary. All of this will require negogiations and will be a new experience for me. Please pray for me. Many of you know that several months ago I questioned what God was calling me to. I saught some opportunities that didn't pan out and I finally came to peace with taking it day by day and doing the best job I could with the opportunities in front of me. He has brought me to this new opportunity. I am excited. I am nervous. I am humbled that God believes I can handle it all! Please pray for our family as we adjust to the new pressures.