Heather's Dissertation Defense took place in a Science Ed classroom in Aderhold Hall. I arrived early to find several interesting things in that particular classroom. This enclosure is home to a small frog.

I'm told that this is not just any ordinary frog, but a Poison Dart frog. I believe it is quite dangerous.

There are several species of Poison Dart frogs that have varying levels of toxicity. I'm not sure which one this guy belongs to. I still won't be giving him a hug anytime soon.

I happened to be the first person to arrive other than Heather's major professor, Dr. Tippins. My job was to get the tables arranged. Heather arrived shortly after that with cookies. The next order of business was to get the coffee brewing.

Heather's friend and classmate Gretchen arrives.

Another friend and classmate, Jackie, arrives.

Technology has a tendency to be uncooperative at just the right time.

Classmate Ryan arrives to help with the technology.

Have a cookie. You'll feel better.

I think Ryan has things up and running.

Heather's friend Jennifer arrives.

Classmate James arrives.

Dr. Buxton (seated), and classmate Bo arrive.

Dr. Jackson arrives.

I love Dr. Jackson's "Not that kind of doctor" shirt ! He told Heather that he would wear it today just for her.

Dr. Cory Buxton is a member of Heather's committee.

Must . . . Be . . . Serious . . . when dealing with uncooperative technology.

The gang is almost all here.

The technology must be working properly.

Dr. deMarrais arrives.

Dr. Kathleen deMarrais is a member of Heather's committee.

Heather's department sent out an email in advance advertising the Defense, and encouraged everyone to attend and provide support. This was a great idea and worked out really well.

With the gang all present and accounted for, it's time to get things underway.

Time for the festivities to begin !

Dr. Deborah Tippins is Heather's major professor and committee chair.

Dr. Tippins preps the audience on what will be taking place.

Heather will be "defending" her Doctoral Dissertation.

During a "Defense," Heather gives a presentation on her dissertation and fields questions from her committee and from the audience.

While it may look like Dr. Jackson is checking his email and/or playing Angry Birds, he actually has a copy of Heather's dissertation on his laptop and is preparing his questions and comments.

After her presentation concludes, Heather takes questions from her committee - really intense question ! She has to prove that she knows her stuff backwards and forwards.

Once the Q & A is finished, the committee asks everyone to step outside so they can have a closed-door final discussion.

This closed-door committee meeting is not as bad as the term implies. A Doctoral Candidate would not get to the Defense stage if the committee had any reservations at all. But the idea of being asked to "please wait outside" still makes the butterflies in the stomach come to life.

After about 15 minutes, Dr. Tippins comes into the hall with a smile on her face to congratulate "Dr. Rudolph."

Congratulations Dr. Rudolph !

Heather with her committee. Front row L-R: Dr. Kathleen deMarrais, Dr. Heather Rudolph, Dr. Deborah Tippins. Back row L-R: Dr. David Jackson, Dr. Cory Buxton.

Heather with her committee. Front row L-R: Dr. Kathleen deMarrais, Dr. Heather Rudolph, Dr. Deborah Tippins. Back row L-R: Dr. David Jackson, Dr. Cory Buxton.