My road to Dundee began 3000 miles to the west in State College, Pennsylvania. It was there that I was fortunate enough to land a summer job in the lab of Jerry Workman, which ignited within me an interest in chromatin biology and academic research. It was also in Jerry’s lab where I first met a slightly mad, yet brilliant Tom Owen-Hughes. When Tom offered me the possibility to pursue a PhD in his new lab at the GRE I was motivated by the possibility to learn from the best. Of Dundee, and the GRE I knew little.
Of course that changed quickly as I moved across the pond and began my studies It is a decision that I have never regretted. The GRE was relatively young when I began, but that made it all the more exciting. There was a sense of camaraderie among the group leaders that was tangible, and set the tone for an excellent work environment. The open plan laboratories made for a highly interactive environment both scientifically and socially. In the end, not only did I learn from the best but also I did so within a scientific environment that remains, in my opinion, unparalleled.
As for Dundee itself, I moved there with the attitude that although Dundee does not have much to offer, Edinburgh is quick train-ride away. Funnily enough I did not find myself in Edinburgh that often. Dundee is a small jewel, and I know that today with the development of the waterfront and the construction of the V&A, it shines even brighter than it did during my time there.
