The Beginning

In late June, I made my way to Umeå, Sweden, for the department retreat, marking the beginning of my journey in a new academic setting.

I was in for a pleasant surprise when I arrived. The days were very warm, and the sun seemed to have no intention of setting, creating a fascinating atmosphere. This was my first visit to Umeå during summer, and I had expected cooler weather, but the extended daylight hours and the summery vibes were certainly not what I had anticipated.

The department retreat was a great opportunity to meet almost everyone in the department, and it provided a warm and welcoming introduction to my new academic family. The highlight of the trip was signing my contract. I attached a selfie I took after sealing the deal, capturing a moment filled with excitement and anticipation for my upcoming work.

I stayed in Umeå for four days, and the experience further fueled my anticipation for the official start of my lab in October. It was an encouraging start to this new chapter. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the lab and beyond as we continue this journey together. Cheers to the bright side of science and warm welcomes!