What is a Craftsperson?
IGERT Fellows who are about 6 months shy of defending their Ph.D. will present their data (probably not completely written into thesis form yet). This “data defense” gives the faculty an opportunity to spot problems in time to correct them prior to the final defense. Students who impress at this point are declared “Craftperson”–someone who knows macromolecular systems from top to bottom, who can work with their hands and mind and heart to the betterment of society through science. Being so designated has a very tangible reward: the student can do a “predoc” or “finishing school” experience at another great laboratory anywhere in the world. It is even possible to roam from one lab to another, looking at different ways of doing things…and different places of possible future employment. At our expense! This is a great way to find out if that super scientist you have been hoping to work for as a postdoc is also a good person. It gives said super scientist the chance to see you, too, bef
