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From the College of Natural Sciences
Concentration Consideration
Dear Students,In CNS, we rightfully spend a lot of time honing our technical and analytical science skills. As important as these skills are, scientific success also depends on social-interpersonal skills that enable people to collaborate across diverse perspectives, expertise and experience. Indeed, studies show that diverse research groups produc...Time for a Contest
Dear Students,Wow. People really do have strong feelings about the Texas Science t-shirt. Almost 800 students responded to my poll last week, and a whopping 641 of them (81.97%) voted that it is time for an update. So, update we will!A number of students proposed having a design contest. I think that's a great idea. Let's do it. The college will pr...Time to Take Stock
Dear Students,As we head into October, many of you are finishing your first round of exams. If so, now's a great time to take stock. Whether your performance was fantastic or disappointing, take a moment to acknowledge yourself for taking on the challenge. Also, think about what you did to prepare, what worked and what didn't. Remember that exams a...Make Your Impact
Dear Students,We talk a lot about the amazing science and math our CNS students and alumni are doing. But the impacts of our community outside of science are equally inspiring. Last week, I attended two events that really brought this home for me.One event was the CNS Hall of Honor induction ceremony, which recognizes alumni and other friends of CN...If Coursework Is a Struggle
Dear Students,Four weeks into the semester, and I'll bet classes have started to "get real." Exams on the horizon…. assignments coming due… maybe you've even fallen behind in a class or can't seem to grasp an important concept. It is normal this time of the semester to feel you're struggling with coursework. So, what should you do?First, give yours...Life After College
Dear Students,What I'm about to write might sound strange so early in the academic year, but hear me out: Now's a great time to work on plans for your life post-college.Career planning is one of those things that many of us put off because it's stressful and confusing, or because we just don't know where to begin. But, as with other challenges you ...Three Habits for Success
Dear Students,And just like that, we are 1/15th through the fall semester. We've just gotten started, and there's a lot of exciting stuff to look forward to this semester. But, trust me, it's going to go by fast. So, now's a great time to start the routines or habits that will set you up for success this semester. Here are my top 3 recommendations:...Start Your Year Off Strong
Dear Students,Welcome to the start of a new year in the College of Natural Sciences! As most of you know by now, I'm Michael Drew, the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education in CNS. I think I have the best job at UT because I get to work with students like you across CNS and make sure your time here is the best it can be.Each week, I send email...Almost There
Dear Students,You are almost there. As we head into finals, here are a couple reminders to help you finish the semester strong:Remember what I said about sleep a few weeks ago? It's still true. Sleep will help strengthen the learning you work so hard at during the day. Make quality sleep a priority.There's no such thing as multitasking. Find a quie...What Connects Us
Dear Students,Last week, CNS hosted author and scientist Joseph Osmundson, who gave a talk that was both moving and fascinating. One thing really resonated with me as Dr. Osmundson read passages from his new book Virology: Essays for the Living, the Dead, and the Small Things in Between. What was special about this talk was how the science was wove...A Virtual High Five
Dear Students,The past week has been special with several events in CNS celebrating the accomplishments of our undergraduates, including the Aspire Banquet, Honors Day and Second-Year Excellence Awards. It's been inspiring to hear about, celebrate and meet some amazing CNS students. Congratulations to all those who participated!Whether you particip...Ready, Set... Go!
Dear Students,On Saturday I had the chance to attend my first CNS Science Sprint. A sprint is a one-day event in which teams of undergraduates work together on interesting real-world problems. At the sprint I attended, student teams worked with CNS data scientists to find ways to use data to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in our college. A...Think About 3 Minutes
Dear Students,Welcome back! I hope spring break offered you a chance to have some fun and recharge. As we dive back in and work to finish the semester strong, I'll share with you a strategy that might help you get on a more consistent study schedule, if you ever struggle with that.A habit change can start with something small. I completely changed ...Telescopes, Flowers, and AI (Oh, My!)
Dear Students,Last week was a special week for CNS and UT: in case you missed it, there were a lot of events, including a huge concert, to mark the launch of UT's capital campaign. Attending the events reminded me how lucky I am to work in a college and university with many amazing people and opportunities. Here are few of the cool things I heard a...Read It Now
Read our publication, The Texas Scientist, a digest covering the people and groundbreaking discoveries that make the College of Natural Sciences one of the most amazing and significant places on Earth.
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