As I get closer to defending my thesis research, the greatest challenge, aside from the thesis itself, has yet to be conquered: finding a date and time at which all my committee members can be present. After several years in graduate school scheduling advisory meetings, then committee meetings, and finally my PhD qualifying and comprehensive exams, I have gained valuable experience in how to get five professors to meet at the same time. But it still hasn't been easy.

At my first advisory meetings, no one except for my main adviser used to show up. On his recommendation, I replaced the members who never attended with professors who took their advising duties more seriously. The problem was solved. With this in mind, I carefully selected my thesis committee on the basis not only of their reputations as scientists, but of their purported social skills and ability to handle students. It has made a big difference.

But despite a great and supportive committee, a defence date has still not been set. This time I must coordinate the schedules of a professor in Bermuda, one on safari in Africa, one travelling the silk road in China, one who remains to be located, and luckily for me, one whose office is next to mine. He was there last time I checked five minutes ago! Wish me luck — and thank you whoever invented e-mail.