Celebrating my PhD, Swiss-style.

This past week at work, we celebrated me getting my PhD, Swiss-style. It was somewhat of a unique situation, since I had defended in Minnesota and then went directly to Alaska. Once I got back to Zurich in August, it was holiday season, and we literally haven't been all back in the office until this week. Hence, we celebrated my PhD almost 4 months after the fact!

My colleagues prepared a really nice apero, including a cake with my name on it.

They also made a traditional graduation hat, decorated with things that represented me and my PhD. There was a cake and timer, since I live to bake. Also, a hiking scene, since I love to hike in the mountains (as you may have already noticed...). There was also a tennis ball, which was a part on an analogy that I used to describe my PhD work. And there was a representation of me sampling in the tundra with a mosquito net on my head! Also, the hat was blue, since everyone knows my love for all things blue (except drinks or cheese). The hat was quite clever, and I was impressed.

It was really nice to celebrate with my co-workers, and I appreciate the work they put in to make it special for me!