Molecular Microbiology Activities

Friday Tea

The entire program gathers every Friday afternoon at 4:00 pm for “tea”; that is, food and drinks provided by each of the research groups in turn. This is a great time to socialize with faculty and other students and discuss common interests, both scientific and non-scientific.

Student Retreat

The student body organizes a two-day annual retreat to allow students to meet each other informally, to discuss research and graduate student life, and to participate in group activities. The first day is an on-campus poster session where students present their research; the second day is a social event organized by the student representatives.

Annual Picnic

During the summer, students, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and administrative staff take a day off to swim, sunbathe, play volleyball and croquet, and overeat.

Holiday Party

December is the month for holiday parties and our program takes such events seriously. A massive amount of food (mostly catered, partly pot luck) and drink is consumed while various labs put on skits, invent game shows, or screen homemade videos. The evening concludes with several hours of boisterous karaoke, where members of the program show off their singing ability (or lack thereof).

Softball Team

The Mighty Microbes are proud of having made the playoffs every year in the summer slow-pitch (no balls or strikes called) league. The season runs from May to August. Teams are mixed male and female and the atmosphere is relaxed and supportive. Talent is not a prerequisite for joining the team. Discrete beer drinking is not discouraged.

Relays

The Molecular Microbiology Program always sponsors a strong (in spirit) team at the annual Relays. Students, postdocs, summer trainees and faculty and staff all participate in the day's activities.