Queen Of Science

The University of Ontario takes great pride in its biological research. The school is fortunately located near a micro-climate which has high levels of diversity and many fossils of the past.

With the help of several ambitious environmentalists, the entire campus has been transformed into an arboretum. Almost every plant and tree insight has been labeled with a plaque which displays the plant's common and scientific name. When entering the school's visitor centre or the biological sciences hall, people can find a brochure with a map with every plant and tree species on campus.

During one odd summer, Dr. Mike Jameson took it upon himself to make an audio tour for the arboretum. This was not only a fun project but was also intended to help recent efforts to encourage the appreciation of nature in day-to-day life.

Just below the greenhouse, Dr. Mike Jameson's office is located on the second-to-highest level of the Biological Sciences Building. With a fantastic ceiling-to-floor glass window, he has a gorgeous view of the park located next to the lake. Although it is rarely necessary, this workaholic professor will unabashedly make any excuse to be in his office.

Wearing his dapper charcoal grey suit, Jameson mindlessly fidgets with his new plant-themed tie. He has a heavily marked-up textbook and various research papers spread across his desk. In the note-taking app on his tablet, "Outline: Current Challenges in Untangling the Evolution of Life" is boldly written at the top. Below the title, the professor is quickly scribbling down bulletin points and related references to evidence.

After knocking on the front door, a young man walks into the office.

"Hey, prof. I didn't make an appointment or anything, but I was hoping that I could talk- "

"What's up? Need help with the study design? I was thinking about a couple of tweaks that could be made to reduce confounding factors."

Shifting awkwardly, the student says, "Well, actually- you've been an amazing supervisor and I'm incredibly grateful, but I have to drop the program."

Shocked, Jameson stood up from his desk and indicated for the student to sit in the armchairs with him.

"Are you sure? Have you considered changing your program's status to part-time or temporarily inactive? I can approve any of that for you."

"Thanks so much, but I already thought about it. I don't think I can complete the program and deal with issues at home at the same time."

"Okay. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to help you more. Everyone in the lab will be sure to miss you. If you're really sure, I'll sign your program termination form and give it to the chair of graduate studies." Walking to his desk and rummaging for a pen and paper, he says, "Just in case you somehow lose it, here's my contact info. Please shoot me an email if you change your mind or need a job. "

After handing the contact information to his student, Dr. Jameson says, "If you ever need a reference, I'll make sure to give you a glowing recommendation."

Once the professor has seen his student off, he sits back down in his chair with a huff. Running his hand through his hair, he opens his laptop and hopes that emails will be a good distraction. One email that sparks his eye is sent from [email protected] with the subject, "Office hours - Research Proposal Help".

After skimming through Fern's email, Dr. Jameson looks at his clock to see that his posted office hours are about to start. In anticipation of Fern coming in soon, he pulls up the school's coursework manager and begins searching for her project.

Just when the professor was about to open the file, a timid looking Fern pokes her head through his ajar door.