10/27/2023 I completed my written examinations for becoming a PhD candidate.
10/28/2023 I climbed a mountain.
11/07/2023 I completed by oral examinations for becoming a PhD candidate.
My brain and body are tired, but I feel good.
My written exam was a 5 day, 40 hour test where I answered questions on biogeochemistry, climate change adaptation, and coastal restoration. My oral examination was a three hour presentation and question/answer session with my committee members.
Becoming a candidate means all I need to do to get my PhD is finish my research, write a dissertation and defend it - a two year process.