Fulfillment

I am structural virologist. I determine and analyze the 3-D structure of viruses at an atomic scale to identify how they function. My PhD. thesis work focussed on how different pH levels affect the structure  of Adeno-Associated Viruses to enable proper virus infection.

Ladies and gentlemen, this degree has been earned.

The greatest thing

Twenty days from now, I can technically be referred to as a doctor. The funny thing is I don't feel any more scholarly and I definitely cannot cure cancer. So I have created a personal yardstick for the required scholarliness to satisfy this doctorate. If I can describe my work and my scientific interests within 3 sentences or 30 seconds (whichever comes first) to any random layman that I meet, I can keep the right to be called a doctor. Otherwise, I would just be another elitist degree holder.