Page 120 of Dream Mates
Spencer left for his meeting as the session was ending and everyone at the table started talking about what they were going to do next. Margie began assigning workshops for the duration of the symposium so we could take notes and share.
“Tomorrow I’m attending the student symposium, I also hope to catch Dr. Harlowe’s talk,” I said. As well as Narif’s.
“Student symposium? It would be better for you to attend something else so you can share notes with the group.” Margie frowned at me.
Deb rolled her eyes. “I’m pretty sure she’s going to the student symposium to recruit interns.”
That I was.
Afterward Deb caught up to me. “Margie isn’t your boss. I am.”
“I don’t want her to be mad at me,” I said softly. Co-workers being mad at you made work life harder.
Deb shook her head. “You know what you’re here to do. Go do it. I’ve got your back.”
“Thank you.” I went off to catch a session.
Later, I entered the ballroom where lunch and the afternoon session was being held. I was looking for Deb and the rest of my co-workers when I heard my name being called.
“Come sit with us.” Dr. Harlowe waved me over to a table with a bunch of people I didn’t know.
Why not? It wasn’t like I had to sit with my co-workers. I saw Narif with a bunch of other people. Also, I really didn’t want Margie to try to make my schedule. I was here more for networking anyway.
“Thanks.” I joined everyone. “I’m Dr. Grace Ellington.”
Dr. Harlowe led some quick introductions, which included Dr. Alfonso from the Research Circle Collaborative and Dr. Mariano from BaySci.
From what I understood thetechieswere sort of like if MIT had siblings. Most were creatively named, like the Bayside Institute for Science and Rockland Technical Institute, nicknamed BaySci and Rock Tech, respectively.
Though there were plenty of good universities that weren’t among the techies and an extensive network of state universities and community colleges.
“Grace is interested in seeing your project, Dr. Alfonso,” Dr. Harlowe said. “Maybe, if she’s free Thursday, she can come along when you give Dr. Mariano and her students a tour of the construction?”
“Oooh, I’d love that, if you have room,” I replied. From what I could tell, a CeCe was essentially a cold copper collider–and this one was almost finished. I might be able to meet some interesting people, too.
Dr. Alfonso, who was older, and balding, nodded. “We could probably work that out. They were also interested in seeing the visualizer, which one of our member institutions has developed, and will be used in conjunction with Sissy. That’s what we call her, since she’s the bigger sister to the one overseas.”
“That sounds amazing. I have time on Thursday.” That made me excited and hopefully would prove fruitful–or at least interesting.
Dr. Mariano gave me a smile, which lit up her entire face. “WhatisCompass BioTek doing? You seem to have a very large amount of interesting research going on for a biotech company.”
“Not building our own super collider or particle accelerator,” I assured, as a server brought around salads for everyone.
Dr. Alfonso shrugged, pouring dressing on his salad then passing it around. “Given Nick Thanukos’ field of study, it really doesn’t surprise me that Thanukos-the-younger has an interest.”
“True.” I nodded. Of course. Some of the older people might know of Spencer's dad and his work.
“Are you continuing Dr. Thanukos’ research?” He gave me a sly look, taking a roll, and passing the basket on.
I shook my head as I added dressing to my salad. “Dimension mapping isn’t my field.”
Not anymore. And honestly, I didn’t feel that sad about it.
“Right,” Dr. Harlowe said softly, taking a bread roll then handing me the basket. “His dad was a particle physicist.”
“Speaking of fathers, your father’s a chemistry professor, isn’t he? I can’t remember which university, but I’ve seen him around,” Dr. Mariano continued. “Nice guy.”
I passed the bread basket on. “No. But you’re the second person today that’s asked me that. Now I’m curious.”
