Tom graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a PhD in Bio-Medical Engineering. He did his research at the Cleveland Clinic, which buildings you can see behind him. His topic was “Energy Efficient Neural Stimulation.” He worked under Dr. Cameron McIntyre.

Five years of diligent hard work have come to a close. On June 22 Tom successfully defended his thesis, and completed his PhD. I couldn’t have been more proud of him. Sitting there in the audience as he presented, I felt so many emotions. Pride: that five years of endless work had left him prepared and therefore confident; ; Joy- that we could mark this one off our list; Fear- that the ‘work at home’ years were over; Humbled- that I had married such an incredible man. The last two months were  stressful, to say the last, as he worried he would not be able to finish in time. Late nights and early mornings were spend writing, editing, researching, reading, and figuring as he put into words five years of work. The last two weeks were spent preparing his oral presentation. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to this stage, giving advice on how to  “perform” an oral presentation. I was amazed at Tom’s endurance. Despite his fatigue, he went over and over his presentation determined to get it just right. His persistence paid off. When the day of his presentation arrived he was calm and confident- or at least looked so!

Hurray!