Dear Department,
I hope everyone is excited about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and this is a short message of thanks and gratitude. It goes without saying how hard this last year has been, but I believe we are finally turning a corner and are getting closer to being back to normal. Unlike the year before, we can finally start to think about having normal Thanksgiving traditions again, including being together in person with our family and loved ones. In thinking back to last November, no one was yet vaccinated; everyone was being asked to stay put if possible or get tested and/or quarantine if you do go out of town. Furthermore, we were just about to head into one of the worst COVID surges with the Delta virus that was heading our way. Hopefully, we all recognize how much better things are today; almost all of us are now vaccinated and COVID cases have largely been declining. Classes and seminars are also happening in person…things are almost…but not quite…back to normal. We are slowly getting there!
So there is much to be thankful for this season, and I hope each and every one of you has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday (and much-needed break!). Enjoy some time away with family and friends. Be sure to also take some time to reflect and celebrate all of your hard-earned achievements over this last year. Despite all of the challenges, we have helped each other persevere and we are at a better place today; there is no doubt that we have a lot to be thankful for. And there is much to look forward to in 2022.
Be safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Brian
Brian D. Strahl, Ph.D.
Oliver Smithies Investigator
Professor & Interim Chair
Faculty Director, Peptide Synthesis and Arraying Facility
Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics
3060 Genetic Medicine, CB# 7260
120 Mason Farm Rd.
UNC School of Medicine
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7260
Office (919) 843-3896
Lab (919) 843-3935