On July 3rd, 2015 Phil submitted his M.Sc Thesis entitled Computational Simulations to Aid in the Experimental Discovery of Ice Recrystallization Inhibitors and Ultra-Microporous Metal Organic Frameworks. This 205 page document contains 2 years worth of struggle and perseverance.
A copy of my thesis can be found here: M.Sc Thesis
Here is an excerpt from the acknowledgements section:
There are a countless number of people who I wish to acknowledge for supporting me throughout the past two years. A proper acknowledgement would span several volumes and condensing this was a huge challenge but I would like to acknowledge three sets of people, my family, my friends, and my research group.
First, I would like to thank my parents Joy and Art. The amount of sacrifice they endured to provide a better life for me and my sister is something that I constantly remind myself. Moving across the world with no money and no friends for just the chance at a better life for your kids is one of the most admirable and selfless acts I know. Next, I would like to acknowledge my little sister, Liana. Being, 11 years apart in age is a difficult thing when trying to relate. I only wish that I was around more for her formative years, every time I visit home I see a new person, a better person, a smart young girl with her own interests, passions, and opinions. I hope that I can provide an example for her, but really I know that she has the potential to surpass me in every facet of life and honestly I am excited to see her do it.
Secondly, I would like to thank my friends and squad of the Osgoode Barn. To Schrambo, Patrice, Swayze, Zona, Homie Tom, Wafleek, G-Eazy, D-Money, and Yvonne, thank you for being there for me and always supporting the YOLO. I will never forget the concerts we put on, the charity gala we organized, and endless nights of porch beers. To my girlfriend Danielle, thank you for keeping me sane and reminding me that there is at least some thing redeemable in me to warrant having you by my side.
Thirdly, I must acknowledge my research group for all their support. To Bianca, Sarah, Moshtagh, Daff, Michael, Carlos, Pete, Mo, Sean, Jason, Burns, Hana, and Chris. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you every day. I consider each of you not only a colleague but also a friend. You have all taught me so much and I will fondly remember the laughter, conversation, debates, and memories which we shared within Marion 017. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge my supervisor Dr. Tom Woo. I have nothing but respect and admiration for him as a scientist. Being able to switch fields and topic of research mid-career is a difficult thing, to do it and produce the calibre of research that Tom has is astounding. But perhaps most importantly I would like to thank Tom for his (sometimes brutal) honesty with me. He once told me that he did not believe me fit to continue in this field. To be honest that comment shook me very deeply. I had spent a lot of time questioning my role in academia, my abilities in myself, and my worth as a scientist. Then one day I realized that I absolutely love research. I love what I do and I will be spending the rest of my life pursuing my passion. So I would like to thank Tom for his words, they have only renewed my motivation and determination in this field.