So, it's All Saints Day, 2011, and we're deciding between mass at our home parish of Saint Francis of Assisi in Sacramento:
http://www.stfrancisparish.com/
or Catholic Newman on campus at UC Davis:
http://www.davisnewman.org/
Also, tomorrow is All Souls day, a day when we remember in prayer those who've journeyed on from this life...
Although they passed a few years ago, especially foremost in our prayers this year are: my dad (Dave's grandpa) Peter-Fenn Samuelson; Dave's and my great-aunt Julia Barkley Mackedon; Dave's and my great-aunt Lily Samuelson. More recently,(and quite sadly because he was young), our friend Steven Nicholls passed on last year.
May they rest in peace.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
11/1/11
The Autism Spectrum ranges from "Level 1" (requiring some support) through "Level 3" (requiring very substantial support). My son, David M. Nisson, PhD, is at "Level 2" (requiring substantial support). He dreamed of earning college degrees in Experimental Physics, but only wealthy "Twice Exceptional" students could afford this. It's against my religious values to ignore "Talents", so, with my support, David went on to complete a Ph.D. at UC Davis Physics and contribute to the all-important world of scientific research. This blog serves both as a reference for the increasing numbers of parents following in my footsteps, and a warning that in addition to advocating for academic accommodations and arranging behavior programs, parents must also spend time studying medical issues that seem minor during childhood, and to
participate now in the reform efforts of crucial national agencies like SSA and HUD, and those of your city, county and state government to protect your sons' or daughters' futures.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The conference we had to miss
Well, our friends at Dave's Bay Area support group, AASCEND:
AASCEND
http://aascend.net/ have informed us that their conference, Entitled "Success on the Spectrum" went great! As with so many other of their terrific events, we had to miss it due to our busy physics schedule, but we're happy they had a productive, fun time together.
Best wishes to all our friends at AASCEND, and we look forward to getting together with them over the winter break.
AASCEND
http://aascend.net/ have informed us that their conference, Entitled "Success on the Spectrum" went great! As with so many other of their terrific events, we had to miss it due to our busy physics schedule, but we're happy they had a productive, fun time together.
Best wishes to all our friends at AASCEND, and we look forward to getting together with them over the winter break.
The Autism Spectrum ranges from "Level 1" (requiring some support) through "Level 3" (requiring very substantial support). My son, David M. Nisson, PhD, is at "Level 2" (requiring substantial support). He dreamed of earning college degrees in Experimental Physics, but only wealthy "Twice Exceptional" students could afford this. It's against my religious values to ignore "Talents", so, with my support, David went on to complete a Ph.D. at UC Davis Physics and contribute to the all-important world of scientific research. This blog serves both as a reference for the increasing numbers of parents following in my footsteps, and a warning that in addition to advocating for academic accommodations and arranging behavior programs, parents must also spend time studying medical issues that seem minor during childhood, and to
participate now in the reform efforts of crucial national agencies like SSA and HUD, and those of your city, county and state government to protect your sons' or daughters' futures.
UCD Support/Social Group
So, the latest news is that David has finally had time to attend the meetings of the Autism Support and Social Group at UC Davis. Yay! It meets at a bad time for us, so we haven't had time to go, but we finally get time this term and Dave attended while I hung out in the hallway. He really enjoyed himself, and we're happy to announce we'll head back again.
The facilitator for this group is sensitive, caring Susan Bacalman of the UC Davis MIND Institute:
http://beincharge.ucdavis.edu/staff.html
The facilitator for this group is sensitive, caring Susan Bacalman of the UC Davis MIND Institute:
http://beincharge.ucdavis.edu/staff.html
The Autism Spectrum ranges from "Level 1" (requiring some support) through "Level 3" (requiring very substantial support). My son, David M. Nisson, PhD, is at "Level 2" (requiring substantial support). He dreamed of earning college degrees in Experimental Physics, but only wealthy "Twice Exceptional" students could afford this. It's against my religious values to ignore "Talents", so, with my support, David went on to complete a Ph.D. at UC Davis Physics and contribute to the all-important world of scientific research. This blog serves both as a reference for the increasing numbers of parents following in my footsteps, and a warning that in addition to advocating for academic accommodations and arranging behavior programs, parents must also spend time studying medical issues that seem minor during childhood, and to
participate now in the reform efforts of crucial national agencies like SSA and HUD, and those of your city, county and state government to protect your sons' or daughters' futures.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Who I'm Reading Right Now...
With all my creativity going into Dave-related projects, I've lost my own writing "steam". So, until things slow down again (spring 2012), I'm only reading while I wait for David outside his classrooms and lab.
I have my wonderful Dutch-moved-to-Canada friend, Grace, to thank for telling me about formerly secular romance writer-turned-Feminist Christian writer, Francine Rivers. Ms Rivers is no poet-- her strengths lie in weaving a twisty-turny plot, which is just what I need to take the occasional break from my "to do" list.
I just finished Redeeming Love, set "The Old West", but addressing the very modern issue of "human trafficking".
A reminder that my own life's little problems are little indeed.
I have my wonderful Dutch-moved-to-Canada friend, Grace, to thank for telling me about formerly secular romance writer-turned-Feminist Christian writer, Francine Rivers. Ms Rivers is no poet-- her strengths lie in weaving a twisty-turny plot, which is just what I need to take the occasional break from my "to do" list.
I just finished Redeeming Love, set "The Old West", but addressing the very modern issue of "human trafficking".
A reminder that my own life's little problems are little indeed.
The Autism Spectrum ranges from "Level 1" (requiring some support) through "Level 3" (requiring very substantial support). My son, David M. Nisson, PhD, is at "Level 2" (requiring substantial support). He dreamed of earning college degrees in Experimental Physics, but only wealthy "Twice Exceptional" students could afford this. It's against my religious values to ignore "Talents", so, with my support, David went on to complete a Ph.D. at UC Davis Physics and contribute to the all-important world of scientific research. This blog serves both as a reference for the increasing numbers of parents following in my footsteps, and a warning that in addition to advocating for academic accommodations and arranging behavior programs, parents must also spend time studying medical issues that seem minor during childhood, and to
participate now in the reform efforts of crucial national agencies like SSA and HUD, and those of your city, county and state government to protect your sons' or daughters' futures.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Flying, and upcoming fellowship applications
Well, Dave and I had a great experience flying to and from Denver. http://flydenver.com/exploredia Dave sure has come a long way (figuratively, and literally) and can now consider himself "a frequent flyer". Next big flight is Dallas-Forth Worth Airport, where we will visit nearby Lake Grapevine:
https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/ThingsToDo/LakeGrapevine/tabid/260/Default.aspx
Congratulations, David!
Also, he passed the preliminary examination. Yay!
So now Dave's taking a regular class, attending seminars and colloquia, doing research, and applying for fellowships.
Busy!
https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/ThingsToDo/LakeGrapevine/tabid/260/Default.aspx
Congratulations, David!
Also, he passed the preliminary examination. Yay!
So now Dave's taking a regular class, attending seminars and colloquia, doing research, and applying for fellowships.
Busy!
The Autism Spectrum ranges from "Level 1" (requiring some support) through "Level 3" (requiring very substantial support). My son, David M. Nisson, PhD, is at "Level 2" (requiring substantial support). He dreamed of earning college degrees in Experimental Physics, but only wealthy "Twice Exceptional" students could afford this. It's against my religious values to ignore "Talents", so, with my support, David went on to complete a Ph.D. at UC Davis Physics and contribute to the all-important world of scientific research. This blog serves both as a reference for the increasing numbers of parents following in my footsteps, and a warning that in addition to advocating for academic accommodations and arranging behavior programs, parents must also spend time studying medical issues that seem minor during childhood, and to
participate now in the reform efforts of crucial national agencies like SSA and HUD, and those of your city, county and state government to protect your sons' or daughters' futures.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Preliminary Exam and New Fellowship App's
The UC Davis Physics Graduate Program requires courses, two comprehensive examinations, research, and a dissertation.
The two examinations are the "preliminary" exam, and the "qualifying" exam. Dave took the first half of the preliminary last fall, and passed (phew!). This summer, in addition to his laboratory work, he has been studying for the second half of the preliminary exam. He and his graduate school classmates took it this last Friday (September 16), and he feels great about it. Again, "phew", (only not as big a relief as it will be when he gets the actual score). Dave usually judges correctly on these things, though, and it's a good sign that he left no problem unanswered.
Also, I just learned that Dave is one of only a few people on earth doing his particular research topic, which is what one wants ideally for a Ph.D. topic. But, wow! How many of us "regular folks" can say that we are bona fide, real-life pioneers? How exciting!
In other news, classes resume this Thursday. Also, Dave's applying for a new fellowship to replace his current Cota-Robles, which expires in June 2012. By the way, here is a bio of that wonderful Professor Eugene Cota-Robles, whom the fellowship honors:
http://bio.sacnas.org/biography/Biography.asp?bio=40
And, of course, Dave's website:
http://student.physics.ucdavis.edu/~nisson/dws.php
Peace and all good!
The two examinations are the "preliminary" exam, and the "qualifying" exam. Dave took the first half of the preliminary last fall, and passed (phew!). This summer, in addition to his laboratory work, he has been studying for the second half of the preliminary exam. He and his graduate school classmates took it this last Friday (September 16), and he feels great about it. Again, "phew", (only not as big a relief as it will be when he gets the actual score). Dave usually judges correctly on these things, though, and it's a good sign that he left no problem unanswered.
Also, I just learned that Dave is one of only a few people on earth doing his particular research topic, which is what one wants ideally for a Ph.D. topic. But, wow! How many of us "regular folks" can say that we are bona fide, real-life pioneers? How exciting!
In other news, classes resume this Thursday. Also, Dave's applying for a new fellowship to replace his current Cota-Robles, which expires in June 2012. By the way, here is a bio of that wonderful Professor Eugene Cota-Robles, whom the fellowship honors:
http://bio.sacnas.org/biography/Biography.asp?bio=40
And, of course, Dave's website:
http://student.physics.ucdavis.edu/~nisson/dws.php
Peace and all good!
The Autism Spectrum ranges from "Level 1" (requiring some support) through "Level 3" (requiring very substantial support). My son, David M. Nisson, PhD, is at "Level 2" (requiring substantial support). He dreamed of earning college degrees in Experimental Physics, but only wealthy "Twice Exceptional" students could afford this. It's against my religious values to ignore "Talents", so, with my support, David went on to complete a Ph.D. at UC Davis Physics and contribute to the all-important world of scientific research. This blog serves both as a reference for the increasing numbers of parents following in my footsteps, and a warning that in addition to advocating for academic accommodations and arranging behavior programs, parents must also spend time studying medical issues that seem minor during childhood, and to
participate now in the reform efforts of crucial national agencies like SSA and HUD, and those of your city, county and state government to protect your sons' or daughters' futures.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
We're Back!!
Yay!! I had some technical difficulties with the blog posting procedure, so it's been a while.
What a great summer. David has learned a lot, worked hard on his physics, and had some fun, too. He wasn't scared a bit on the flight to and from San Diego. Proof that "taking baby steps" works...We're looking forward to longer flights in preparation for those big trips to his physics conferences.
In the meantime, in November, David will be presenting his recent research results at relatively nearby SLAC (Stanford Linear Accelerator Center).
It's nice that they are making the comfortable Stanford Guest House available to attendees of the conference. I always need an extra-good night's sleep before Dave's big events.
Thanks for reading!!
What a great summer. David has learned a lot, worked hard on his physics, and had some fun, too. He wasn't scared a bit on the flight to and from San Diego. Proof that "taking baby steps" works...We're looking forward to longer flights in preparation for those big trips to his physics conferences.
In the meantime, in November, David will be presenting his recent research results at relatively nearby SLAC (Stanford Linear Accelerator Center).
It's nice that they are making the comfortable Stanford Guest House available to attendees of the conference. I always need an extra-good night's sleep before Dave's big events.
Thanks for reading!!
The Autism Spectrum ranges from "Level 1" (requiring some support) through "Level 3" (requiring very substantial support). My son, David M. Nisson, PhD, is at "Level 2" (requiring substantial support). He dreamed of earning college degrees in Experimental Physics, but only wealthy "Twice Exceptional" students could afford this. It's against my religious values to ignore "Talents", so, with my support, David went on to complete a Ph.D. at UC Davis Physics and contribute to the all-important world of scientific research. This blog serves both as a reference for the increasing numbers of parents following in my footsteps, and a warning that in addition to advocating for academic accommodations and arranging behavior programs, parents must also spend time studying medical issues that seem minor during childhood, and to
participate now in the reform efforts of crucial national agencies like SSA and HUD, and those of your city, county and state government to protect your sons' or daughters' futures.
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