Why Dresden?

One question we get asked frequently is: “Why Dresden?” The answer has several parts. First, the people at the Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics share our research interests. Indeed they are among the world leaders seeking to understand the machinery responsible for cellular organization (http://www.mpi-cbg.de/research/profile.html#facts). Our particular interest is in mitosis and the role of microtubules, something I’ll discuss in another blog entry. In addition, the facilities at the Institute are world class. Finally, Joe Howard at the Institute was the person who nominated Trisha for the Humboldt Research Award (http://www.humboldt-foundation.de/EN/programme/preise/pt.htm). Joe was a colleague at the University of Washington before moving to Dresden. The generosity of the scholarship has given us the means to afford the 9 months of living and travel expenses. Indeed Trisha is thankful to everyone who wrote letters supporting Joe’s nomination. Trisha feels gratitude, pride and humility in accepting the award.

So, that is why we are going to Dresden. Plus I said I would follow Trish anywhere. Of course my first pick for a sabbatical was someplace tropical. I have one other reason for looking forward to Dresden. I love the pastries from German bakeries. Every year at Christmas I go to a German market in Seattle and buy a Stollen and Pfeffernüsse. Where are the world’s best stollens? Dresden. How many bakeries are around Kleinschachwitz? I can find 10 on the web. Doesn't this one look great? http://www.baeckerei-matzker.de/. If I start getting too fat, beer leaves my diet before pastries! Or I will just have to bicycle more.