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Dear Dr. Akbari,

I don't know if you have noticed, but this week is teacher's week! We prepared a little present for you as In-Vitro to thank you for teaching and supporting us all day. I know that the lessons you give us cannot be taken as granted. I rely on every single statement you make to become a better scientist and a better person. I respect and admire you on working very hard to treat patients and find ways to provide better treatments. Even though I am just a novice, I would love to pursue a career like you! Thank you again for giving me a myriad of great comments. I will try my best to make sure your input of time on me is not wasted!

- Brian

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Dear Dr. Akbari,

Every single moment of time being in your presence is so precious and being able to utilize your guidance and experience means the world to me. I never forget the first time you said “time is brain” in the in vivo room and explained the importance of every single second during our experiments; the same goes for life and I love how this sentence incorporates this idea. I’m so grateful to have you as a mentor and someone to look up to. Thank you so much for all the times that you helped us navigate through struggles and improve. The amount of care and passion you have for medicine is astounding. The effort you put in towards healing your patients and finding a way to better help them recover is a true example of embodying one of the key principles of medicine. I will do my best to make you proud and take in all your guidance to grow as a scientist and a person.

- Farnoush N

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Dear Dr. Akbari,

When I first heard about your story during SREI, I was really inspired. Learning how you overcame challenges and came from humble beginnings to the position you are in today, is an inspiration for all of us. Furthermore, I really resonated with your message about mindfulness and finding joy in every moment, whether it’s spending time in nature or even during cryosectioning. One of the things I've enjoyed most about being in the lab is how you push everyone to be the best version of themselves. You always make sure we are engaged in the work and give us a chance to become inquisitive scientists and researchers. I appreciate how you always tell students to not be like robots and really believe in the lab’s mission and the path toward research. I’ve grown a lot during my time in the lab and been pushed in ways that I couldn’t have ever imagined. I will be forever grateful to you and the lab for the opportunities provided and look forward to soaking up more wisdom from you. Thank you for all the time you spend with us and the efforts to make us all grow as researchers and future health professionals.

- Sai

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Thank you for all the time you dedicate towards teaching us to grow as researchers despite your busy schedule. Even though I've only been in the lab for a little over a year I feel like learned so much from you and my experiences in the lab. Every time I hear you talk I get so inspired by the love for your research; it always encourages me to do better. Even if it might not be easy, being a part of this lab has giving me something to really be passionate about. I appreciate how much you push us to think critically rather than just follow rules. It has significantly impacted my outlook and the way I do things in lab. I'm excited to continue learning from you and contributing to the lab!

-Christian

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Dear Dr. Akbari,

149 weeks and 2 days since I joined the lab and what a time it has been! But... I'll save the more heartfelt stuff for when I finally leave the lab.

You are my toughest mentor. (which I'm sure is amusing compared to the mentors you've probably had to handle) Being in your lab has been a continual chase to reach an expectation that always feels just out of reach. Whether it was training in in-vitro as a new student or the very rough start navigating how to be a manager, you have always demanded that I be better. This, among your great many lessons and wisdom, has been my greatest takeaway: never be complacent.

In my 149 weeks and 2 days here, I've slipped-up, struggled, faltered, and doubted but have yet to turn back because of how you continue to invest in me and the other students. I will forever be grateful for your mentorship and the opportunities you have given me here. My only two regrets will be that I am sure no amount of gratitude will ensure that your guidance is not taken for granted and no amount of time will be enough to make use of all of the knowledge you have to offer. Though, until my last day in the lab, I will continue trying!

Always grateful,

March

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Dear Dr. Akbari,

Despite being a new student who joined this quarter, I am excited to get started and work in this lab. I admire that your intentions host deep rooted knowledge and you only want everyone to grow and flourish as scientists. I cannot wait to embark on this journey of scientific discovery whilst undergoing academic self growth!

Best,

Nanour

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Dear Dr. Akbari,

Although I haven't worked with you closely yet as a new student, I am very excited to learn as much as I can about being a scientist under your mentorship. I have already learned so much from various mentors in the last few weeks and want to thank you for creating an ambitious, driven, and passionate atmosphere that everyone in the lab upholds. I am very grateful that I was able to join a lab that has already been so well established through your hard work. I will do my best to adapt quickly and contribute to the progress of the in-vitro team and the lab as a whole. Thank you for accepting me into the lab!

-Avantika

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Dear Dr. Akbari,

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work in the Akbari Lab. In just two weeks, I’ve been privileged to receive invaluable guidance both from you and from my fellow lab members. Your dedication to sharing knowledge and providing constructive feedback has been incredibly motivating and inspiring. I am honored to have been accepted into your lab and am eager to continue learning and growing under your mentorship. I admire the collaborative spirit among lab members and feel encouraged to contribute. I am committed to taking in all the advice and insights from you as I strive to fulfill my potential as a scientist.

Sincerely,

Janice

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Dear Dr. Akbari,

Thank you for this opportunity to work in this lab! Although it hasn't been long since I have joined, I have been able to learn so much and feel inspired by your guidance and experience in research; I been not only pushed to think further on how and why things happen, but to ask questions, to learn how to navigate what I do not know. You have created a space where we can grow, and I am grateful for your time and effort and to be able to be part of this lab. I look forward to learn more from you and continue to grow my knowledge under your guidance

- Caitlyn