I always looked forward to the acknowledgements at the end of thesis defenses, in biology at MIT and Harvard. Different fields have very different defense cultu

I always looked forward to the acknowledgements at the end of thesis defenses, in biology at MIT and Harvard. Different fields have very different defense cultures. Most have brief acknowledgements. Biology... had an art form. The audience is friends and family. Associated labs turn out in support. The format is tiled photo slides. I've seen thanks to inspiring teachers, by name, from kindergarten to graduate. Pets, childhood and current. A stuffed animal. SO's and spouses. Children existing and pending. Family immediate and extended, alive and missed. Lab mates, friends, colleagues. And their assorted group adventures, road trips, and hijinks. Hobbies and communities. Staff, collaborators, advisors, committee. Brief tales of trials and tribulations, in research and in life. The stories of group fun strike me as the biggest delta vis TFA. And stories in general. Plus the tears. And the interesting slips - "... to thank my husband, <name of professor not husband, oops>". The defenses were recorded, but distribution was usually limited. I've thought they might be great things to somehow share with younger students, contemplating college or graduate school. Being able to see people like themselves, coming out the other end. Having had a blast with friends along the way. There's a tension between intimacy and broadcast. Perhaps someday we can start scavenging older ones? I so miss surfing defences and research talks. :/