Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge")

2:99 We have sent down to thee Manifest Signs (ayat); and none reject them but those who are perverse. (Holy Qur'an)

I'm a Scientist. In every sense of the word. I strive to take head to the signs of my Lord. Those that are in the Qur'an as well as in creation. I have dedicated my life to understanding Allah's creation and I'm currently learning how be a Researcher. I'm in the process of mastering my particular field of study and obtain a degree to certify my training (PhD).

Recently, I came up to a road-block: I've had a problem finding a lab to join. In my graduate program, you are requried to do three rotations in various labs until you find one that you like (and likes you). If only it were that easy...

In recent years, there has been a serious problem in science with funding. Grants for research are much harder to obtain. There is a decline of government support for science and a growing dominance of private spending over American research. Thanks Bush (my scapegoat). This shrinkage of funding has led to very "cautious" lab managers who fear that they can't support another member to their lab. This has been my problem. I keep finding that many Principal Investigators (PI) are not so confident about their funding and are not taking on any new students.

But, All Praise due to G-d!!! I found a lab. This is a major step in my scientific career and I'm excited about what the future holds. To say it will require a lot of hard work would be an understatement. I think I've just signed up for another wife. (Calm down, honey.) Research takes alot of time and energy. As my PI used to say, "Research is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." I pray Allah makes it easier for me.