I first met Roger in the Fall of 2021. He was a senior grad student at the time and I was a first year student rotating in a lab on the same floor. I was having a rough go of grad school initially, always working late in lab trying to finish up experiments; it seems Roger noticed. At our annual departmental retreat, on the Anita Dee II Yacht, he asked me how my rotation was going. We chatted for a little bit and I told him honestly that it wasn't going well. This was the first time I had really spoken to any other grad students on the floor and I instantly felt like I had some new friends on the floor! (Later on Roger told me that after this first conversation he turned to his labmate David and said "I like her energy"). A couple weeks later, a few grad students, including Roger and I, were going to lunch with a seminar speaker and I was running late finishing up experiments (typical). He innocently (or so I thought) asked for my number so that I could let him know when I would be heading over to lunch. After lunch that same day he texted me asking for my last name so he could "complete my contact" and we haven't stopped talking since! - Claire

Timmy O'Tooles! After a visibly difficult day for Claire in the lab, I suggested a happy hour drink to decompress. This turned into a three hour dinner date, getting to know each other better over boneless wings and tots. We had many laughs and began to learn how well we get along. Time flew by and conversations developed effortlessly. Claire was the last to realize this was actually our first date and not just a nice coworker reaching out. A group text to her girlfriends afterwards confirmed what I already knew - it was the first date! - Roger

Through our relationship, Claire's interest in and gear for cycling has grown. We enjoy longer weekend rides on Chicago's beautiful lakefront path, especially to Promonotory Point (near the Museum of Science and Industry). I decided to propose during our weekend bike ride! Luckily Claire suggested we bring the hammock to relax at Promonotory Point at the halfway point of our ride. This was fortunate because, surprise!, cycling clothes do not hide a ring box well. With my groomsman Manny Rocha hiding with a camera to capture the moment, Claire said yes in a favorite location during a favorite activity! - Roger