Faced with the challenges of COVID-19, our community carries on

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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Duke, like many other institutions, to move classes to remote access. Faced with the challenges of learning new technologies while also adjusting to social distancing and working/learning from home, P&N community members are finding ways to adapt in this uncertain time. Professor Ahmad Hariri's children June and James work together on math activities at their dining room table. Many parents are finding creative ways to homeschool while also working from home. "Now we are all learning the 'new' math." P&N staff member Natalia Silva Harwood's son Nicolas has embraced age-appropriate household chores like unloading the dishwasher and vacuuming the floors. "He started off wanting to be paid; now he just wants to do these things. It's heartwarming." P&N graduate student Aaron Reuben enjoys time outside with his son Ronen. "After a few Zoom meetings we're ready to play in the garden. Our favorite activity currently appears to be picking weeds and putting them in our mouth."

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Professor Avshalom Caspi seeds a wildflower meadow at Macon Farm, his homestead property with partner Professor Terrie Moffitt. "We hope it will make us smile on the other end of the virus."
Elika B
Dr. Elika Bergelson plugs away in her home office. As we all transition to new work spaces—dining room tables, couches, or maybe even the bed? (no judgment!)—new routines and rhythms form. "Here's me, working away remotely."
Paul
Faculty member Paul Seli and his newly fostered cat, Puff. "Animal shelters are really struggling right now because adoption rates are extremely low due to the virus. I've started to foster a cat and will likely get a dog in the near future!"

 

Kibby
P&N graduate student Kibby McMahon and her team at Intent Fithouse are livestreaming yoga, Pilates, and circuit training classes—all offered on a sliding pay scale!  "This venture really means a lot to me because all of the instructors and staff are 100% dedicated to giving to others and building a community."
Grads
Current and former P&N community members Divya Subramanian, Brenda Yang, Will Crozier, Paula Yust, Charlotte Moore, Andrei Amatuni, and Jane Tandler come together (remotely) to celebrate a birthday! "During the celebration, we all shared something positive going on in our lives." 
social hour
P&N virtual social hours allows space for community members from all areas -- staff, faculty, grads, postdocs, lab staff -- to come together and talk, laugh, and feel connected. All are welcome to join: pets, roommates, children, partners, plants.   ​​​​​We want to see your lovely faces!