Arriving at the University of Illinois urbana-Champaign: Starting Postdoctoral Research
I successfully wrapped up the final details with the research team in Canada. My PI took me to a Major League Baseball game, where I watched a Toronto Blue Jays game at the stadium.
After receiving an offer from the University of Illinois in early March, I decided to accept it. Feeling a bit sorry, I asked my PI for understanding, explaining that it seemed like the right decision to go to University of Illinois. However, my PI congratulated me and respected my decision. I truly felt fortunate to have such great people around me.
After wrapping up my life in Canada and completing the U.S. visa interview in Korea, I received my visa and entered the U.S. I had a connecting flight from Detroit Airport to Chicago O’Hare Airport, and during immigration, I was asked what I was researching. I replied that I was researching agriculture, which led to me being taken to customs, where my luggage was thoroughly searched.
They probably fixated on the word “Agriculture” and assumed I was bringing in experimental materials like seeds. After answering several questions and having every item in my bag checked, I realized I had only 30 minutes left to catch my flight to Chicago. I went to the front of the long line at the inspection area, showed the officer my flight ticket, and kindly asked for their understanding. They allowed me to go through the search quickly, and I managed to catch my flight just in time.
I arrived at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. After departing from O’Hare Airport in May 2008 and returning to Korea, I came back to the U.S. through O’Hare for the first time in 15 years.
I went to Chicago Union Station, took a train, and arrived in Urbana-Champaign.
I sublet a place for two months. Most leases in Urbana-Champaign are said to start in August. After 11 PM, when all the restaurants had closed, I ordered food through Uber Eats, picked it up, and then stopped by a nearby convenience store to buy water and snacks. I returned home, finished my late dinner, and wrapped up my first day in Urbana-Champaign.
The next day, I headed to campus to meet the group I would be working with. I really liked how the buildings had a European feel to them.
I went to the Crop Science building, where I will be working. I felt a great sense of pride knowing that I would be working at one of the most prestigious agricultural universities in the world.
During my year of crop physiology research in Canada, I realized the areas where I felt lacking and knew I needed to improve those skills here. There seem to be many capable people around, so I’m excited to learn from them.
Crop physiology research is always enjoyable.
Recollection 2.0
□ Arriving at the University of Guelph, Canada: Starting Postdoctoral Research
□ Arriving at the University of Lleida: Starting Doctoral Research
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Last Updated: 22/04/2025