Update

Obviously, opting to leave my tenured position, students, post-docs, projects and colleagues at UMass was a very hard decision that I didn't take lightly (thanks to everyone who took time to share their insights on such a transition or on their academic highlights).

 Many factors weighed into this decision, but the short version is that a) this is an awesome opportunity, b) running science and shoe science are what I do best, c) I was doing too many different things at UMass to do them all at a personally satisfactory level, and d) this is such an awesome opportunity.

Speaking of all the exciting research we have going on at UMass, I will be more or less involved with many student's and some colleague's ongoing research projects for a while.  

In out of the way places of the heart

Where your thoughts never think to wander

This beginning has been quietly forming

Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire

Feeling the emptiness grow inside you

Noticing how you willed yourself on

Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety

And the grey promises that sameness whispered

Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent

Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,

And out you stepped onto new ground,

Your eyes young again with energy and dream

A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not clear

You can trust the promise of this opening;

Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning

That is one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

John O'Donohue