Gift for Structural Biology professor

AI Thread Summary
A user seeks gift ideas for a professor in Structural Biology, considering a book on the history of science but looking for more relevant options. Suggestions include a physical model related to the professor's research, such as a 3D model of a protein or DNA structure, which could be more engaging than a book. However, participants caution about potential university policies regarding gifts to professors, emphasizing the importance of ensuring compliance to avoid any ethical concerns. One user mentions the appropriateness of a specific book, "J.D. Bernal, Sage of Science," while another shares a positive experience of gifting a professor, highlighting the lasting impact of thoughtful gifts. Ultimately, the original poster leans towards the book option if 3D printing isn't feasible.
Mishra
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Hello,

I would like to offer a gift to one of my professor who has been extraordinary nice to me this past year. He is a physicist in the field of Structural Biology.

I am thinking of buying him a cool book/illustrated novel about history of science. The best that I have come up so far is Logicomix. But it is pretty far from his field.

I realize posting this here is a bit far-fetched but if anyone would have a better idea that would suits him better ? I am looking for something interesting but not a textbook.

Any advice is welcome, thank you!
 
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Thank you very much. I'll have a look into those.
 
How about a physical model of something he studies? If he works on proteins, maybe a 3D model of the molecular structure of a protein he's worked on, or if he does DNA a model of the double-helix. Professors like that kind of stuff and don't have the time to read history books.
 
Not to rain on the parade, but before doing anything you should check up if your university has a policy on students giving gifts to professors. The last thing you want to do is to get him into trouble for accepting a gift against university rules. I understand that you may want to give a nice professor a gift, but others may see it as a bribe and suspect mischief even if there is none. After all, your professor graded you (or is going to). Therefore, it is better to check up on this before acting.
 
"How about a physical model of something he studies? If he works on proteins, maybe a 3D model of the molecular structure of a protein he's worked on, or if he does DNA a model of the double-helix. Professors like that kind of stuff and don't have the time to read history books."

This is a great idea, ùaybe I can find someone who can 3D print one of his structure.

"Not to rain on the parade, but before doing anything you should check up if your university has a policy on students giving gifts to professors. The last thing you want to do is to get him into trouble for accepting a gift against university rules. I understand that you may want to give a nice professor a gift, but others may see it as a bribe and suspect mischief even if there is none. After all, your professor graded you (or is going to). Therefore, it is better to check up on this before acting."

This should be okay at my university, and I will probably not work with him anymore.
Thank you all for your input, I have made my choice. I'll go with the book if 3D printing is not possible.

Cheers!
 
H'mm gift of a book could be ethically dubious? Maybe you don't have the big corruption seen in other parts of the world. :oldbiggrin:
Another book you could look at the review in Amazon and will see it is at least approriate and relevant to your Prof. is J.D.Bernal, Sage of Science.

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Gift something which surely your professor will like. I thing books are the best gifts.
 
Its good to meet our teachers after a long time. Once our professor was retiring from our university and we gifted her with something very special that would make her happy and look even more beautiful. We all students decided to gifted her a set of skincare products and this site was most helpful to gift her she liked the most. And recently I met her coincidently, still she remember us and the gift that we presented her. It fells nice to meet our professors remembering you with great asset.
 
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