Love in Grad School: An Observational Study on the Formation and Progression of Romantic Bonds Between Lizzy Robinson and Jordan Pritts

Abstract: This study investigates the development of a romantic relationship between two graduate students, Lizzy Robinson and Jordan Pritts, at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) School of Pharmacy. Through a series of shared experiences, academic/personal challenges, and personal interactions, this work documents the key factors that contributed to the formation, maintenance, and strengthening of their bond. The results suggest that shared stress, mutual support, and humor are key elements in the evolution of romantic relationships in high-stress environments.

Introduction:

The objective of this study is to observe and analyze the gradual development of a romantic relationship between Lizzy Robinson and Jordan Pritts, two graduate students at UMB School of Pharmacy. Existing literature on romantic relationships in high-stress environments suggests that shared experiences and mutual support are critical to the success of such bonds [1-2]. This study aims to examine how these factors manifest in a specific graduate school context.

Materials and Methods:

- UMB School of Pharmacy

-Lizzy Robinson

-Jordan Pritts

-Shared interests

-Mutual misery

-Laughter

-Adventures

-Supportive family and friends

Initial Introduction. Lizzy and Jordan met in their Ethics and Biostatistics course where they sat across from each other. Desperate for friendship, they both planned weekly get togethers to Pickles Pub and the Pig and Rooster trivia nights. Eventually they joined labs right next to each other.

Initial Findings:

Analyses of Initial Impressions. Initial data suggested a mutual attraction between the participants, with both subjects expressing mostly positive impressions of each other. Early interactions were primarily focused on academic and extracurricular activities such as Volo beach volleyball, dodgeball, flag football, kickball, cup in hand kickball, and indoor volleyball. Analyses show a positive correlation of the amount of sports played together and growth of attraction (DATA NOT SHOWN).

Formation of Bond: As their academic schedules overlapped, they engaged in shared activities, including late-night study sessions and spilling the tea on margarita night. Data shows a correlation between these shared experiences and a deepening personal bond. Notable examples include spontaneous late night outings to Safeway for oreos and milk and Denny's.

Overcoming Academic and Personal Struggles: Lizzy and Jordan faced challenges together throughout their time at graduate school including balancing heavy workloads, late night laboratory experiments [3-4], sports injuries, and navigating early career transitions. Observations indicate that these stressors strengthened their bond through acts of mutual support, problem-solving, and expressions of love and affection.

Strengthening the Bond: Over time Jordan and Lizzy built a life of visiting bed and breakfasts (especially ones in Lancaster, PA), adopting our Pippa, hosting DnD nights, and weekends of flag football. These elements were identified as important contributors to their relationship satisfaction.

Results and Discussion: This study supports the hypothesis that shared experiences, particularly in high-stress environments like graduate school can foster romantic relationships. The combination of personal support and humor were essential in Lizzy and Jordan's relationship development. These findings align with previous research indicating that stress and adversity, when navigated together, can strengthen relationships [5-6].

Conclusion: Lizzy and Jordan's bond evolved from a love of friendship to one of supportive life partners. This relationship has set the foundation for a lifetime of sharing both the struggles and joys of life with each other.

Future Directions: Based on the previous results, Lizzy and Jordan's bond demonstrates a solid foundation for a future family and whatever life may bring. Future work is aimed at exploring the sustainability of such relationship post-graduation. Initial findings show favorable results.

Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge Lizzy and Jordan's friends and families for their financial and personal support.

AI disclaimer: Part of this was written by the use of AI technology.

References:

[1] Smith, J & Doe, A. (2019) Romantic Relationships in High-Stress Environments: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Interpersonal Studies, 32(4), 567-589.

[2] White, K., & Brown, L. (2021). Support and Resilience in Graduate School Relationships. Social Science Research, 45(1), 102-115.

[3] Pritts, J. D., & Michel, S. L. J. (2022). Fe-S clusters masquerading as zinc finger proteins. Journal of inorganic biochemistry, 230, 111756.

[4] Robinson, E.A., Wilks, A., Xue, F. (2021). Repurposing Acitretin as an Antipseudomonal Agent Targeting the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Iron-Regulated Heme Oxygenase. Biochemistry. 60 (9), 689-698

[5] Green P., & Miller, T. (2020). The Role of Humor in Relationship Maintenance. Journal of Emotional Well-Being, 12(3), 243-257.

[6] Wilson, D. & Taylor, S. (2018). Adversity and Romantic Bonding: The Impact of Shared Challenges. Relationship Science Quarterly, 29(2), 411-430.