When people think of the U.S. Geological Survey, they usually picture scientists hunched over maps, analyzing seismic data, or debating groundwater models. And yes, that was a big part of our daily rhythm in San Diego back in 2008. But what most folks donāt realize is that behind the spreadsheets and field notes, we knew how to throw a partyāSan Diego style.
That October, our team decided to host a BBQ right at work. Forget the stereotype of quiet labs and endless meetings; we rolled out the grills, fired up the coals, and turned our office courtyard into a backyard cookout.
The Menu: Classic Meets Coastal
Hamburgers were a givenājuicy, sizzling, and stacked high with all the fixings. But the real star of the show was the pineapple burger. Sweet, tangy slices of grilled pineapple layered over savory beef patties, a nod to San Diegoās love of fresh flavors and coastal flair. The combination was unexpected, but once you bit into it, you understood why it worked.
Colleagues who had never tried pineapple on a burger before were suddenly converts. Some even went back for seconds, declaring it the āofficial taste of San Diego.ā
The Atmosphere: Science Meets Sunshine
Thereās something about the San Diego airāwarm, breezy, and tinged with salt from the Pacificāthat makes any gathering feel festive. We had music playing, laughter echoing across the courtyard, and the unmistakable smell of charred burgers drifting through the building.
It wasnāt just about the food. It was about breaking down the walls of formality, sharing stories from fieldwork, and realizing that even the most dedicated researchers need a chance to kick back.
Who Says Ph.Ds Donāt Know How to Have a Blast?
That day proved a point: scientists arenāt all lab coats and serious faces. Weāre people who love good food, good company, and a reason to celebrate. The BBQ became a symbol of camaraderie, a reminder that the best discoveries sometimes happen outside the labāover a plate of pineapple burgers and a cold drink in hand.
Looking Back
When I think about my time at the USGS in San Diego, that BBQ stands out as one of the highlights. It wasnāt about data or deadlinesāit was about community. We showed that science and fun arenāt mutually exclusive, and that sometimes the best way to recharge is with a grill, some sunshine, and a little San Diego flavor.
Would you like me to expand this into a longer, more detailed postāadding in personal anecdotes about colleagues, the setting, and the vibe of San Diego in 2008āor keep it short and punchy like this draft?
