We are delighted to announce that the IDEAS Lab’s first PhD students, Maxfield Arnson and Paul Mokotoff, have successfully passed the preliminary oral coursework examination, marking a significant milestone in their doctoral journey. Their achievement showcases their dedication, expertise, and commitment to scholarly pursuits. As the inaugural members of our research group, Max and Paul’s accomplishments set a strong foundation for future success and serve as an inspiration to other aspiring scholars. We congratulate them on this exceptional achievement and eagerly anticipate their continued contributions to their research areas.