55 Papers By Eureka Foong

FADE IN:

INT. LABORATORY - COPY ROOM - 1997 - DAY A psychology graduate student in his late twenties, MAHESH BHAKTA, is making copies of several sheets of paper. On them are the words "STUDY - MAHESH BHAKTA - DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY." He stands by the noisy copy machine, stapling sheets into sets. He accidentally gets a paper cut and brings his forefinger to his lips. An older Maheshs voice is heard; he is reading lines from his autobiography. MAHESH (V.O.) Paper cuts. Small. Insignificant. But keep getting them, and you realize how much blood you stand to lose. He glances anxiously at the wall clock, which reads "11:15 a.m." A calendar on the wall is open to October 4th, 1997.

INT. LABORATORY - OFFICE In another room, Mahesh sits down at an office desk that has a few sheets of paper on it, a cup of pens and his coffee mug. He reaches for a pen and almost knocks over his coffee mug, but manages to hold it before it spills. MAHESH (under breath) No, not again! We see several coffee-stained sheets of paper in the trashcan. MAHESH (V.O.) I was a meticulous graduate student at the University of Oklahoma. But I was a klutz. Mahesh takes a pen and begins to read the first paper. It has columns of numbers, arranged neatly in squares. Using the tip of his pen, Mahesh hovers above the first column until he reaches the number "31." He looks for another sheet of paper in the pile, one labeled "CONDITION 1," and writes a small "31" beneath the title. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

2.

Mahesh returns to the random numbers table, repeating the "hover and detect" process until he comes across the number "74." Going back to the other stack of papers, he finds a sheet titled "CONDITION 2" and writes a small "74." Mahesh takes another sip of his coffee and wipes his brow. He looks up at the clock: "11:45 a.m." He looks back down at his papers and scribbles faster.

INT. LABORATORY - JUST OUTSIDE Mahesh sits alone at a table outside the University of Oklahomas Department of Psychology laboratory. He stares into space, with stacks of papers by his feet and a blank sign up sheet on the table. He checks his watch, then looks at the empty hallway. Finally, JOHNNY, a jock dressed in football gear, appears and walks up to the table. Mahesh gets up from his seat. MAHESH Hi, are you here for the study? Johnny ignores Maheshs question. JOHNNY Where can I get my credits for psych class? MAHESH Just write your name and instructors name here, and Ill get you your credit slip. Johnny looks down at the sign up sheet and scribbles his name. Mahesh looks at the sheet and copies the name on a small slip of paper. He then hands Johnny a consent form to sign. JOHNNY How long is this gonna take? MAHESH Not very long, maybe 20 minutes. Johnny heaves a loud sigh and hands the consent form back. Mahesh checks off the number "1" on a paper labeled "CONDITION 8." He takes a set of papers from the "CONDITION 8" pile and hands it to Johnny.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

3.

MAHESH Thank you, if you have any questions, let me know. Johnny walks into the laboratory.

INT. LABORATORY Johnny looks down at his set of papers. We can see select parts of the paper: "Part I:" "We are confronted daily with all kinds of information we must work hard to form impressions of." Johnny squints at his paper and makes a face at it. "Sometimes, information is specific and it is easy to form impressions of the information. For example:" "Mean, violent, unfriendly" "Other times, we are given more elaborate information. Impressions have to be formed in another way." "Read the following about Donald.." Johnny turns several pages. "Please rate Donald based on the following..." Johnny begins circling answers on his paper quickly.

INT. LABORATORY - JUST OUTSIDE Mahesh is alone reading "Human Memory: Theory and Practice," while taking notes. Johnny exits the laboratory and hands the paper back to Mahesh, who looks on as Johnny walks away.

INT. DR HARTMONDS OFFICE DR. HARTMOND, Maheshs research adviser, laughs as he sits across from Mahesh. We can see that the trees outside the window are bare.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: MAHESH (V.O.) I had a research adviser during my grad school days. His name was Dr. Bill Hartmond, and he is easily the greatest man alive. At least to me.

4.

Dr Hartmond takes out a cigar and lights it, despite the indoor no smoking policy. DR HARTMOND Mahesh, I wanna hear bout your culture. So, do Indians have any beliefs related to..crows on a porch? MAHESH Actually, we do. Its a sign of good fortune. It means people will come and visit you very soon, sir. Dr Hartmond puffs smoke upwards and laughs. DR HARTMOND Thats interesting, interesting.. but I dont know if Id call that good fortune. For all we know, could be my mother-in-law. Dr Hartmond laughs heartily. Mahesh follows. DR HARTMOND Alright, lets have a look here at what youve written so far. He picks up Maheshs research paper off the desk. His tone changes as he reads it. DR HARTMOND Manipulating the comparison relevance and distinctness of priming stimuli... He turns the page and continues reading. DR HARTMOND ...primed trait concepts are assimilated into the interpretation of an ambiguous person. On the other hand... extreme person exemplars... create contrasting impressions... Dr Hartmond continues to scan pages until he reaches the end. He spends a few moments reading, then stops. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: DR HARTMOND This is wonderful Mahesh - real textbook material. Youve got something people want to publish, boy.

5.

He leans back in his chair and heaves a big puff of smoke. DR HARTMOND Have you analyzed anything yet? MAHESH Not yet, professor. DR HARTMOND Well what in the world are you waiting for? (Leans in, speaking slower) Do this right, and I see a future as a respected researcher for you. MAHESH Ah, thank you professor! I could never be as good as you though. DR HARTMOND Darn right you cant! (Chuckles) It takes a lot of effort, Mahesh. I know I make it seem easy.. but the months are long, you run experiments, you hope for statistically significant results.. Dr Hartmond appears slightly sullen and crosses his arms. DR HARTMOND The cold hard truth is, its really tough to publish research if it doesnt mean something, if it has no effect in the real world. Publishers chuck papers with "boring" findings to the bottom of the pile. A beat, then Dr Hartmond uncrosses his arms. DR HARTMOND Anyway, you should probably get started on your work. I want to see those data, Mahesh! Mahesh picks up his papers and puts them back into his backpack. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

6.

MAHESH No problem, sir! Mahesh opens the door and steps out.

EXT. OUTSIDE MAHESHS DORM - NIGHT Mahesh rides an old bicycle and locks it up in front of his dorm.

INT. MAHESHS DORM Mahesh sits at his desk. A small desk lamp illuminates a messy stack of papers. He takes a sip of coffee from the mug beside him. MAHESH (V.O.) I suppose it all started on December 6th, 1997. I was in my dorm analyzing results. He blinks and stares widely as if trying to stay awake. He goes back and forth between the test sets and a notebook as he keeps track of each participants answers and arranges them into a table. We see portions of the answered tests: "Based on the previous paragraph, please circle your answer. From a scale of 1 (not at all) to 9 (extremely)" "Was Donald:" "Hostile? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9" "Intelligent? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9" "Considerate? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "

INT. DORM ROOM - LATER Mahesh is still at his desk, though the stack of papers has disappeared. His clock reads "2:00 a.m." Photos of famous psychologists are plastered to his walls - Leon Festinger, Phillip Zimbardo and Stanley Milgram. A quote of Zimbardos hangs on the wall: "Academic success depends on research and publications." (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

7.

Mahesh looks down at his papers and sees a table: "TRAIT CONCEPT PRIME VALENCE: FRIENDLY RATINGS OF DONALD: 4.41 HOSTILE 4.00 NO TRAIT 4.00 "

Underneath this table, we see a note in Maheshs handwriting: "NOTE: SCALE RANGE FROM 1 TO 9. HOSTILE TRAIT SHOULD YIELD A LOWER RATING OF DONALD!!" MAHESH (V.O) The results were just as I predicted. So I went on to determine if the difference between the "friendly" and "hostile" traits were statistically significant... if there were indeed a large enough difference that these results couldnt have happened by chance. Mahesh circles the average rating beneath "Hostile" in red ink. He then takes out a calculator and a sheet of paper with some numbers on it. On another piece of notebook paper, he does some calculations. Mahesh scratches his back, then sits up straight. On his paper, he writes: "T critical value = 4.57, T value = 0.9" As he writes, he speaks aloud. MAHESH T value is less than T critical value. Therefore.. (slower) ...no significant difference. His brow furrows, and he clutches his head. MAHESH No, no... there must be something wrong with one of the scores. Mahesh returns to the table of numbers, then looks at his calculator. He begins punching in numbers, but eventually slumps in his chair, discouraged.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

8.

He reaches out to take a sip of coffee, only to find that he has run out of it. He slams it down on the desk and looks defeated. He bows his head. Mahesh looks back at the piece of notebook paper, tears it out and crumples it in his hand. Then, he walks over to the trash can and throws it in, breathing heavily.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - LATE AFTERNOON A young woman walks into the "Sooner Than Later" coffee shop at the university. A BELL chimes as she enters. MAHESH (V.O.) I dreaded going to work the next day at the campus coffee shop. Mahesh is behind the counter. He is serving drinks and pastries to undergraduate and graduate students. MAHESH (to a customer) Thank you, have a nice day. Two computer science majors dressed in over sized plaid shirts and jeans, MARK and ANTHONY, walk in. MARK (to Anthony) Okay - the one thing youll buy when you get your first real world pay check. ANTHONY Hmm... broadband for my home. MARK Sweet! Mark and Anthony high-five each other. Mark and Anthony continue to talk, but they are inaudible. Mahesh faces the coffee machine behind the counter and begins to prepare a tall cup for a customer. Mark and Anthony approach the counter. Maheshs coworker, STEVE, mans the cash register. MARK (to Steve) Hi, Ill have a tall latte.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

9.

STEVE That will be $1.50. Mark hands Steve two dollars. Steve gives Mark his change and goes to the coffee machine to make the order. Mahesh puts three cups of drinks onto a tray and walks around looking for his customers. The microwave behind the counter DINGS. Mahesh briefly looks back to glance at it, when he runs into JENNA, spilling hot drinks onto her. Jennas boyfriend, DARREN, briefly looks at Jenna, then turns to Mahesh and pushes him. DARREN Hey, watch where youre going! As Darren scolds Mahesh, other people rush to help her clean up the spill. Darren grabs Mahesh by the shoulders, and points back to Jenna. DARREN Say sorry to her - now. MAHESH (cowering) Ss..ssorry.. Darren lets go of Mahesh, then spits on the floor. DARREN Go the hell back to where you came from. Stupid Indian. Steve comes to stop the quarrel. STEVE (to Darren) Hey, dont talk like that. Darren turns to Steve and glares at him. DARREN Excuse me? Steve begins to open his mouth, but Mahesh stops him. MAHESH Its okay Steve, Im okay. DARREN Pssh. Youre all stupid. Come on Jenna.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

10.

Darren continues to glare at Mahesh and Steve while motioning for Jenna to come with him. He walks out of the store. Mahesh looks particularly shaken.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - 10:00 P.M. Steve is checking the cash register, as Mahesh wipes down tables and places inverted chairs on top of them, his head drooped. Steve notices this. STEVE Hey, come on man, that guy today was a racist dumb nut. It wasnt your fault. Mahesh doesnt reply, but continues to clean up. Steve finishes checking the register and walks to Mahesh. STEVE Whats wrong man? Mahesh speaks under his breath. MAHESH I cant go back. STEVE What was that? MAHESH (louder) I cant go back! (normal voice) Sorry. A beat, then Steve speaks. STEVE Cant go back where? MAHESH I cant go back to India. STEVE Whos making you to go back to India? Mahesh takes a deep breath.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

11.

MAHESH If I dont get my Ph.D. from the dissertation committee next Spring, my scholarship ends. Im going back to India. STEVE But, Im sure youll get your Ph.D., I mean youve been working on that research paper for months, right? Mahesh snorts and speaks under his breath. MAHESH Months for nothing. A beat. STEVE It cant be all bad. Mahesh begins wiping down the machines. He stops to speak. MAHESH (Louder) Theres nothing for me in India. This is where people get their research published. This is where people become great scientists, and make a name for themselves. Mahesh throws the cleaning cloth on the counter. He puts on his coat and picks up his messenger bag off the floor. Steve prepares to leave, too. STEVE I hope everything works out for you man... Mahesh doesnt look at Steve. MAHESH Thanks. STEVE See ya tomorrow. MAHESH Yeah, see ya. Mahesh walks out of the coffee shop.

12. INT. DORM ROOM - NIGHT Mahesh is staring at the crumpled piece of notebook paper in his trash can. He rests his chin on his palm. His clock reads 2:00 a.m. He walks over to the trash can and picks the paper up, unfolds it and places it on his desk. He stares at it for awhile, then looks over his shoulder. He looks back at the paper. A beat. MAHESH (V.O.) That was when I realized I needed to change something. I remembered the jock, my "Participant 1," and I believed he and many others had caused my results to deviate. It was their fault, not mine. I didnt know it then, but from that moment I was doomed. With a blue ink pen, Mahesh begins cross out the "4.00" beneath the words "Hostile" on the table. He slowly replaces it with the number "3.61." Suddenly, the cawing of a crow startles Mahesh. The crow lands on a branch outside his dorm window. Mahesh quickly crosses out the "3.61" he has written down. He looks down to see the mess of scribbles on his paper. He grips his forehead and face, and sighs. Then, he puts his hand down and draws a sharp breath. He reaches for his calculator, turns to a page in his notebook where the participants scores are and begins to cross out the most extreme scores. He replaces them with figures closer to 3.61. He appears a little shaken and occasionally looks back at the crow outside his window. Nevertheless, he continues down the data list. Finally, we see him looking down at a new page in his notebook: "T critical value = 4.57. T value = 6.89." As he writes slowly, Mahesh speaks aloud. MAHESH T value exceeds T critical value. Therefore...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: MAHESH (slower) Statistically. Significant. Effect.

13.

He underlines the last line, then looks back at his work. He brings his hand to his mouth. A beat, then he lets out a small chuckle of disbelief.

INT. SMALL LECTURE ROOM - DAY DR. LOVELACE speaks to a room of graduate students and professors. Seated in front are five professors who make up Maheshs dissertation committee. Mahesh stands in a corner, looking on. DR. LOVELACE In a moment, Mr Bhakta will be defending his research, entitled: Dr. Lovelace refers to a small note card in his hand. DR. LOVELACE "Categories of Category Accessibility: The Impact of Trait Concept versus Exemplar Priming on Person Judgments." After this, well ask Mr Bhakta and the other guests to leave the room while the committee deliberates. (In a more casual tone) This is when the sweating really begins. The audience laughs with Dr. Lovelace. DR. LOVELACE Afterward, well bring him in and give him our verdict. (to Mahesh) Mr Bhakta - its all yours. Dr. Lovelace steps into the corner and Mahesh walks to the center of the room. MAHESH Thank you Dr. Lovelace. Mahesh turns on the overhead projector, revealing a slide for the audience. It has a picture of a man at a dinner table. In a separate box, we see a close up of the mans face, and beside it, the words, "shy, depressed or angry?"

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

14.

MAHESH How many times have you had difficulty forming an impression of someone? Imagine you are at a dinner party. A man named Donald sits across from you, but he says very little. Does this mean he is shy? Depressed? Angry at the host? We can interpret information in more than one way. The way we interpret depends on which construct - shy, depressed, or angry - is most accessible at the time. Mahesh changes the slide. Under the heading, "HYPOTHESIS" is the following sentence: "Primed trait concepts serve to interpret an ambiguous person description and result in assimilation; primed person exemplars that are extreme will be used as a comparison standard (contrast effect)." The words "assimilation" and "contrast effect" are in bold. MAHESH I propose that this depends on the kind of information we have just been exposed to. For example, when a trait like "depressed" or "angry" has been activated, our judgments of Donald shift towards the trait. However, when we are given an extreme example of a person, such as Donalds depressed brother, we now have someone to compare Donald to. Donalds silence doesnt seem so depressing after all. Mahesh changes slides again, this time to a table containing the words: "TRAIT CONCEPTS" and "PERSON EXEMPLARS" as headings. The left hand side of the table is divided into two rows - "POSITIVE VALENCE" and "NEGATIVE VALENCE.". In the middle of the table are examples of words that Mahesh has used in his surveys. MAHESH I had participants read an example prior to reading about Donald. If I wanted to prime the participants with traits, I would use examples like "depressed" or "sad"; for person exemplars, I used names like "Hitler" or "Gandhi."

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

15.

Mahesh takes a nervous breath and pauses before changing slides. He looks around the room. On this new slide, we see a table similar to the one Mahesh modified in his dorm, but with more detailed data. MAHESH These were the results - the pattern of averages confirmed my predictions. An ANOVA revealed a statistically significant effect of concept prime valence. Mahesh points to the table on his slide. MAHESH When participants were exposed to the friendliness trait, ratings of Donald were more positive. When hostility was primed, ratings of Donald were more negative. But, when people read the words "Dracula" and "Hitler" before reading about Donald, they interpreted Donald as being more friendly, confirming the idea of a contrast effect. Dr. Lovelace steps out into the center of the room. DR. LOVELACE Committee, questions, comments? Mahesh pauses and looks at the panel. An old bearded man, DR. KINSEY, begins to speak. DR. KINSEY Where do you see this research being applied? Mahesh clears his throat and speaks. MAHESH Theres great potential, in my opinion. Future research could be done on how and why these kinds of category representations are used in social judgments. Dr. Kinsey nods. Another committee member, DR. LEDGER, begins to speak.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: DR. LEDGER I have a slight problem.

16.

Mahesh looks nervous. Dr. Ledger continues to turn the pages of Maheshs paper as she scans it. DR. LEDGER Nowhere in your paper did you mention the Manis-Paskewitz model of expectation and contrast, which is a very similar theory. Are you planning on including that in a future revision? MAHESH (stammering) Y..Yes.. I forgot to include that in my paper. DR. LEDGER I think its a key part of your review, I highly suggest you include it next time. MAHESH Of course. Dr. Lovelace checks his watch and speaks again. DR. LOVELACE Alright, its time for the committee to have a final discussion. Everyone is welcome to wait outside while they deliberate, and well call you back in once theyve reached a verdict. Mahesh breathes out in relief and retrieves his slides. As he walks to the doorway, Dr. Lovelace whispers into his ear. DR. LOVELACE Good job, Mahesh. Mahesh feigns a smile and walks out.

INT. UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA - BATHROOM - 1997 Mahesh washes his face at the sink and stares at himself in the mirror. Then, he nervously glances at his watch. He bends down to wash his face again. DISSOLVE TO:

17.

INT. UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA - BATHROOM - 2011 An older Mahesh, dressed in a suit and tie, bends up from the sink, face soaking wet, and stares at himself. He quickly takes out a handkerchief from his pocket and begins to wipe his face. Once his face is dry, he pulls out an iPhone from his pocket and checks the time. It reads "9:55 a.m. - September 13th, 2011." A student, DANIEL, walks in and spots him. DANIEL There you are Dr. Bhakta! Were starting in a couple of minutes. Will you be needing anything else? Mahesh puts his phone away and shakes his head. MAHESH No, Im quite okay. DANIEL Great, well just be outside! Mahesh smiles and glances at the mirror again. His brow is slightly furrowed.

EXT. UNIVERSITY GROUNDS The president of the university, DR. THOMAS FINKE, speaks to a crowd of college students and faculty from a raised platform on a patch of green grass. MAHESH (V.O.) Many years have passed, many things have changed. But, still, some habits - some very bad habits remain the same. DR. FINKE Students and colleagues, it is with great pleasure that I call upon our 2010-2011 Kinney Sugg Outstanding Professor, Dr. Mahesh Bhakta! APPLAUSE rings through the raised platform. He nearly walks to the center of the Finke, who proceeds to sit crowd as Mahesh steps up to the trips, but catches himself and stage. He shakes hands with Dr. down.

(CONTINUED)

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18.

MAHESH Thank you Dr. Finke for the spectacular introduction. Its sometimes hard to believe that I did all of those things myself! Mahesh laughs; the crowd follows. MAHESH I am so honored to be receiving this award and to be in the ranks of some incredible people, including my former research adviser Bill Hartmond. Before I became the dean of psychology here in 2006, I was at the University of Colorado, Boulder for seven years. It was great, but Im glad to be a Sooner again! A couple of students cheer, lifting a banner with the words "SOONERS," the nickname of the university. Among two rows of professors seated at the front is DR. EDWARD TILLER, who seems unhappy. He struggles to appear normal. Mahesh continues talking in the background. MAHESH My favorite quote is by Phillip Zimbardo - "Academic success depends on research and publications." For those of you who want to become researchers, keep this in mind. Never stop asking questions, and never stop looking for answers. (A beat) Thank you again, and have a wonderful semester. The crowd applauds as Mahesh steps away from the podium.

INT. DR. TILLERS OFFICE - EVENING Dr. Tiller is cleaning up his things to leave for the day. His colleague, DR. DALE LIMBAUGH, knocks on the door. DR. TILLER Come in.

(CONTINUED)

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19.

Dr. Limbaugh walks into the office and closes the door behind him. He doesnt close it all the way, leaving it slightly ajar. DR. LIMBAUGH You didnt seem very happy today. DR. TILLER Yeah, no kidding, Dale. How was I supposed to be happy for Mahesh Bhakta? The guys only been here four years and wins an award; Ive been here nineDr. Tiller points to a cabinet full of books, but no awards. DR. TILLER -and no award. DR. LIMBAUGH I bet Mindy and the kids dont care about awards, though. Dr. Limbaugh motions towards the photo frame on Dr. Tillers desk. Dr. Tiller ignores him. DR. LIMBAUGH I suspect thats not the only thing youre upset about... Dr. Tiller stuffs a bunch of papers into his briefcase. DR. TILLER You mean other than the fact that Mahesh was just handed the grant I applied to last year? The McDonnell grant? Just like that? DR. LIMBAUGH The guy works his butt off Ed. Mahesh walks by the office, and overhears this part of the conversation. He stops and waits outside the door. DR. TILLER All he does is publish a lot of papers. And you know what - I think hes making some of his results up. Mahesh leans in closer to the door.

(CONTINUED)

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20.

DR. LIMBAUGHS VOICE Why do you say that? A beat, as Dr. Tiller shows Dr. Limbaugh something on his computer. DR. TILLERS VOICE Ive been keeping track of all of Maheshs articles. Guess what? Not a single one fails. DR. LIMBAUGHS VOICE That doesnt mean he made anything up though. DR. TILLERS VOICE Doesnt it? Look here. We see the screen of Dr. Tillers computer. It a page from one of Maheshs papers, and several numbers in a data table are highlighted. DR. TILLER The means here, and here, are almost identical. TheseDr. Tiller points to the screen. DR. TILLER -effect sizes are highly unlikely, when you think about them. Theyre just way too big. You see? Dr. Limbaugh nods slowly, and then shrugs. DR. LIMBAUGH I dont know, Ed, thats still a pretty far fetched theory... Curling his forefinger to his lips, Dr. Tiller shakes his head. DR. TILLERS VOICE No... I think hes up to something. I know hes up to something. Mahesh stops eavesdropping, then turns and walks away from the door.

21. INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY Seven professors are seated around a large conference table in the center of the room. Among them are Dr. Tiller and Dr. Limbaugh, who sit beside each other. The professors chat about their classes and research. MAHESH (V.O.) I wasnt sure how I was going to distract Ed from digging into my research. I could threaten him, or I could regain his trust. Mahesh walks into the room, grinning. MAHESH Good morning, hows everyone today? Mahesh glances at Dr. Tiller, who stares blankly ahead. MAHESH So, today Mahesh sets down his briefcase and seats himself at the head of the table. MAHESH - were going to do some routine work. Do we all have our "achievement of outcomes" statements? The professors around the table begin to get out papers and lay them on their desk. MAHESH How did our students do? A professor, DR. BAUER, clears his throat and begins to speak. DR. BAUER My classes did an outstanding job they showed significant improvement in all outcome areas. DR. LIMBAUGH Mine too, though there were a few outliers who did worse on their post test. Dr. Limbaugh chuckles as the others follow suit. Mahesh takes notes. Then, he looks over at Dr. Tiller.

(CONTINUED)

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22.

MAHESH And how about you, Ed? Dr. Tiller looks up, but tries to avoid Maheshs gaze as he speaks. DR. TILLER Students improved in a few areas, but did not improve significantly in others. Mahesh looks at him again, then takes down more notes. MAHESH Alright, new program initiatives. Martha, how far along are we with the new neuroscience program? DR. KELLEY Were thinking about bringing in an extra faculty member for the program, someone a bit more specialized. The curriculum and outcomes have been drafted already. DR. KELLEY passes Mahesh a portfolio. MAHESH Thank you. A beat, while Mahesh looks at the pages of the portfolio. MAHESH Okay, Ill take a look at all of your statements and have a summary posted up by next Tuesday. And just so you know Mahesh looks directly at Dr. Tiller, who also looks back, trying to avert his gaze. MAHESH Ill be evaluating your performances and send my recommendations for promotions out this Friday. (to the entire group) Thanks for coming, remember to check your e-mail! All the professors stand up and get ready to leave. As they file out the door, Mahesh stops Dr. Tiller.

(CONTINUED)

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23.

MAHESH Hold on, Ed, can I have a word with you? DR. TILLER I should probably get to class, Mahesh. MAHESH Itll only be a minute. Dr. Tiller reluctantly sits back down in his seat. Mahesh, with his back turned on Dr. Tiller, pretends to retrieve something from his briefcase. He looks slightly anxious, but after shaking his head, appears calm and confident. He turns around and sits down to face Dr. Tiller. MAHESH I know you also applied for the McDonnell research grant last year. Dr. Tiller leans back in his chair. DR. TILLER Congratulations on clinching it. Mahesh smiles, looking down. MAHESH I dont want there to be any bad feelings between us. DR. TILLER Why would there be? MAHESH Well, I would think that the situation might have presented a conflict of interests. Dr. Tiller looks away from Mahesh and snorts quietly. MAHESH ..Which is why I wanted to tell you that I want to help fund your project. I want to personally pay for your research. Dr. Tiller raises his eyebrows in disbelief. DR. TILLER Why would you do that?

(CONTINUED)

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24.

MAHESH Were one and the same, Ed. Were both working towards the same goals, were both social psychologists, we both like golf.. I could go on. Not to mention, I found your topic fascinating. A beat. Dr. Tillers face begins to ease. DR. TILLER I dont understand. MAHESH I just dont want you to feel as if my research is getting in the way of your research. So what do you say? DR. TILLER Well, I dont know what to say... (beat) Okay, Mahesh. Yes, yes. Thank you. Mahesh smiles. Dr. Tiller cleans up his stuff and begins to leave. DR. TILLER Thank you, Mahesh. MAHESH In the name of science, Ed. DR. TILLER In the name of science. Dr. Tiller leaves, looking jubilant. Mahesh looks equally pleased, grinning to himself. MAHESH (V.O.) I did believe his research was worth investing in. Im not the sick, manipulative con people think I am. FADE OUT