I didn’t feel ready, but I took a risk and stepped up to a leadership position
This scientist shares the joys—and challenges—of serving as a university administrator
Working Life
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‘It’s OK to feel anxious.’ How a professor in China faced coronavirus disruptions and fears
At first, he struggled to teach online—but then he found unexpected joy in the process -
What Cuban scientists taught me about the power of real teamwork
The best teams value the voices of every member, this professor argues -
Why improv training made me a better scientist
This Ph.D. student reflects on how the “yes, and” concept applies to science -
What my epilepsy diagnosis taught me about pursuing a career in science
This professor is afraid of what the future holds—but he’s learned to adapt to uncertainty -
How a risky move put my career back on course
This researcher reflects on his decision to quit a faculty job and start a postdoc -
How I got through my grad school slump
After failing her dissertation proposal defense, this Ph.D. student decided that she needed a healthier mindset -
How I motivate myself to complete boring job tasks—and have fun in the process
This professor emeritus writes that he’s always struggled to finish tedious paperwork -
I regret not raising immigration issues when negotiating my first faculty position
This professor shares advice for other immigrant scientists -
My Ph.D. adviser fired me. Here’s how I moved on
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” this scientist advises -
To fairly evaluate scientists’ CVs, universities should welcome personal disclosures
This professor discussed her daughter’s health complications when she interviewed for faculty positions -
How a volunteer gig as a ‘barback’ changed my perspective in grad school
This Ph.D. student learned that activities outside the lab are helpful for clearing her mind -
I wish I’d taken my mental health more seriously in grad school
This clinical psychologist argues that academics shouldn’t idolize a workaholic lifestyle -
Three tips that made me a better teacher
This professor’s scientific training didn’t prepare him to teach, so he took steps to educate himself -
Why I stopped turning a blind eye to the ethics of my research—and personal life
This Ph.D. student recalibrated her view on ethics after accidentally killing a bird -
How I let go of my guilt as a mother in grad school
This Ph.D. student writes that her daughters have benefited from her pursuit of higher education
