Science Careers 2011: The Year's Best Stories

Stephen Weininger and Leon Gortler, 14 January

The two Knox brothers had distinguished careers in chemistry at a time when that was very difficult for African Americans.

Sarah Webb, 14 January

D.V.M.-Ph.D. Laura Richman's discovery of a novel elephant herpesvirus led to a career in human translational medicine.

Elisabeth Pain, 21 January

Neuroscientist John Apergis-Schoute revised his professional aspirations once he started a family.

Vivienne Raper, 28 January

Can pretenured scientists blog about science without damaging their careers?

Kathy Weston, 4 February

A once-promising academic scientist tells how she ended up jumping out a window of the ivory tower before she was pushed.

David G. Jensen, 18 February

Need to find out who's who inside a company? Here's how the pros do it.

Jennifer Carpenter, 18 February

Trained as a chemical engineer, Jonathan Heras has moved on to become a professional science illustrator and animator.

Elisabeth Pain, 1 April

Humor can be an added bonus in scientific talks, provided you know when and how to use it.

David G. Jensen, 18 March

In a job market where even entry-level jobs are going to people with industry experience, how can you compete?

Adam Ruben, 1 April

How can we ensure that future students will read our names when, many years from now, they open their science textbooks on their iPad 15s?

Sarah Webb, 15 April

Nickolay Hristov is building a career at the intersection of science and visual art.

Adam Ruben, 27 May

With his daughter still in the embryonic stage, our columnist wonders if it's too early to steer her toward a career in science.

Elisabeth Pain, 17 June

Conveying complex material during a scientific presentation is difficult for everyone, but it's especially challenging for speakers who aren't fluent and confident in the conference language.

Susan Gaidos, 29 July

In a new series, Science Careers shows what it's like to do science in different parts of the world, starting with Namibia.

Geoff Koch, 12 August

Graduate student Kawika Winter directs a Hawaiian botanical garden and preserve, where he intends to stay forever.

Elisabeth Pain, 12 August

Portuguese mathematician Sara Santos has forged a career communicating her passion for mathematics to all sorts of audiences.

Beryl Lieff Benderly, 2 September

A Senate hearing highlights the split between institutions' and workers' interests.

Elisabeth Pain, 2 September

Justin Siegel rationally engineered unnatural enzymes partly thanks to technology his dad helped develop.

Michael Price, 16 September

Science faculty at community colleges are finding ways to fit research into their jobs.

Sabine Louët, 30 September

Scientists working in business intelligence analyze large datasets for business clients.

Yassar Alamri, 30 September

In the aftermath of an earthquake, a scientist ruminates on the uncertainties of working in science.

Michael Price, 28 October

Recipients of the latest Nobel Prize awards in physics, chemistry and medicine share advice for scoring one of your own.

Madhur Anand, 4 November

At a world summit, a young scientist recognizes the importance of engaging real-world problems and the wider community.

Beryl Lieff Benderly, 04 November

A former postdoc finds teaching high school a deeply satisfying career.

Rachel Kaufman, 11 November

Cassie Conley's job is, among other challenges, to protect Earth from the scum of the universe -- especially the pond scum.

Sarah Reed, 18 November

Patrick Hickey's career growth has been as unpredictable as the growth of the organisms he cultivates.

Rosalind Pidcock, 2 December

From oceanography to artificial intelligence, there is a host of opportunities for early-career scientists within the United States armed forces.

Elisabeth Pain, 9 December

Scientists seeking pharma careers must adapt to sweeping changes in the industry.

David G. Jensen, 16 December

From dramatic changes arise new opportunities.

Michael Price, 23 December

Kimberly Powers's epidemiological research on HIV's early stages helped set the stage for this year's Science Breakthrough of the Year.