Category Archives: mentoring

Book Club – The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist

Posted on April 29, 2019 by SweetScience

Ben Barres was a remarkable scientist – a modern-day giant who will undoubtedly be remembered in the field of neuroscience as a pioneer in uncovering the critical role of glia. He will also be remembered as a powerful proponent for … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Club, bosses, change, diversity, early career scientist, female scientist, LGBT, memoir, mentoring, research, role models, sexism, support, women in science, work-life balance | Leave a comment

How to welcome a new person to your department

Posted on March 29, 2019 by SweetScience

I recently went to a fun dinner party with a few colleagues from my new department, and I’d estimate that about half the faculty know me by name if they see me in the halls, which is pretty good… except … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, early career scientist, empathy, Environment, mentoring, new job, support | Leave a comment

The Six Month Postdoc Evaluation

Posted on July 2, 2018 by ragamuffinphd

I started an academic postdoc position 6 months ago, as a new mom reeling partly from maternity leave and partly from the conditions of leaving my previous postdoc. When I started this position, I wrote about how terrified and isolated … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, busy moms, early career scientist, female scientist, mentoring, postdoc, scientist mom, transitions, Women in STEM, work-life balance | 1 Comment

Getting to know you

Posted on January 26, 2018 by SweetScience

In my courses this semester I have over 100 neuroscience students, ranging from just-declared sophomores to early grad students, and I am trying to get to know each one! It’s a challenge but I know it’s important, especially for the … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, early career scientist, education, mentoring, no regrets, role models | 1 Comment

Writing your own letter of recommendation

Posted on August 23, 2017 by SweetScience

In response to a recent post, a reader asked for advice on writing a letter of recommendation – specifically for oneself! Yes, for better or worse, “minor fraud” and ethics aside for this post, this is very common and important … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, bosses, finishing postdoctoral training, graduate school, job search, mentoring, postdoc, professional, research, strengths and weaknesses, support, uncertainty | 1 Comment

Feedback on job applications

Posted on July 17, 2017 by SweetScience

My partner and I applied separately for a number of Assistant Professor positions last year. We both had varying degrees of success at different institutions that really showed us where we stood in terms of what kinds of institutions were … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, early career scientist, finishing postdoctoral training, gratitude, Interview, job search, lack of jobs, mentoring, postdoc, strengths and weaknesses, support | 1 Comment

Your boss can’t always be your mentor

Posted on January 9, 2017 by SweetScience

“You shouldn’t be afraid to tell your boss exactly what you want to do for your next step – it’s their job to mentor you,” is the advice I have given many people, particularly grad students and postdocs who decide … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, alternative career, Leaving Academia, mentoring, postdoc, trying to please others, uncertainty | Leave a comment

Do the same rules apply to all genders as mentors?

Posted on July 11, 2016 by SweetScience

Image source: http://zap2it.com/2015/01/parks-and-recreation-leslie-knope-feminist-goddess/ I have great summer student. She was a student of mine at my previous institution and came to do research in my current lab for her summer internship. On her first day I was really busy and … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, bosses, female scientist, mentoring, role models, sexism, support, women in science | Leave a comment