Conferences are fabulous: a concentration of ideas and discoveries and inspiration and the very people who are creating your field. Don’t treat a conference like a textbook. This is the time to put yourself out there and connect with the… Read More

So many things have to come together for a successful dissertation project. The process of many great projects involves first considering, and letting go of, the projects that aren’t quite ready or worth it. The skill of moving on, however,… Read More

Don’t buy into the image of the isolated student in the library (or laboratory), head down, spotlight on the book (or test tube, or computer), toiling long hours, alone. You will need to put in some of that time, of… Read More

Whether your end goal is academia, or not, your future work will certainly involve writing. Mastering compelling and clear writing will not only aid your success, but will be a major way that you leave your mark on the world…. Read More

The word “truth” may not often be used in research. But make no mistake – it is out there. And it is our job to uncover and explain it, whatever our field. There is a parable about blind folks each… Read More

You can manage how your body processes “nerves” before giving a presentation, interviewing, confronting colleagues or fellow students, and other scary encounters. By managing your biophysical state, you will both feel better during the situation, and will also optimize how… Read More

There is a type of reading that lets the words fall like gentle rain into your brain. Ahhhh – so soothing – zzzzzz. Actually, I’m more likely to be reviewing my to-do list or planning my next blog post when… Read More

In this blog I will introduce many “tools of the trade” for graduate school and beyond. Let me start by reminding you of the tool that is the most astounding, amazing, and masterful of all, the tool that is capable… Read More

Others have written about overuse and gender dynamics around saying “sorry”. Here I encourage you to use this simple word as a case study to up your confidence and professional communication. Start with awareness. If you find yourself saying “sorry”… Read More

A Simplified Hierarchy Dean Department Chair Faculty (Full) Professor Associate Professor (often with tenure) Assistant Professor (Middle area with terms like Research Scientist or Instructor) Trainees Post-Doc Doctoral Student Master’s Student Undergraduate Student Many institutions have faculty tracks that run… Read More