grad school Archives - Page 6 of 19

170. Mailbag: Should I Quit Grad School?

February 15, 2022February 15, 2022 Daniel Leave a comment

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

If you’re a grad student who hasn’t thought about leaving your PhD program at least once, you might not have a pulse. When experiments fail, grants are rejected, or you get reprimanded by the PI, it’s often comforting to remember that all of this suffering is self-imposed and you could simply leave the University and start a book shop somewhere.

For most students, that moment passes and they move on with their training and career. But sometimes, the moment doesn’t pass, and students begin to ask more fundamental questions.

169. Change Your Plans, Not Your Goals

January 31, 2022February 15, 2022 Daniel Leave a comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

Even as a child, Alexandra wanted to study space. She had a Bachelor’s degree in physics from Cambridge University, so she seemed like the perfect candidate to for a PhD program.

But after graduation, she didn’t feel ready. She’d need a Master’s degree first, but money was tight and her student visa had run out.

She found a job prospect at a particle accelerator lab, but was turned down because they wanted more programming experience. So she packed her bags and headed home.

Her goal remained the same – to study astrophysics and earn a PhD. But due to circumstances, her plans had to change.

167. Mailbag – Am I Ready For Grad School?

December 15, 2021December 15, 2021 Daniel Leave a comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

This week, we dive head-first into the mailbag to answer listener questions about grad school readiness, teaching experience, and more!

075. When Research Sucks (R)

November 30, 2021November 30, 2021 Daniel Leave a comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

It’s inevitable. At some point in your research career, you’re going to get that sinking feeling.

Your experiments will all fail, your PI will get on your case about finishing that paper, and your graduation date will drift maddeningly out of reach.

So what can you do when your research starts to drag you down?

166. Want to Improve Research Careers? Scientists Have 5,434 Suggestions.

November 18, 2021November 18, 2021 Daniel Leave a comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

The CACTUS Global Mental Health Survey asked valuable questions about stress, performance, and career goals for scientists.

The data revealed plenty of room for improvement, as researchers struggle with harassment, work-life balance, and limited pay.

But the study’s authors also asked more open-ended questions:

Do you have any suggestions for organizations within academia or other related stakeholders on what they can do to ensure a great work environment for researchers?

The received 5,434 ideas from the 13,000 survey respondents.

This week, we’re joined once again by Andrea Hayward, Senior Associate for Global Community Engagement at Cactus Communications.

We unpack the themes she uncovered from those responses, and identify the many ways in which Academia can foster a more supportive research environment.