There's COVID-19 research, and then there's meta COVID-19 research--that is, research about research in the era of COVID-19. Scientists, specifically principal investigators, were surveyed about time spent on various job activities. No one will be surprised to learn that productivity has been lost, particularly in disciplines dependent on shared equipment and/or student labor. Likewise, it is not shocking to discover that parents who have to care for small children are disproportionately affected. It's good to confirm … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Researching the Researchers
science career
Science Corner: Lab Girl
I enjoy spending time in the lofty realm of scientific concepts, but it's important to remember that science is also a very concrete, human activity that occurs in specific contexts. The particulars of those contexts can strongly shape the practices and outcomes, no matter how we might wish that science is a purely democratic, egalitarian pursuit of truth (or Truth). This interview of A. Hope Jahren, author of Lab Girl, was a striking reminder of those human elements. As the piece notes, Jahren is not typical of … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Lab Girl
Science Reader Question: And You Are… ?
I'd love to know more about your career journey. Are you working in academia or do you have what is currently called an alt-ac (alternative to academia) career? How did you get there? I touched on this briefly in my very first post 3 years ago, in a fairly obtuse way. I mentioned some more details while discussing the topic of private sector careers. But given how much I focus on esoteric science, and given how popular practical, career-oriented posts are on this blog, I think a more straightforward answer to this … [Read more...] about Science Reader Question: And You Are… ?
Call for Science Career Questions
Are you an emerging scholar in the sciences looking for someone to answer your questions about graduate school, career choices, life/work balance, and more? Members of the American Scientific Affiliation (ASA), an association of Christians in science, would love to explore your questions on the ESN blog and then continue the conversation at ASA's new Nexus Forums. Email ESN with questions and we'll pass them on. To get a free Student Basic membership to ASA, click here. … [Read more...] about Call for Science Career Questions
Resources for Postdocs: Follow-up to “Finding a Postdoc in the Sciences”
As I think about my journey through graduate school and the crazy world of postdoc-dom (postdoc-ship?), a few things keep coming to mind. These verses from Ephesians 3 (ESV, emphases mine) have been such an encouragement, and are my prayer for those of you who are beginning or in the midst of your postdoc journey. Prayer for Spiritual Strength 14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you … [Read more...] about Resources for Postdocs: Follow-up to “Finding a Postdoc in the Sciences”