As I mentioned a few months ago, I have had the privilege of writing up an invited review on the Mango field for a prestigious journal.
The process of submitting an invited review is an interesting one. We submitted a draft to the editor, who provided general feedback about the scope, layout and figures of the manuscript. Once we were all happy with the draft, it was sent out for "review" by three referees. I put "review" in quotes because I have never received such kiss-ass commentary in my entire academic career.
What a difference an invitation makes!
Instead of "the authors are idiots with stupid names and I object to the entirety of pages 12-16 as well as their ludicrous claims that Mangoes are a type of fruit", we got feedback indicating that "the draft is suitable for publication as-is", and "the manuscript is extremely well-written and a pleasure to read".
A pleasure to read?!?! HAHAHAHAAAAA!!!!
Of course it's a motherfucking pleasure to read.
Memo to all of the nitwit reviewers I get stuck with for my non-invited manuscripts: My writing is pleasurable. My commentary is brilliant. My ideas are top-notch. Just wave me on through, please, and let's get this show on the road.
Further proof that academia is often a complete load of subjective bullshit.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
FAIL
Several months ago, I applied for an NIH postdoc fellowship. People from my lab have an excellent track record of obtaining such funding, and my supervisor was extremely excited about my proposal, saying it was one of the best NIH postdoc applications he had ever sent out.
I have been stalking the NIH eRA Commons website for the last several days for a status update since I knew the study section meeting had taken place last week.
This morning, my scores had appeared:
Priority Score: 349
Percentile: 79
For those of you unfamiliar with the scoring system, the priority score can range from 100-500, with 100 being the best possible score. You typically need a score of about 150 or less to get funded.
To easily compare applications, the NIH also uses a percentile score. My score indicates that a whopping 79% of other applications that made it to study section were "better" than mine.
Apparently, I suck the big nut.
Although I didn't necessarily expect to get the fellowship, I certainly expected to get a decent score. Even the NIH tells you that your application is 25% your university, 25% your lab, 25% your own awesomeness, and 25% your proposal. Not to give away the show, people, but I should have been able to turn in a blank piece of paper for the proposal and still make it into the 30th percentile.
Only the scores are up- no summary statements yet. I am infinitely curious about what the judges have to say. I will have to wait.
In the meantime, my supervisor has vowed to "hunt down the assholes and morons" who are responsible for "the most inappropriate score he has ever received on a submission to the NIH". Ahh, sometimes I just want to kiss him. Today, I will let him be angry for me.
I have been stalking the NIH eRA Commons website for the last several days for a status update since I knew the study section meeting had taken place last week.
This morning, my scores had appeared:
Priority Score: 349
Percentile: 79
For those of you unfamiliar with the scoring system, the priority score can range from 100-500, with 100 being the best possible score. You typically need a score of about 150 or less to get funded.
To easily compare applications, the NIH also uses a percentile score. My score indicates that a whopping 79% of other applications that made it to study section were "better" than mine.
Apparently, I suck the big nut.
Although I didn't necessarily expect to get the fellowship, I certainly expected to get a decent score. Even the NIH tells you that your application is 25% your university, 25% your lab, 25% your own awesomeness, and 25% your proposal. Not to give away the show, people, but I should have been able to turn in a blank piece of paper for the proposal and still make it into the 30th percentile.
Only the scores are up- no summary statements yet. I am infinitely curious about what the judges have to say. I will have to wait.
In the meantime, my supervisor has vowed to "hunt down the assholes and morons" who are responsible for "the most inappropriate score he has ever received on a submission to the NIH". Ahh, sometimes I just want to kiss him. Today, I will let him be angry for me.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Moving
It’s time to go again, time to pack up our working parts and head to greener pastures, time to watch the cows go by as we drive down the road, time to say hello to a new paragraph, time to breathe out a small part of us.
Life, is it trying to leave me behind somewhere, it runs while I bend over to tie my shoelaces. It’s hard, rock hard, to keep up with the sprinters, the professionals, the experts who race about me, around me, across city streets, women in pant suits and sneakers who pedal through, row through the yellow lights without blinking, without thinking of what might be next, because they already know.
You want to talk about what I know? You want to talk of things past, or of what’s to come? You want to ask why I keep leaving, where I’m going, what makes it impossible to stay?
And with the moving comes removing, retraining, reconditioning of all of the bells and whistles attached to my wrists, filing away the pages of my history, neatly stacked in unmistakable sequence, and tucked under my arm for the journey to the other side of town.
That’s where I’ll live now, it’s where I’ll be, waiting for you to come and see what I’ve made of myself in my tower of Italian marble and twisted cinnamon. I’ll be there, flirting with an elusive simplicity that I’d love to know, to grow, to roll across the patch of grass that is mine yet not mine, seeking a life that I’ve never had, and becoming what I already am.
Life, is it trying to leave me behind somewhere, it runs while I bend over to tie my shoelaces. It’s hard, rock hard, to keep up with the sprinters, the professionals, the experts who race about me, around me, across city streets, women in pant suits and sneakers who pedal through, row through the yellow lights without blinking, without thinking of what might be next, because they already know.
You want to talk about what I know? You want to talk of things past, or of what’s to come? You want to ask why I keep leaving, where I’m going, what makes it impossible to stay?
And with the moving comes removing, retraining, reconditioning of all of the bells and whistles attached to my wrists, filing away the pages of my history, neatly stacked in unmistakable sequence, and tucked under my arm for the journey to the other side of town.
That’s where I’ll live now, it’s where I’ll be, waiting for you to come and see what I’ve made of myself in my tower of Italian marble and twisted cinnamon. I’ll be there, flirting with an elusive simplicity that I’d love to know, to grow, to roll across the patch of grass that is mine yet not mine, seeking a life that I’ve never had, and becoming what I already am.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Fabulous Five Things
I have been tagged for said meme by our Canadian GirlPostdoc. I've already told you a few interesting things about me, but I guess you people can't get enough. Or maybe I have nothing better to do this morning. Or maybe I am a big fat procrastinator. Yeah, that's it.
5 Things I was Doing 10 Years Ago
1. Roasting marshmallows
2. Being self-conscious
3. Excelling at the most difficult mathematics I'll ever do
4. Getting over my teen angst, and oh was it ample
5. Wearing horrendous clothing
5 Things on My To-Do List Today
1. Whack down my dead garden plants so our subletters don't have to look at them in anger
2. Brave a sells-in-bulk warehouse with a friend (yuck)
3. Wow my labmates with my charm and scientific prowess
4. Eat horrible canned soup for lunch in an attempt to clear my kitchen cabinets
5. Get laid (yes, seriously, I have to put it on my list if it's going to happen during the week)
5 Snacks I Love
1. Cheese
2. Pistachios
3. Raspberries
4. Pomegranate seeds
5. Avocados
5 Things I Would Do if I was a Millionaire
1. Pay off my impending mortgage (oh shit, there goes all my money). Cancel that.
2. Give my parents a crap-load to pay off their second mortgage, finance their retirement, and give my anxiety-ridden mother a little peace of mind. Which probably won't work, but I'll do it anyway.
3. Purchase and distribute Christmas presents for needy children in my city.
4. Travel, ahh yes, travel. This is my one real love, and it's so hard to afford. I will go to wonderful and eye-opening, perspective-changing places. On top of the list: Egypt, Antarctica, New Zealand, South Africa, and Brazil.
5. Hoarde it into my savings and start some kind of trust fund for myself.
5 Places I've Lived
1. On the shores of a pond
2. On the shores of a lake
3. On the shores of an ocean
4. In a falling-down house with three male scientists (probably my favorite living arrangement of all time- men are awesome roommates)
5. In an apartment with one girl who would steal my frozen bags of Lean Cuisine and another girl who would snap her fingers at me, say "Oh no you didn't", and give me the silent treatment for a week at a time.
5 Jobs I've Had
1. Undergraduate departmental spokesperson
2. Consultant (uhh, could I live my entire life as a consultant? Making $80 an hour?)
3. Boating instructor
4. Office assistant (nothing like making copies to put you in your place)
5. Computer assistant at the campus library (In case you were wondering, I am terrible with customer service. Because when people are absolute idiots and fail to back up their own data and accidentally hit restart buttons and lose everything and then come crying to me, yelling at me how it's somehow my fault... let's just say that I do not sit there smiling sweetly. Oh no, I give it right back to the 'customer', a.k.a. retard. This job did not end well.)
5 Things I was Doing 10 Years Ago
1. Roasting marshmallows
2. Being self-conscious
3. Excelling at the most difficult mathematics I'll ever do
4. Getting over my teen angst, and oh was it ample
5. Wearing horrendous clothing
5 Things on My To-Do List Today
1. Whack down my dead garden plants so our subletters don't have to look at them in anger
2. Brave a sells-in-bulk warehouse with a friend (yuck)
3. Wow my labmates with my charm and scientific prowess
4. Eat horrible canned soup for lunch in an attempt to clear my kitchen cabinets
5. Get laid (yes, seriously, I have to put it on my list if it's going to happen during the week)
5 Snacks I Love
1. Cheese
2. Pistachios
3. Raspberries
4. Pomegranate seeds
5. Avocados
5 Things I Would Do if I was a Millionaire
1. Pay off my impending mortgage (oh shit, there goes all my money). Cancel that.
2. Give my parents a crap-load to pay off their second mortgage, finance their retirement, and give my anxiety-ridden mother a little peace of mind. Which probably won't work, but I'll do it anyway.
3. Purchase and distribute Christmas presents for needy children in my city.
4. Travel, ahh yes, travel. This is my one real love, and it's so hard to afford. I will go to wonderful and eye-opening, perspective-changing places. On top of the list: Egypt, Antarctica, New Zealand, South Africa, and Brazil.
5. Hoarde it into my savings and start some kind of trust fund for myself.
5 Places I've Lived
1. On the shores of a pond
2. On the shores of a lake
3. On the shores of an ocean
4. In a falling-down house with three male scientists (probably my favorite living arrangement of all time- men are awesome roommates)
5. In an apartment with one girl who would steal my frozen bags of Lean Cuisine and another girl who would snap her fingers at me, say "Oh no you didn't", and give me the silent treatment for a week at a time.
5 Jobs I've Had
1. Undergraduate departmental spokesperson
2. Consultant (uhh, could I live my entire life as a consultant? Making $80 an hour?)
3. Boating instructor
4. Office assistant (nothing like making copies to put you in your place)
5. Computer assistant at the campus library (In case you were wondering, I am terrible with customer service. Because when people are absolute idiots and fail to back up their own data and accidentally hit restart buttons and lose everything and then come crying to me, yelling at me how it's somehow my fault... let's just say that I do not sit there smiling sweetly. Oh no, I give it right back to the 'customer', a.k.a. retard. This job did not end well.)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Things Said While Packing
My husband and I have spent the weekend packing. Yes, folks, it's that time again.
This evening, as my husband and I were chatting after dinner, I somehow managed to utter these two gems in a span of less than three minutes:
"Boy, you really like to cram things into boxes."
and
"Little do people know, I am the #1 anal packer!"
Maybe it's a good thing that I don't get out more.
This evening, as my husband and I were chatting after dinner, I somehow managed to utter these two gems in a span of less than three minutes:
"Boy, you really like to cram things into boxes."
and
"Little do people know, I am the #1 anal packer!"
Maybe it's a good thing that I don't get out more.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
TA Evaluations
My dear readers- Thank you for your supportive comments. I have certainly appreciated them all. My sister got through her surgery and now begins the recovery process. It's times like these that make it difficult to be away from home.
As for today: a lighter topic. I was searching through my grad materials for some paperwork the other day and came across my set of TA evaluations. Oh, it was a trip down memory lane, and I thought I'd share the fun with you all.
At Grad University, grad students in my department were required to TA one class per year for every year except your first and last (so I TAed my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years). I TAed the same elective class taught by the same professor all three years.
The first two years that I helped with this class, I tried very hard to be a "good" TA. Translation: I assisted students with their assignments, but I refused to help them excessively or give them the answers. I graded assignments fairly. Typically, homework scores fell between 70-100% with an average around 85-90. The undergraduate students at Grad University are notoriously, um, lazy... and I refused to coddle them. Let's be clear, people- I am not a coddler. I wanted them to learn the damn material.
Well, the assistant professor who taught the class had no balls. I suspect he was just after good evaluations for his tenure package. No matter how the students fared on homeworks or exams, he gave almost all of them A's. After I blatantly caught two students cheating my second year, he told me to "Never mind, we don't want to ruin their careers". It all felt completely pointless. So, after two years of TAing this course, I realized them it made no difference how I tried to help the students or grade their papers- at the end of the day, they were getting 'A's and they hated me.
Here is a sampling of the comments that showed up on my evaluations:
AWESOME. So my third year of TAing this course, I decided to conduct an experiment. My plan was to be a super helpful TA (e.g. I'd answer questions that I really shouldn't and provide little actually learning opportunity for the students). Also, I graded all homeworks on a scale of 90-100%. The worst assignment would get the 90 and so on. Their relative ranks in the class were unaffected, but all that their little minds could process was the absolute value of the number on their assignments. So I did this, although it pained me, and then I waited for my evaluations. Hark!
I will leave you with a quanititative analysis of my TA scores over time. The results, as you will see, are striking. In particular, it amazes me that my availability during office hours somehow goes up if I give higher scores.
As for today: a lighter topic. I was searching through my grad materials for some paperwork the other day and came across my set of TA evaluations. Oh, it was a trip down memory lane, and I thought I'd share the fun with you all.
At Grad University, grad students in my department were required to TA one class per year for every year except your first and last (so I TAed my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years). I TAed the same elective class taught by the same professor all three years.
The first two years that I helped with this class, I tried very hard to be a "good" TA. Translation: I assisted students with their assignments, but I refused to help them excessively or give them the answers. I graded assignments fairly. Typically, homework scores fell between 70-100% with an average around 85-90. The undergraduate students at Grad University are notoriously, um, lazy... and I refused to coddle them. Let's be clear, people- I am not a coddler. I wanted them to learn the damn material.
Well, the assistant professor who taught the class had no balls. I suspect he was just after good evaluations for his tenure package. No matter how the students fared on homeworks or exams, he gave almost all of them A's. After I blatantly caught two students cheating my second year, he told me to "Never mind, we don't want to ruin their careers". It all felt completely pointless. So, after two years of TAing this course, I realized them it made no difference how I tried to help the students or grade their papers- at the end of the day, they were getting 'A's and they hated me.
Here is a sampling of the comments that showed up on my evaluations:
- Candid Engineer doesn't know math, and she sucks.
- She knows her math too well and was totally condescending.
- I thought she was mean.
- She plays favorites and I never understand her answers.
- She is unfriendly and unhelpful.
- Candid Engineer is arrogant and grades very harshly.
- She needs to lighten up.
- Candid Engineer, you were very good at making snobby comments and reminding students that they don't know anything. Congratulations.
- She is the worst TA I have ever had and I hope she gets fired.
AWESOME. So my third year of TAing this course, I decided to conduct an experiment. My plan was to be a super helpful TA (e.g. I'd answer questions that I really shouldn't and provide little actually learning opportunity for the students). Also, I graded all homeworks on a scale of 90-100%. The worst assignment would get the 90 and so on. Their relative ranks in the class were unaffected, but all that their little minds could process was the absolute value of the number on their assignments. So I did this, although it pained me, and then I waited for my evaluations. Hark!
- Extremely helpful, thanks so much.
- Excellent.
- Always available, always helpful.
- Best interactions from a TA I've ever had.
- My favorite TA of all time.
I will leave you with a quanititative analysis of my TA scores over time. The results, as you will see, are striking. In particular, it amazes me that my availability during office hours somehow goes up if I give higher scores.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Thoughts for My Sister
My dear sister is going under the knife this morning. It is a time of high anxiety and concern.
I would very much appreciate it if you could keep her in your thoughts, or if you are the praying type, to offer up what you will.
I would very much appreciate it if you could keep her in your thoughts, or if you are the praying type, to offer up what you will.
Monday, November 10, 2008
On Being a Woman and a Scientist
I have been reading the drama unfold over at Isis the Scientist, spurred by a post and comment at Transient Reporter. At the heart of the matter is the comment left by KH at Transient Reporter, indicating that Isis's blog personality "makes female scientists sound like shoe fetish ignorant bimbos". Isis took exception to the inference that she is a "bimbo" and wrote a subsequent piece on the need for solidarity among woman scientists.
This exchange, coupled with a comment left last night by Arlenna on my cake post, has left me thinking long and hard about the fine line between femininity and scientific credibility that many women try to walk. There are several issues that I'd like to address here, so please bear with me as I make my point.
There is a very strong perception in the real world that it is nearly impossible for a woman to ooze femininity while enjoying the respect of the scientific community. For example, KH's comment implies that Isis does serious detriment to her reputation as a scientist by fervently blogging about sexy shoes. Although I am sure that KH does not think that Isis is actually a bimbo, her comment reveals the inner disconnect she has between an alluring woman and an intelligent academic.
Another example comes from Arlenna's comment on my cake post. Arlenna shares my love of baking, but unlike me, she feels as if she cannot give away her baked goods to her colleagues, for fear that the feminine gesture will adversely affect her when she goes up for tenure. People, this is a goddamn shame- this notion that "I need to avoid being perceived as a baker (a.k.a., woman) or else I might not get tenure". I am not saying that she is wrong to feel this way; I am saying that the society that forced this kind of attitude is fucked up. I know as well as anyone that it is entirely possible to make delectable cookies on the weekend AND throw down some noteworthy science during the week.
Dr. Isis, I believe, feels the same way. As an encouragement to her female readers, she has chosen to adopt a blog personality who excels at motherhood, hotness, and science. In theory, this is an excellent idea. In practice (as I perceive it), the combination of all of these descriptors does not work as effectively as she would like on a blog. Blogs (and almost everything else is life) have the most potential for impact when they focus on a particular topic.
For example, when I pick up the latest issue of Nature or Science, I can browse through a variety of scientific articles, commentaries, and advertisements for scientific products. I never encounter any kind of overly gendered material- indeed, I have yet to see an advertisement for lipstick OR for football or for anything else off-topic in those journals. If such things were present, you had better believe that I would not take the contents of the journal quite as seriously.
Along similar lines, PhysioProf blogs both at his own website as well as at the DrugMonkey website. This, I feel, is a good arrangement for him. When I am in the mood for some political or Eagles-related outrage, I tune into the regular PP blog. When I am in the mood for scientific opinions, I pull up a chair and enjoy one of his posts at DrugMonkey. This situation allows me to take PP more seriously as an academic and role model. If he were to blog about both things in one place... not so much.
I do not doubt that Isis is both an excellent scientist and awesome, stiletto-sporting mother. I commend her for that, and I very much enjoy reading her blog. But her scientific message often gets lost in all of the glitter. I can look for it, because I know it's there. But the detached observer may not be as perceptive. This is an inherent flaw in the way Isis chooses to blog. I am not suggesting that there is any better way (short of creating a second blog, which is a pain in the ass). I am simply suggesting that this may be the fundamental reason for comments like KH's.
The interesting (and good) thing here is that it is easier to walk the fine line of feminity and science in real life than it is on one's blog. In real life, I don't have to go around talking about my mean pencil skirt, my hot shoes, and my ability to whip up an incredible souffle in the same place as I talk about my science. The extra dimensions of real life allow women like me (and you) to be subtle with our feminity while being obvious with our intelligence. In other words, you will see me in that lovely outfit, you will see my makeup and my long wavy hair and my ample bosoms, but you will not hear me talk about them. The only thing flowing out of my mouth at work is pure scientific poetry*. And the only thing you will remember is that you went to a seminar today that discussed some really outstanding science... and boy... that speaker sure was pretty.
As a final point, I have to say that A) while it is not cool to go around calling other bloggers "bimbos", B) it is complete bullocks to say that we, as women, have to support all other women, just because we share double-X chromosomes. I, as a matter of habit, support people who I perceive as being good. I don't care what gender you are, what color, or what sexual orientation. I am not about to fall all over myself just because some other scientist happens to be a woman. This is not to say that I will not make myself available to that woman, and that I will not always try to do the right thing. It's just that real science is genderless, and that is where I intend to live.
*OK, so that's not totally true.
This exchange, coupled with a comment left last night by Arlenna on my cake post, has left me thinking long and hard about the fine line between femininity and scientific credibility that many women try to walk. There are several issues that I'd like to address here, so please bear with me as I make my point.
There is a very strong perception in the real world that it is nearly impossible for a woman to ooze femininity while enjoying the respect of the scientific community. For example, KH's comment implies that Isis does serious detriment to her reputation as a scientist by fervently blogging about sexy shoes. Although I am sure that KH does not think that Isis is actually a bimbo, her comment reveals the inner disconnect she has between an alluring woman and an intelligent academic.
Another example comes from Arlenna's comment on my cake post. Arlenna shares my love of baking, but unlike me, she feels as if she cannot give away her baked goods to her colleagues, for fear that the feminine gesture will adversely affect her when she goes up for tenure. People, this is a goddamn shame- this notion that "I need to avoid being perceived as a baker (a.k.a., woman) or else I might not get tenure". I am not saying that she is wrong to feel this way; I am saying that the society that forced this kind of attitude is fucked up. I know as well as anyone that it is entirely possible to make delectable cookies on the weekend AND throw down some noteworthy science during the week.
Dr. Isis, I believe, feels the same way. As an encouragement to her female readers, she has chosen to adopt a blog personality who excels at motherhood, hotness, and science. In theory, this is an excellent idea. In practice (as I perceive it), the combination of all of these descriptors does not work as effectively as she would like on a blog. Blogs (and almost everything else is life) have the most potential for impact when they focus on a particular topic.
For example, when I pick up the latest issue of Nature or Science, I can browse through a variety of scientific articles, commentaries, and advertisements for scientific products. I never encounter any kind of overly gendered material- indeed, I have yet to see an advertisement for lipstick OR for football or for anything else off-topic in those journals. If such things were present, you had better believe that I would not take the contents of the journal quite as seriously.
Along similar lines, PhysioProf blogs both at his own website as well as at the DrugMonkey website. This, I feel, is a good arrangement for him. When I am in the mood for some political or Eagles-related outrage, I tune into the regular PP blog. When I am in the mood for scientific opinions, I pull up a chair and enjoy one of his posts at DrugMonkey. This situation allows me to take PP more seriously as an academic and role model. If he were to blog about both things in one place... not so much.
I do not doubt that Isis is both an excellent scientist and awesome, stiletto-sporting mother. I commend her for that, and I very much enjoy reading her blog. But her scientific message often gets lost in all of the glitter. I can look for it, because I know it's there. But the detached observer may not be as perceptive. This is an inherent flaw in the way Isis chooses to blog. I am not suggesting that there is any better way (short of creating a second blog, which is a pain in the ass). I am simply suggesting that this may be the fundamental reason for comments like KH's.
The interesting (and good) thing here is that it is easier to walk the fine line of feminity and science in real life than it is on one's blog. In real life, I don't have to go around talking about my mean pencil skirt, my hot shoes, and my ability to whip up an incredible souffle in the same place as I talk about my science. The extra dimensions of real life allow women like me (and you) to be subtle with our feminity while being obvious with our intelligence. In other words, you will see me in that lovely outfit, you will see my makeup and my long wavy hair and my ample bosoms, but you will not hear me talk about them. The only thing flowing out of my mouth at work is pure scientific poetry*. And the only thing you will remember is that you went to a seminar today that discussed some really outstanding science... and boy... that speaker sure was pretty.
As a final point, I have to say that A) while it is not cool to go around calling other bloggers "bimbos", B) it is complete bullocks to say that we, as women, have to support all other women, just because we share double-X chromosomes. I, as a matter of habit, support people who I perceive as being good. I don't care what gender you are, what color, or what sexual orientation. I am not about to fall all over myself just because some other scientist happens to be a woman. This is not to say that I will not make myself available to that woman, and that I will not always try to do the right thing. It's just that real science is genderless, and that is where I intend to live.
*OK, so that's not totally true.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Baking is Chemistry
I have more luck in the kitchen that I do in the chemistry labs. Indeed, my darling Dr. Isis is not the only domestic broad in town.
Figure 1: Chocolate Buttermilk Cake with Espresso Buttercream Frosting and Rum-Soaked Lady Fingers: If only I could send a slice of this along with my manuscript submissions... I'd get better reviews and publish in better journals. Bribery, anyone?
Saturday, November 8, 2008
I Heart Science
On my worst days, I don't understand why I am in this profession instead of the blueberry farming business. On my better days, I am utterly amazed at the possibilities that lie in front of us as scientists.
We are sequencing entire genomes of cancer patients.
We are decoding the genetic puzzle of life, piece by piece, disease by disease, target by target. The opportunities that such discoveries will provide are endless, and my mind is buoyed by a renewed sense of optimism.
We are sequencing entire genomes of cancer patients.
We are decoding the genetic puzzle of life, piece by piece, disease by disease, target by target. The opportunities that such discoveries will provide are endless, and my mind is buoyed by a renewed sense of optimism.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Your Biology isn't Safe
I find this deeply disconcerting:
Plastic tubes and pipette tips leach chemicals that botch experiments
Looks like the last 6 years have been a wash.
Plastic tubes and pipette tips leach chemicals that botch experiments
Looks like the last 6 years have been a wash.
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Resident Experts
There are some things that I really like about my research supervisor. For example, he has tremendous respect for the people within our group, and he regularly verbalizes his respect and confidence in our abilities.
I am a small part of a big laboratory, and one of the very best things about my group is the way it brings together some of the most outstanding people from a variety of disciplines. The collaborative nature of our lab means that we have a wide assortment of talents at our disposal, and my supervisor always gives his people credit where credit is due.
I have often sat in with him on meetings with outsiders, and it makes me smile (and soften) when he refers to me as the "lead postdoc" on the Mango project, or to one of my colleagues as "our resident expert" in Avocado Harvesting. To listen to him talk, it's like we have the United Nations of Science under our illustrious roof.
The kind and respectful way with which he speaks of his group members doesn't just have a positive impact on his intended audience- it also has a positive impact on me. It makes me feel like 1) each of the students and postdocs in this group are valued for their intellect and capacity to contribute to scientific study and 2) that I have some frickin top-notch people to collaborate with around here, and so I'd better get some serious shit done!
I am a small part of a big laboratory, and one of the very best things about my group is the way it brings together some of the most outstanding people from a variety of disciplines. The collaborative nature of our lab means that we have a wide assortment of talents at our disposal, and my supervisor always gives his people credit where credit is due.
I have often sat in with him on meetings with outsiders, and it makes me smile (and soften) when he refers to me as the "lead postdoc" on the Mango project, or to one of my colleagues as "our resident expert" in Avocado Harvesting. To listen to him talk, it's like we have the United Nations of Science under our illustrious roof.
The kind and respectful way with which he speaks of his group members doesn't just have a positive impact on his intended audience- it also has a positive impact on me. It makes me feel like 1) each of the students and postdocs in this group are valued for their intellect and capacity to contribute to scientific study and 2) that I have some frickin top-notch people to collaborate with around here, and so I'd better get some serious shit done!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
I am Scientist, Watch Me Write
Although the thought of writing another manuscript at this point in time makes me want to regurgitate my dinner, the simple fact of the matter is that I have accumulated enough awesome data here at Brilliant U. to bang out my first paper in my new subfield. Huzzah.
Coincidentally, November just happens to be InaDWriMo month, or in layman's terms, Scientists-Go-Shit-Nuts-and-Decide-to-Write-About-Science month. The very Brazen Hussy is hosting this month's festivities over at What the Hell is Wrong With You. My personal goal, which the perceptive reader will note in the sidebar, is 5,000 words for the month of November, which should just about cover the manuscript.
This little gem is going to be as well-written as it is stunning, both in its novelty and its robustness. It will most likely be submitted to a mid-range journal. I'd have to say that I'm really proud of the work that will be going into this paper, and not just because it is quality scientific material. I am most proud of the fact that nine months ago, I couldn't have done any of the stuff that will be contained within. It's all-new for me. And perhaps more importantly, I am all-new for it.
Think about it.
Okay people, it's Saturday night, and I'm writing about a goddamn manuscript. I need to get a life.
Coincidentally, November just happens to be InaDWriMo month, or in layman's terms, Scientists-Go-Shit-Nuts-and-Decide-to-Write-About-Science month. The very Brazen Hussy is hosting this month's festivities over at What the Hell is Wrong With You. My personal goal, which the perceptive reader will note in the sidebar, is 5,000 words for the month of November, which should just about cover the manuscript.
This little gem is going to be as well-written as it is stunning, both in its novelty and its robustness. It will most likely be submitted to a mid-range journal. I'd have to say that I'm really proud of the work that will be going into this paper, and not just because it is quality scientific material. I am most proud of the fact that nine months ago, I couldn't have done any of the stuff that will be contained within. It's all-new for me. And perhaps more importantly, I am all-new for it.
Think about it.
Okay people, it's Saturday night, and I'm writing about a goddamn manuscript. I need to get a life.
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