PhD students are essential components of junior research groups – but who’s really the master, and who’s the apprentice? Continue reading
Mentoring, teaching
Mentoring the next generation
My lab might be closing soon because of insufficient research productivity. Is it really because I supervised too many undergraduate students? And if so, should I regret it? Continue reading
The Usual Suspects, the usual hazards
We have hazard signs for harmful chemicals, so why not have hazard signs for harmful mentors? Continue reading
Potential Difference
Recruitment is also about screening for potential, and not just for finding finished products. Continue reading
It couldn’t ever happen to me
Academics always need a Plan B, because career longevity is never guaranteed. Continue reading
Imparting a point of view
Teaching science and supervising research isn’t just about facts, tools, and techniques. It’s also about getting people to see the world around them in a different way. Continue reading
Manners and mentorship
Politeness isn’t just about knowing when to pass the salt. Continue reading
The best ticket in town
The end of a semester is a cause for pride and rejoicing. Continue reading
Leaders and directors
Judging how much control to exert over a research project is one of mentoring’s trickiest balancing acts. Continue reading
Long-distance learning
Freddie Mercury, J K Rowling, and the scientific primary literature. Continue reading
Total Internal Reflection 