Guest Posts

Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in STEM

Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in STEM

For women in STEM, inequality remains a problem and brings with it numerous challenges for those seeking to pursue successful and rewarding life science careers. In this guest blog, Gagandeep Kaur of Howard University, USA, considers some of the challenges and shares ways to overcome them.

From Desire to Determination: A Positive Mindset for PhD Success

From Desire to Determination: A Positive Mindset for PhD Success

Developing a strong & determined mindset is crucial for combatting the challenges you will undoubtedly face on the path to your life science PhD. Guest blogger Dr Abiola Isawumi shares his advice & tips on maintaining a positive mindset for PhD success…

Navigating the Mentor-Mentee Relationship

Navigating the Mentor-Mentee Relationship

An effective mentor-mentee relationship takes time, commitment, and mutual respect. It can pull down barriers for underrepresented minorities, and can be the make or break of a scientist’s career trajectory. In this guest blog, experienced mentor Dr Enitome Bafor shares her thoughts on creating and cultivating a strong and successful relationship with your mentor.

Taking Positive Steps Towards PhD Success

Taking Positive Steps Towards PhD Success

The path to PhD success is rarely a smooth one, with most students facing unexpected setbacks at some point along the way. Guest blogger Samuel Dada gives an honest account of his PhD highs and lows, and shares the importance of maintaining a positive mindset for academic success…

10 Twitter Tips for Life Scientists

10 Twitter Tips for Life Scientists

Social media is a great way for scientists to connect, and Twitter remains one the most popular communication platforms amongst researchers. In this guest blog, science communicator & podcaster Elodie Chabrol shares 10 top tips to help you build your follower count and tweet like a pro!

The Importance of Mentoring for Postdoctoral Fellows

The Importance of Mentoring for Postdoctoral Fellows

Guidance from a good mentor is vital for any life scientist, whether you are starting out in grad school or taking your next steps as a promising postdoc. In this guest blog, Ksenia Kastanenka of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School shares insightful thoughts on the importance of mentoring at postdoc level.

STEM Career Paths for Life Scientists

STEM Career Paths for Life Scientists

Stats show that the number of PhDs awarded each year vastly outweighs the number of tenure track jobs available, so with so few academic positions up for grabs, why do we still think of leaving academia as a failure? Dr Joanne Kamens of The Impact Seat considers the huge variety of career options available to scientists outside of academia, and the skills you need to secure them.

Failure, Resiliency and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Failure, Resiliency and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Scientific career paths are often littered with rejection and setbacks, so how do we find the strength we need to reach our goals? Dr Matthew Caley of Queen Mary University of London shares the challenges he faced on his own career journey, from 6-year-old wannabe pirate to successful skin researcher.

Getting Accustomed to Rejection

Getting Accustomed to Rejection

Rejection is a normal part of science, so why don’t we talk about our failures more often? How can we become more accustomed to rejection? In this article, Danielle L Tomasello of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research explores her own experiences of rejection and the importance of resilience in grant writing.

Identifying & Dealing with Burnout in Academia

Identifying & Dealing with Burnout in Academia

Academic careers are often accompanied by pressure and stress, and as scientists it’s vital we learn to spot the signs of burnout long before we reach the point of crisis. In this valuable article, Dragonfly Mental Health offers essential advice on identifying and dealing with burnout in academia.