This Academic Life

In this episode, we continue our previous discussion on parental leave policy and its unintended consequences with Dr. Amir Arzani from the University of Utah. He joins us to share his experiences with us. If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org . You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org...

In this episode, we talk about the financial aspects of faculty life, emphasizing the critical role finances play in both their personal and professional lives. We discuss how managing finances effectively empowers faculty to excel academically, support their families, and ensure long-term stability and security. References: https://www.aaup.org/issues/responding-financial-crisis/understanding-ins...

In this episode, we talk about unintended consequences of parental leave as its potential impact on workplace dynamics, gender equality, and organizational policies. References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7904257/ https://www.metafilter.com/160621/The-unintended-consequences-of-tenure-timeouts https://docs.iza.org/dp9904.pdf https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/12/6820 Contact list:...

In this episode, we talk about competing clocks: tenure and biological clocks, in a professor’s academic life. References: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ903572.pdf Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org . You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group...

In this episode, we talk about research plagiarism and fraud that happen around us, and ways to mitigate them.  References:  https://www.science.org/content/article/when-postdoc-in-my-lab-committed-fraud-i-had-to-face-my-culpability Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org . You can also f...

In this episode, we talk about the recent graduate stipend hike. From analyzing the financial implications for educational institutions to examining its potential effects on attracting and retaining top talent, we navigate through the complexities surrounding increased stipends. References:  https://www.princeton.edu/news/2022/01/25/princeton-will-significantly-increase-stipends-support-gradu...

In this episode, we share some personal experiences and stories near us on being implicitly biased during our academic journey. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org . You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”. Hosts: Prof. Pania N...

In this episode, we talk about the faculty senate and provide insightful discussions and perspectives on the Senate's functions, promoting a better understanding of its significance within the academic community. References: https://academic-senate.utah.edu/ Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org...

In this episode, we welcome back our own podcast editor Angella Chen, a high school senior, to share the vision of her future in STEM. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org . You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”. Cast list: Gu...

In this episode, we are honored to host Professor William Anderegg, the recipient of the 2023 Waterman Award given by the National Science Foundation. Throughout the episode, he shares insights into his remarkable STEM journey that has culminated in this prestigious recognition. References: http://blavatnikawards.org/honorees/profile/wrl-anderegg/ http://www.anderegglab.net/ Contact list: If you h...

In this episode, we reflect on the stories shared by Dr. Katalin Kariko, the 2023 winner of Nobel prize in Physiology and Medicine. We share our thoughts on her experiences and resilience through her academic career. References: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=514nzDeT7WM https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0IxiMbJBpCs https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2023/press-release/ https://www.pennmedicine...

In this episode, we'll explore the transformative journey of teaching abroad, where educators venture beyond borders to inspire and be inspired. Our guest is Prof. Michael Pyrcz, who just came back from this journey and has a lot to share with all of us! Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org . Yo...

In this episode, we talk about the faculty search process starting from creating the job posting to selecting a successful candidate. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org . You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”. Cast list: Hos...

In this episode, we discuss three crucial elements that form integral components of every faculty application and how to prepare them. References: https://www.enago.com/academy/5-tips-writing-research-statement-faculty-position/#What_is_the_Purpose_of_a_Research_Statement https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/teaching-statements/ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/diversity-stateme...

In this episode, we talk about how to make a great poster and poster presentation to make an impact at conferences. References: https://youtu.be/1RwJbhkCA58 Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org . You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academi...

In this episode, we talk about time management tools and skills for academics that help make your working days more efficient and more productive. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org . You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”. C...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Narendra Nanal, a fresh Ph. D. graduate, on how he landed an industrial offer soon after his defense. References: https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf21319#:~:text=Among%20the%20857%2C200%20employed%20U.S.,slightly%20smaller%20fraction%20(44%25) Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisac...

Mid-career development can be daunting and challenging in an academic career. With much emphasis on junior faculty, and also senior faculty who take leadership roles, mid-career development is often overlooked. A mid-career burnout resulting in a career slump can occur to many of us. As hard as we try to avoid admitting or even talking about struggles and challenges we face as mid-career, the real...

In this episode, we discuss the taboo topic of a professor’s salary and the importance of academic salary transparency. We also discuss how administrators can work with junior faculty and help them ease the salary negotiation process. Reference list: https://www.ccdaily.com/2021/04/a-look-at-faculty-presidents-salaries/ https://www.lifeofaprofessor.com/post/are-professors-rich The Annual Report on...

In this episode, we discuss whether prestige matters in academia and how it shapes academic hierarchy. This topic is based on a paper published recently in Nature entitled “Quantifying hierarchy and dynamics in US faculty hiring and retention” authored by Daniel Larremorem et al, which presented an analysis based on a large dataset from US faculty census collected in the past 10 years. Reference l...

In this episode, we talk about chatgpt with Prof. Taylor Sparks. He will tell us about the impact of this new AI tool in academia and how we can use it to our benefit. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org . You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “T...

In this episode, we talk about the college acceptance rate as one of the determining factors for selecting a college. References: https://www.degreechoices.com/blog/college-acceptance-rates-and-economic-outcomes/ Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org . You can also find us on the webpage https://...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Narendra Nanal, a fresh Ph. D. graduate, on how he landed an industrial offer soon after his defense. References: https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf21319#:~:text=Among%20the%20857%2C200%20employed%20U.S.,slightly%20smaller%20fraction%20(44%25) Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisac...

In this episode, one of the leaders of “The Academic Life” faculty-development workshops https://www.theacademiclife.org , Dr. Stephen Senturia, shares his wisdom as a former journal editor. The upcoming workshop will take place in person on July 23, 2023 In Albuquerque. For more information see: https://17.usnccm.org/SC17-017 References: https://www.theacademiclife.org How to Avoid the Reviewer’s...

In this episode, one of the leaders of “The Academic Life” faculty-development workshops https://www.theacademiclife.org , Dr. Stephen Senturia, shares his wisdom as a former journal editor. The upcoming workshop will take place in person on July 23, 2023 In Albuquerque. For more information see: https://17.usnccm.org/SC17-017 References: ● https://www.theacademiclife.org ● How to Avoid the Review...