STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q

If someone asks how can they help you, what would be your response?  You never know when this may happen, so if you stay ready, you will never have to get ready.    

As we prepare to spread love and cheer to others in this season of giving, be sure that you make it a priority to Invest in You. 

Is your scientific identity determined by the number of experiments you run each day?  Do you somehow lose the ability to be a scientist when you choose to utilize your scientific training and skills outside a laboratory environment?  Today's guest, Dr. Lamont Terrell, is a trained PhD synthetic organic chemist who had a very successful career as a bench scientist.  Now, he's taking his talents to...

Dr. Howard G. Adams is a mentoring guru. He is a leading expert on developing people through mentoring and strategic career/life planning. He has written, lectured, and consulted extensively on effective strategies for career, educational, and personal development. He is a sought-after keynote speaker and seminar presenter, having spoken at over 650 colleges/universities, numerous national confere...

What is your WHY ME ?   Are you experiencing a situation that seems like there is no way for you to possibly be successful?   Maybe you are ready to take that bold step towards your dream but just don't know where to begin.  Do you ever find yourself observing the progression and success of others who are seemingly doing the same things that you are, but wonder why you are not getting similar resu...

Dr. Amy Laster is a trained neuroscientist who utilizes her skills to assist other scientists in their research quest to fight blindness.  She shares her career path beyond the bench, as well as gives sage advice on what she has learned over the years about ensuring balance and the importance of ' keeping the main thing,the main thing."    Mentioned in episode: Health Research Alliance  https://ww...

Oftentimes when we are working on projects or starting a new project, it can be scary and uncertain.  Why?  Because we do not know if the work that we are doing is having the impact that we would like. Have you ever noticed that in those times when we think no one is watching or listening, those are the moments when people are paying the closest attention! Keep pressing and doing what you do.  You...

Dr. Renetta Garrison Tull is an engineer who lives life online by Sharing connections, Connecting passions, Living to make a difference. Dr. Tull is Associate Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and Professor of the Practice in UMBC's College of Engineering and IT. She is also Founding Director and Co-PI for the 12-institution National Sci...

Let's talk about why it's so difficult to say no to things and prioritize the priorities in our life.    

When dancing is your outlet, then why not use your talents to cheer for the NFL team in your city while you are pursuing your PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine.  Don't think it is possible, then you have to listen to this episode with Dr. Talmesha Richards.    Mentioned in the show: STEMConnector Meyerhoff Scholars at UMBC    

Dr. Jackson received his PhD in 1961 from Catholic University. He shares his experiences in industry, government and the private sector in his almost 60 years of working in the field of chemistry.  He still enjoys it because a scientist never stops learning.  He is a founding member of NOBCChE , an organization that has played a tremendous role in the professional development of chemists of color....

We spend time learning how to give feedback, but learning how to receive feedback is equally important. This quick hot topic shares three tips to help you become a better receiver of feedback.

She's the Executive Director of Addgene which was named the Best place to work in Boston for 2016.  After listening to this interview you will undoubtedly understand why.  Dr. Joanne Kamens is a trained scientist who leads the organization by example and creates a culture that values the differences each scientist brings to the table. She shares her journey from STEM PhD graduate school to her cur...

Chemjobber is a mid-career process chemist with a PhD in organic chemistry who has garnered a popular social media presence that connects not only people, but also ideas.  He started a blog to help chemists find jobs in during the turbulent economic times in 2008, and after nearly a decade, it has grown to be an invaluable resource to both students and professionals of the chemical enterprise.   M...

Before Dr. Alveda Williams entertains a new opportunity, she asks: 1.) Is it fun? 2.) Is it impactful? 3.) Do I have anything to contribute? This has been key to her accepting roles throughout her career that have been challenging, rewarding, and satisfying.  Her beyond the bench experiences include contributing to the efforts of a corporate acquisition, leading the United States PhD recruiting st...

Even though personal branding is not bragging, people find it difficult to promote their unique skills and accomplishments to aide in their career development and progression. This hot topic is on what personal branding is and tips to begin your rebranding process.

Dr. Beronda Montgomery is a plant scientist by training, and leverages her technical expertise to advance a professional development area that she is truly passionate.  She masterfully uses the analogy of plant care and maintenance to illustrate the importance that a nurturing environment plays in mentoring. She has written extensively on the topic of mentoring, particularly within the STEM commun...

Dr. Dale Wesson shares his journey from a chemical engineering undergraduate student to a VP of Research in Higher Education Administration.  He gained valuable experiences along his non-linear journey to the PhD, which included resigning from the same company twice.  Through all of this, he credits having a strong family support system as the main reason he has been able to have a successful care...

Zach Cross went from a high performing synthetic chemist to a top technical salesperson.  The non-linear path that he took to get there, however, is the best part of this STEMulating conversation.  Through a series of events, Zach Cross realized that chemistry in a macroeconomic sense was changing, and he had to both adjust and adapt to remain relative and competitive.  He also shares his love for...

Have you ever been grateful that some things didn't work out the way you wanted them?  Dr. Sibrina Collins began her career journey on a path to the professoriate, but a disappointing tenure decision forced her to reassess what she really wanted to do in a career.  She began to walk in her purpose of serving the STEM community in a way that truly aligns with her passion which led to her current ro...

Carl is a thought leader in the field of management and leadership training for scientists and technical professionals.  He is the author of the widely popular Lab Dynamics: Management and Leadership Skills for Scientists which is available on Amazon. Interesting fact that we learn about Carl in the conversation is that he is a trained physicist, who early in his career, was tasked to lead a hemat...

The host, Marquita M. Qualls, PhD aka "Dr. Q" is a living example of someone who decided to leave the bench and pursue a career that helps others achieve their goals.  Though a chemist by training, she commands a masterful understanding of the human aspects needed to thrives in today's fast-paced and competitive business environment. This has enables her to function and make seamless transitions b...