This Academic Life

Episode Notes: In this episode, we discuss “grade inflation” and whether we are producing better grades or better students. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at thisacademiclife-podcast@gmail.com . You can also find us anywhere you listen to podcasts. Cast list: Host: Prof. Pania Newell (host) is an Associate Professor i...

In this episode, we discuss the vital role of staff in academia, shedding light on their contributions behind the scenes and their impact on research, teaching, and the day-to-day operations that keep institutions running smoothly. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at thisacademiclife-podcast@gmail.com . You can also fin...

Episode Notes: In this episode, we talk about the faculty–graduate student relationship, a unique bond shaped by mentorship, collaboration, and the challenges of the dissertation 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...

Shows Notes - Episode #89 Episode Notes: In this episode, we talk about traditional research funding sources in the U.S. and discuss how creativity and resilience can help us navigate uncertain times. 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://thisacademic...

Shows Notes - Episode #88 Episode Notes: In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Laurel Kuxhaus, a program director at NIH who was among the thousands that got laid off by the federal government. She shares her insights as she navigates through setbacks and uncertainties. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at inf...

Episode Notes: In this episode, we explore the topic of overhead in academia, from its historical roots to its perceived benefits and challenges and discuss how lower overhead rates could impact the way research is conducted in the United States. 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 al...

In this episode, we'll be talking about a day we've been longing for - a day to unplug and unwind. We'll talk about why it is so difficult and yet so important to take a pause once a while from our daily grind. Host: Lucy Zhang References: https://celesteheadlee.com/do-nothing-book/

We are back! It's only been a few months, but we can't wait to reconnect with our listeners. In this episode, Pania and Lucy will talk about unprofessional behaviors that happen in academic environment. We'll share our experiences and also discuss ways we can mitigate and react to these situations. Some references we mentioned in the show: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/faculty_ombuds/...

In this episode, we say a temporary goodbye. We would like to thank all our listeners, guests, and our sponsors for your support in the past 4 years. As we move forward, we will bring you some great content periodically on topics that will help all of us to thrive in this academic life. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us...

Please join us for this episode that discusses our experiences with research laboratory renovations. We discuss general steps in the renovations process and provide some guidance to junior faculty members. 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://thisaca...

In this episode, we invited Omid Saadati to talk about his experience working in Big Tech. Omid will share insights into his career journey, the challenges and opportunities he’s encountered, and his perspectives on innovation and growth in the tech industry. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org...

Please join us for this episode that discusses the postdoctoral research experience. We discuss expectations and reasons why some graduate students pursue a postdoc position after completing a graduate program. We also share our personal experiences. 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 ca...

Episode Notes: In this episode, we discuss what is needed to get into your dream graduate school program. 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. Kim Lewis (host) is a Profess...

In this episode, we invited Dr. Lucy Zhang to the show to talk about her experience at the National Science Foundation as program director. 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 lis...

In this episode, we invited Dr. Lucy Zhang to the show to talk about her experience at the National Science Foundation as program director. 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 lis...

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 our anniversary episode, we discuss faculty on “Side Track”: moving before tenure with Dr. Andre Clayborne who is an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and BioChemistry at George Mason University. Dr. Clayborne has successfully navigated the transition between universities while on the tenure track. He candidly shares with us his experiences, concerns, and challenges on his “tra...

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 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...

The fall season is time to look for faculty positions and universities are also getting ready to find the most suitable candidate(s) for their openings. This episode talks about some aspects of this search. Reference list: Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal ( schallert.wygal@gmail.com ) Artwork is created using Canva ( canva.com ) An interesting read: https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2016/06/10...

The fall season is time to look for faculty positions and universities are also getting ready to find the most suitable candidate(s) for their openings. This episode talks about some aspects of this search. Reference list: Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal ( schallert.wygal@gmail.com ) Artwork is created using Canva ( canva.com ) An interesting read: https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2016/06/10...

In this episode, we invited Dr. Girum Urgessa to the show to talk about ABET and discussing its significance in ensuring quality education in engineering and technology programs. In this episode we will also learn about the accreditation process, its impact on curriculum development, and how it benefits both institutions and students. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have s...

In this episode, we meet-up again with Dr. Andre Clayborne who previously was navigating the move to another institution while on the tenure-track as an assistant professor. Today, we ask him about his new academic life as an associate professor and administrator. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclif...