This Academic Life

In this Episode, “The Academic Life” faculty-development workshops https://www.theacademiclife.org leaders present a shortened version of script on “Imposter Syndrome”. The upcoming workshop will take place in person on April 22, 2023 at Boston College. You can register it here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-academic-life-tickets-543278910847 References: https://www.theacademiclife.org Several o...

In this episode, “The Academic Life” faculty-development workshops https://www.theacademiclife.org leaders present a shortened version of the script on “Microaggression”. The upcoming workshop will take place in person on April 22, 2023 at Boston College. You can register here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-academic-life-tickets-543278910847 References: https://www.theacademiclife.org Several of...

In this Episode, “The Academic Life” faculty-development workshops https://www.theacademiclife.org leaders present a shortened version of script on “Power and Plagiarism”. The upcoming workshop will take place in person on April 22, 2023 at Boston College. You can register it here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-academic-life-tickets-543278910847 References: https://www.theacademiclife.org Severa...

In this Episode, we talk to the leaders of “The Academic Life” faculty-development workshops https://www.theacademiclife.org about the purpose of the workshop and the unique style where they use fiction to tell the stories of academic life. The upcoming workshop will take place in person on April 22, 2023 at Boston College. You can register it here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-academic-life-ti...

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...

After two years since the launch of This Academic Life podcast, we reflect on how we did, how we are going forward, and answer some common questions that many listeners have asked over time. We thank all of our listeners, everyone who has contributed, our guests, and our editing team. Special thanks to Jared Duffy and Angella Chen who are our editors, RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal who composed the music...

In this episode, we talk about some of the benefits of professional memberships and some fun facts about them. Reference list: https://www.infotrack.com/blog/10-benefits-of-joining-a-professional-association/ https://www.impactio.com/blog/the-benefits-of-society-membership-as-a-career-academic Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please cont...

Every academic has to do service at some point in their early career. We explain the inner workings of picking services that are both enjoyable and beneficial for you career as well as our experiences with service. 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:...

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: Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the...

In this episode, we discuss different nationally competitive student fellowships and provide some advice on how to prepare a strong packet. Reference list: https://grad.ncsu.edu/student-funding/fellowships-and-grants/national/nationally-competitive-graduate-fellowships/ Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacade...

In this episode, we discuss some fun facts about the Nobel Prize from its origin to the most common recipient types. 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: Prof. Kim Michelle L...

In this episode, we are honored to host Ms. Morghan Carr, a coast guard veteran, to discuss her journey into a STEM career and learn more about how we can help other veterans who are interested in joining the STEM workforce. It’s important to note that Morghan volunteers for ArmySmart which provides free online tutoring to service members and veterans to help them achieve their further education g...

In this episode, we discuss your options for your future in academia. Do you continue the route of being a professor and attain full tenure or do you pivot to an administrative role? Both have their positives and negatives, we discuss and layout our thoughts on the issue. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisaca...

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...

In this episode, we talk about how faculty choose research topics and how one can come up with novel ideas for research. We also share a few tips for junior faculty as they step into their independent research career. Reference list: https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2016/09/academic-conferences https://www.watermarkinsights.com/resources/blog/top-five-ways-your-college-can-support-veterans Co...

Returning from the break we dive into how to prepare for the new school year including tips on how to balance your workload and block out time for yourself. Reference list: https://www.sssp-research.org/how-do-you-prepare-for-the-new-academic-year/ https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/10/09/prep-squad-how-faculty-gets-ready-new-school-year Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have...

The early years of a faculty position can be an exciting and challenging experience. In this episode, we will provide 5 unspoken tips for early-career faculty. These tips are gathered from our own experiences, which can benefit those who are going through the early years of their academic life. Reference list: Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal ( schallert.wygal@gmail.com ) References: https://link....

The h-index, or Hirsch index, measures the research impact and productivity of a particular scientist. Since its inception in 2005, it has become a standard way to somewhat objectively quantify an individual’s research impact. In this episode, you will learn what it is, what is expected of this H-index from researchers at different stages of their research careers, and ethical practices in increas...

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 academic conferences. Why you should go, what you need to do to prepare, and what are the do’s and dont’s when you get there.      Reference list:   Sponsor: De Gruyter : This episode is sponsored by De Gruyter and its portfolio in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. For “Students and Researchers in Mathematics” De Gruyter’s 2022 catalog is now availabl...

In this episode, we discuss with Dr. Aleeta M. Powe,  an associate professor of instruction in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Louisville, on the challenges and needs that lecturers face in academia.      Reference list:   Sponsor: De Gruyter : This episode is sponsored by De Gruyter and its portfolio in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. For “Students and Researche...

Episode Notes In this episode, we talk about instructors’ stresses when turning in those final grades. As we wind down the semester, it is time to see if all of your lecture preparation, classroom demonstrations, careful selection of homework questions, creation of in-class quizzes, and your best science jokes have paid off - it is time to “Turn in Those Grades.”     Reference list:   Sponsor: De...

In this episode, Lise Tantin talks about the broad view of STEM from a middle schooler’s point of view. She shares her thought on how the STEM programs are evolving and what the new topics attract youth these days.   Guest bio: List Tantin is a student at West High School's magnet ELP program in Salt Lake City-Utah. She will be graduating from eighth grade this year. She is interested in neuroscie...

Non-traditional path to a tenure-track positionIn this episode, Prof. Schilter talks about his unusual path to a tenure-track position and how his position as a senior editor of Nature Reviews Chemistry is helping his career today as a researcher and educator.   Guest bio: David Schilter attended The University of Sydney, where he received a BS with First Class Honours and the University Medal (20...

In this episode we discuss how social media sites and academics go hand in hand. Whether it's promoting your work, making connections, or helping get your students names out there every platform has its benefits and drawbacks. Reference list: Wired Academia: Why Social Science Scholars Are Using Social Media LINK Social Media in Academia LINK Social media for professional development and networkin...