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Episodes
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What does a Human Factors Engineer do? What can lead to a decision to exit academia, and what can drive someone to share their transition publicly? What are the do's & don'ts of job hunting?
Our guest is Ashley Ruba - an American researcher, currently working as a Human Factors Engineer at Arthrex. Ashley is also a founder of After Academia, a coach and a career strategist advising fellow PhDs seeking to transition out of academia and supporting them in launching fulfilling non-academic careers.
In this episode, Ashley provides a glimpse into her daily life and work experiences. She demystifies the world of UX Research and shares the true story behind the origins of Human Factors Engineering. Ashley and Kasia discuss the often-ignored toll of academic careers on mental health. From the pressures and toxic culture of academia to the self-rediscovery found in leaving, Ashley shares the challenges she faced for speaking out during her transition and navigating the subsequent backlash.
But this conversation isn't just about career choices - keep listening till the end where it gets even more personal and insightful. In a candid moment, Ashley reveals her recent autism diagnosis and the impact it had on her perception of self and interactions with others. Together, Kasia and Ashley engage in a heartfelt dialogue about destigmatizing health issues and advocating for workplace accommodations, emphasizing that no job is worth sacrificing mental health. As the conversation unfolds, Ashley reflects on her aspiration to write a memoir, tracing her path of growth, self-discovery, and the embrace of a growth mindset.
Tune in as Ashley offers invaluable resources, identifies common pitfalls to avoid, and imparts strategies for navigating career transitions. As Ashley said: You have all the answers that you’re looking for. Get out of your own way! Enjoy and welcome Ashley Ruba!-------------
If you would like to support the Podcast, you can buy me a coffee here - Thanks :)
Find Ashley and sign up for her newsletter through her website, but also on LinkedIn, Twitter (X) and Instagram.
Ashley earned her MS and PhD in Developmental Psychology at the University of Washington in Seattle, followed by a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She decided to leave her academic career a little bit over 2 years ago. Frustrated by the job insecurity and political nature of academia, she decided to speak out rather than quietly fade away like so many others. Ashley’s candid posts detailing her career transition went viral, sparking conversations and requests for advice from hundreds of individuals in similar situations. She then briefly worked in Consulting before starting as UX Researcher at Meta.
Today, Ashley not only navigates her own career path but also extends a guiding hand to fellow PhDs. She is the founder of After Academia, a platform dedicated to offering coaching, strategic advice, and support to those seeking to transition out of academia and into fulfilling non-academic careers.
Ashley’s book recommendations: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao; $100M Offers: How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No by Alex Hormozi-------------
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If you would like to support the Podcast, you can buy me a coffee here - Thanks :)
Look for Kasia's BookTube channel Reading In-Between here.
Music and Sound Engineering: Lukasz Kowalski
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What does the position of Product Manager entail? What makes someone who has a good chance of becoming a PI leave academia? How to deal with imposter syndrome during big career transitions?
Our guest is Rose De Guzman - a Filipino-American scientist, currently working as a Product Manager at Evident Scientific. Rose is a passionate advocate for making science more accessible. In her current role, she is dedicated to improving the lives of researchers. Through her mentoring initiatives, she seeks to empower women scientists and help students from historically marginalized backgrounds find their paths.
Rose and Kasia delve into the challenges of exploring diverse career paths, refining academic resumes for non-academic roles, and recount surprising experiences that can help in getting a job. They offer advice on seeking assistance, navigating potential pitfalls, and strategizing the transition process. Rose discusses her own career redirection, revealing what she discovered about herself in the journey beyond academia. In the latter part of the interview, Rose and Kasia bond over their shared experiences as first-generation Ph.D. holders. Finally, Rose shares her deep-seated motivations for giving back - to her family, her community, and society as a whole - while also sharing her big dream aspirations.
Expect laughter, honesty but also tears. Oh and books recommendations (of course). As Rose said: Sometimes it only really takes one person to change your path. Enjoy and welcome Rose de Guzman!-------------
Find Rose on Instagram and LinkedIn
Rose's journey began in the Philippines, where she witnessed first-hand how poverty stifled educational opportunities. Moving to the US at a young age, her family became her bedrock of strength and motivation as she pursued her scientific endeavors. She proudly stands as a first-generation PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University at Albany NY. She also pursued a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Mass General Hospital - Harvard Medical School in Boston.
Rose is the founder of two impactful mentoring initiatives: Women in Neuroscience (IG), dedicated to advancing women in the field through focus groups, webinars, and workshops, and Pathways to Science and Medicine (web), fostering connections between MGH/HMS professionals and Bunker Hill Community College students from underrepresented communities. Furthermore, she actively contributes as a Board Member for Families for Depression Awareness (IG, web)—an organization dedicated to helping families recognize and cope with depression and bipolar disorder, aiming to promote well-being and prevent suicides. She is committed to destigmatizing mental health needs, especially for students.
Rose’s book recommendations: Mommy Brain by Dr. Jodi Pawluski and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
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Follow Science on Trial [and Error] on Instagram and LinkedIn
If you would like to support the Podcast, you can buy me a coffee here - Thanks :)
Look for Kasia's BookTube channel Reading In-Between here.
Music and Sound Engineering: Lukasz Kowalski
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Missing episodes?
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Why was Science on Trial [and Error] on a long break? What is coming in the new season?
In this special Prequel episode, Kasia Kuzmicz-Kowalska opens up in a candid self-interview, addressing the reasons behind the extended break of the show. She reflects on her personal journey, navigating the challenges of completing her PhD while prioritizing her mental and physical well-being. The driving force behind the upcoming season's theme, Beyond Academia, is unveiled as Kasia shares her motivations and aspirations for the show's future direction.
Additionally, be ready to have your curiosity piqued with a sneak peek of the diverse lineup of guests scheduled for upcoming episodes and to hear about Kasia’s latest project inspired by her love for books.
Follow Science on Trial [and Error] on @Instagram and @LinkedInIf you would like to support the Podcast, you can buy me a coffee here - Thanks :)
Look for Kasia's BookTube channel Reading In-Between here.
Music and Sound Engineering: Lukasz Kowalski
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In this new introduction get to know the host of Science on Trial [and Error], Kasia Kuzmicz-Kowalska, and find out more about the podcast. What's the idea behind the podcast? What can you expect from the new season that looks Beyond Academia? Our new lineup spans a broad spectrum of scientific careers, ensuring there's something for everyone. Allow yourself to be inspired and stay connected with Science on Trial [and Error]!New episodes will drop every third Monday.Follow Science on Trial [and Error] on @Instagram and @LinkedIn.If you would like to support the Podcast, you can buy me a coffee here - Thanks :)Music and Sound Engineering: Lukasz Kowalski
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Episode 014: Prof. Katarzyna Siuzdak is a group leader of the Laboratory of Functional Materials at IMP PAN in Gdańsk (Poland). The group researches Nanomaterials for their use in conversion of solar energy into chemical or electrical energy.
Kasia explains the differences between doing basic research and developing applicable prototypes for the market. We discuss the underrepresentation of female researchers in Technical Sciences and the need for more opportunities for early career researchers to shine. Kasia shares her views on conscious mentoring and healthy time management. She also gives tips for a successful interview and finding balance between the Popular and the Science. PLUS we cover nanotubes forests, biocompatible glucose sensors, basement science, solar cells and many more…
Enjoy listening!
Find Kasia through her website: science-mission.pl
on Instagram: @science_mission
Facebook: @science_mission
& Twitter: @kasiasiuzdak
We are wrapping up our SPECIAL episode: I’ve been interrogating my guests for long enough and it seems only fair to give them and YOU a chance to ask me some questions. Episode015 will be featuring me spilling the truth on my scientific adventure, my future plans and many, many other things. If you’d like your question to be answered, please contact me via email: [email protected] or through our social media channels!
Follow Science on Trial [and Error] on Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
#scienceontrialanderror -
Episode 013: Vivien Ionasz is a biologist from Austria and a PhD student in German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg. She is currently investigating the interplay between transcription and DNA damage in neural progenitor cells in the the lab of Dr. Wei.
We talk about challenges of moving abroad for studying, fast pace of scientific research and alternatives to staying in academia after graduation. Vivien shares details of her PhD application process and admits being obsessed with CRISPR. We discuss how to keep your mental health balance in check and how endometriosis research is terribly underfunded. We also cover connection between rest and productivity, communication issues, DNA breaks, self-care books, SCREWS, German science TV shows for kids, open online courses platforms…
Check it out for yourselves and enjoy listening!
Find Vivien on Instagram: @science.viv and Twitter: @VivienIonasz
We are planning a SPECIAL episode: I’ve been interrogating my guest for long enough and it seems only fair to give them and YOU a chance to ask ME some questions. Episode015 will be featuring me spilling the truth on my scientific adventure, my future plans and many, many other things. If you’d like your question to be answered, please contact me via email: [email protected] or through our social media channels! -
Episode 012: Daisy Shearer is a British physicist and a PhD candidate in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics at the University of Surrey (UK). Her research project is focused on semiconductor spintronics for quantum technology applications.
We discuss the high prevalence of mental health issues in the academic community and the need for more equality, diversity and inclusion in science. Daisy shares the perks and drawbacks of working in uncharted scientific territories. She also gives insight into her decision to disclose autism diagnosis on social media and to create ‘Neurodivergent in STEM‘ - project aimed to increasing the visibility of neurodivergent people in STEM fields and build a community to share experiences and advice. We also cover big magnets, lasers and Studio Ghibli soundtracks… Enjoy listening!
Find Daisy on Instagram: @notesfromthephysicslab Twitter: @QuantumDaisy and Facebook: @notesfromthephysicslab
Read her blog: notesfromthephysicslab.com and see her website: daisyshearer.com
Find Neurodivergent in STEM here as well as on Instagram @neurodivergent_in_stem and Twitter @ND_in_STEM
Follow Science on Trial and Error on Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! -
Episode 011: Ewelina Kamińska is a Polish scientist, science communicator and a PhD candidate at LMU in Munich (Germany). She is investigating active demethylation pathways in the group of Prof. Thomas Carell.
We discuss the culture of (over)working in the competitive academic environment and the power of inspiring teaching. Ewelina gives insight into her creative process of communicating science more clearly. She also shares her recipe for being productive and enjoying work-life balance. As part of the Room for Improvement series we talk about the need for more transparency in science. Enjoy listening!
Find Ewelina on Twitter: @motivelina
Follow Ewelina on Instagram: @motivelina_com
Read her blog: motivelina.com -
Episode 010: Case Study: Starting a PhD in times of pandemic.
In this special episode my guests are Christine Fiedler, Ishita Gupta, Rebecca June Morse Mora and Valentin Hübner. They all started their PhD studies at IST Austria in September 2020, but their experiences differ in many ways. We discuss how they dealt with application process, working during lockdowns and having courses online. They acknowledge the challenges and struggles of the last year, but we also recognize achievements and successes. We try to figure out what could be improved for the new students who will start their PhDs this year. -
Episode 009: Mojtaba Tavakoli is a biologist and a PhD student in the group of Prof. Johann Danzl at IST Austria. His research is focused on developing methods to study biological samples with more precision using expansion microscopy.
We discuss the power of collaborative science and how we all go through difficult times during our PhDs. Mojtaba shares his positive and negative experiences as a refugee in Austria. We agree that scientists could use more training in scientific communication.
Find Mojtaba on Twitter: @RTMojtaba
IGASUS organization website: igasus.org
Please consider supporting the organizations providing humanitarian aid for people in Afghanistan. -
Episode 008: Rose Waugh is a PhD student in Astrophysics in the group of Prof. Moira Jardine at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Her research is focused on the formation of prominences in the magnetic fields of low mass stars.
We talk about stellar clouds and winds, communicating science with cartoons and the joys of teaching. Rose shares how she juggles work and personal life being a mum to a toddler. We discuss the inaccessibility of academia and physics still remaining a Boys' Club. Rose reveals that she would love to have coffee with Jim Al-Khalili to thank him for inspiring her career in science.
Enjoy listening!
Check out Rose's Instagram @astrophysicist_rose and find her on Twitter: @astrophys_rose -
Episode 007: Mariia Zhuldybina (PhD) is a physicist and an entrepreneur from Russia, currently living in Canada. She completed her PhD in the group of Prof. François Blanchard at École de Technologie Supérieure in Montréal. Mariia is also a CEO and co-founder of a start-up company TRAQC which provides a new method for quality control of printed electronics using terahertz radiation.
We discuss the challenges of creating a new business and transferring technology from the lab to the industry. Mariia opens up about her love of teaching and her hopes of becoming a group leader in the future. We both share how we dealt with the unavoidable rejections. We also cover the beautiful art of sewing and living abroad without knowing the language. Enjoy listening! -
Episode 006: Nicole Amberg (PhD) is a neuroscientist and a postdoc in the group of Prof. Simon Hippenmeyer at IST Austria. She is investigating the role of epigenetics regulation in neural stem cells lineage progression in the developing cortex.
We discuss which activities are important when you pursue a leadership position in academia. Nicole talks about her altruistic drive and how her initiatives aim to create a better place for others. She also reveals her reasons for not becoming a vet and for continuing her career in Vienna. We also cover mentorship, challenges of becoming accepted as knowledgeable scientist when switching fields and gender stereotypes within the society‘s mindset. Enjoy! -
Episode 005: Mateusz Sikora (PhD) is a postdoc affiliated with Max Planck Institute for Biophysics in Frankfurt (Germany) and University of Vienna (Austria). In his current research Matt is using computational simulations to tackle the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus. We discuss how SARS-CoV-2 is playing hide-and-seek in our body and how we can use predictions to outsmart the virus. Matt shares how he went from being interested in dialects to studying biophysics (switching back and forth between theoretical and experimental work). We also talk about the collaborative science in times of pandemic and the ‘tripod model‘ of work-life balance. Matt also reveals what an ideal model organism would be... Have fun listening!
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Episode 004: Laura Burnett is a PhD student in the group of Prof. Maximilian Joesch at IST Austria. She‘s investigating how visual information is processed in the brain to control instinctive behaviors. Laura is also an amazing artist and she contributes her creative skills to science communication projects. We chat about the ‘slightly overlooked‘ superior colliculus, popular science books and the imposter syndrome. Laura reveals how she intended to become either a BBC Nature reporter or a Disney animator. We also discuss the ups and downs of changing your PhD project and we get idealistic about the alternative reality of scientific publishing. Enjoy!
See Laura‘s IG: @whenimnotdoingscience -
Episode 003: Maciej Kerlin is a PhD student in the group of Prof. Antoine Coulon at the Institut Curie in France. His project is focused on enhancer-mediated gene co-regulation within the 3D genome. We talk about the mysterious TADs, conducting research in Europe and in the U.S. and navigating the academia to find your own niche. Maciek shares a story of how he would have become a geographer if it wasn’t for a plastic microscope and the astounding PCR technique. We also discuss the challenges of applying for funding in basic science and the importance of explaining our work to the public. Have fun listening!
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Episode 002: Yosman BapatDhar is a neuroscientist and a PhD student in the group of Prof. Jozsef Csicsivari at IST Austria, where she‘s investigating the memory formation in the context of spatial navigation. We talk about her initial hate for biology, the perks of interdisciplinary education and scientific outreach. We get honest about feeling disillusioned with academia. We also discuss what keeps Yosman from going insane when PhD gets messy and what makes brain cool. Enjoy!
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Episode 001: Elena Redchenko is a physicist and a PhD student in the group of Johannes Fink at IST Austria. Her project is focused on collective states of superconducting qubits. We discuss how seemingly random choices have gotten her to doing the most cool science, the ups and downs of switching from theory to experimental approach and the importance of diversity in academia. We also cover how five-member music bands fit into Lena‘s everyday work, the magic of spectroscopy and the beauty of pole dancing.
