Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Contents
About the Authors
1. Introduction
What or Who Is a "Scientist"?
Guiding Values
What We Hope You Will Gain from This Book
2. The History of Science
History of Science in Early Cultures
Classical Antiquity
The Rise of Modern Science
Summary
References
3. Scientific Impacts
Education
Medicine
Communication
Agriculture
Electricity
Transportation
Summary
References
4. A Day in the Life of a Scientist
When and Where?
Who, What, and Why?
Is Science for You?
5. The Scientist's Skillset
General Competencies
Technical Expertise
Helpful Educational and Career Practices
Coping Skills
Summary
Reference
6. The Conception of a Career in Science
Early School Years
Late School Years
Standard Level High School Courses
The Matriculation Exams in Israel
Advanced High School Courses
International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses, Exams, and Programs
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses and Exams
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE, formerly CIE)
Early Participation in College Classes
Academic Competitions
Extracurricular Academic Programs
The Internet and Digital Resources
Study Techniques
Conclusion
References
7. Finding the Right Training Program
Networking
Identifying and Choosing Specific Training Programs
Applying to Training Programs
Letters of Recommendation
Personal Statement
Research Statement
Curriculum Vitae
Additional Application Materials
Interviewing
Tuition
Undergraduate Degree
Master's Degree
PhD Degree
Post-Doctorate Training
Faculty Development and Continued Education
References
8. Excelling in Your Undergraduate Degree
Designing Your Experience
Extracurricular Activities
A Note on Study Abroad
Coursework
Teaching and Tutoring
Research
Planning Next Steps, Graduation, and Transition
9. Postbaccalaureate Programs
10. The Master's Degree
Introduction
Advantages and Disadvantages of an MSc Degree
Master of Science (MSc) versus Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
MSc Degree Programs in the United States or Europe
Conclusion
References
11. Excelling in Your PhD
Choosing the Right Program
The Beginning
The Student-Advisor Dyad
Navigating Academic Politics and Academic Manners
Substance of the PhD
Literature Review
Laboratory Safety
Laboratory Sustainability
Appropriate Analysis and Interpretation of Data
Additional Activities Not to Be Overlooked
Milestones
12. The Secret Sauce: How to Be an Efficient and Effective Research Scientist
Overview
Your Experiments Should Focus on Asking the Lead Research Question Directly
Ingredient 1: Progress: Daily, Decisions: Weekly
Ingredient 2: If You Are Not at the Front of Research, You Are Not Making Progress
Aim for the Most Efficient and Most Meaningful Experiments to Answer the Question
Ingredient 3: Do Not Reinvent the Wheel
Ingredient 4: Know When to Cut Corners and What Corners You Are Cutting
Ingredient 5: When Optimizing: Minimize Scale within Reason/Maximize Shots on Goal
Do Not Waste Time Repeating Experiments
Ingredient 6: Failed Experiments Are the Biggest Waste of Time: Do It Right the First Time
Ingredient 7: A Good Control(s) Will Prevent You from Repeating Experiments
Ingredient 8: Take the Extra Five Minutes to Store Materials Properly and Reproducibly
Ingredient 9: Protect Group and Individual Stocks: Prevent Contamination and Limit Freeze-Thaw Cycles of Important Materials
Ingredient 10: Keep Track of Materials: Save Aliquots for Analytical Experiments and Keep Track of Yields and Quantities
Ingredient 11: Keep a Good Notebook
Use Time Effectively
Ingredient 12: The Hierarchy of Time
Ingredient 13: Be Organized, Intentionally Set Objectives with a Timeline in Mind, and Execute Them
Ingredient 14: Don't Leave Things for Tomorrow That Are Easier to Do at the End of the Day
Concluding Thoughts
13. Designing a Research Project
Defining the Research Question
Steps in Designing a Research Study
Funding Considerations
Telling a Story with Data
Summary
14. Obtaining Research Funding
Introduction
Before You Start
Writing the Grant Proposal
The Scientific Question
Experimental Design and Methods
Budgeting for the Research Grant
The Review Processes
Fellowship and Early Career Funding
Summary
References
15. Publishing and Presenting Scientific Findings
Publishing Scientific Articles
Scientific Presentations
Oral Talks
Poster Presentations
Summary
References
16. Science in a Pandemic
Computational versus "Wet Lab" Science
Virtual and Remote Work
Impacts on Research
References
17. Excelling in Your Postdoc
Introduction
Academic Careers
Industry Careers
Key Strategies to Maximize Your Postdoc
Summary
References
18. Starting a Laboratory or Research Group
Academic, Industry, and Government Environments
United States versus International Labs
Conceptualizing the Academic Principal Investigator Position
Setting up an Academic Lab
Successful Academic Job Offer Negotiation
Securing Funding
Defining a Research Niche
Assembling a Research Team
Establishing Lab Infrastructure
Laboratory Management
"Publish or Perish"
Summary
References
19. Alternate and Circuitous Paths
20. Navigating Decisions, Milestones, and Crossroads in Science
Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Inefficiencies
Assert Yourself
Leverage Your Network
Go Straight to the Top
Set Expectations and Maintain Communication
Recognize and Address Red Flags
Make Adjustments
Confirm Key Agreements in Writing
Under Promise and Over Deliver
Preserve Your Network
Hold Your Cards Close to Your Chest
Prioritize Balance in Your Life
A Systematic Approach
Switching Projects
Switching Advisors
Pivoting to a New Field or Setting
A Basic Introduction to Law for Scientists
Material Transfer Agreements
Confidentiality Agreements
Intellectual Property and Patents
Start-ups
References
21. Women in Science
This Is about Everybody
Why So Many of Us Are in Fields "Outside" of Science
What We Can Do
Conclusion
References
22. Scientific Career Trajectories
Introduction
Alternate Career Paths
Science Careers in the United States Relative to Other Countries
Product Management
Consulting
Science Communication
Government Agencies
Non-Profit Organizations
Summary
References
23. Epilogue
Index
