- Let’s Talk About Sex as a Biological Variable
I just finished an NIH study section and noted that more than half of the applications discussed did not adequately address sex as a biological variable (SABV). This is a relatively new (for some grant types) component of your grant, and while it may seem relatively minor, it is ...
- Don’t Wait Until You’re Motivated to Write. Take Small Actions!
Like one of my earlier posts, the musings below were inspired by a tweet. Sara, a PhD student, asked, “Anyone with tips on how to stay motivated while writing your dissertation?!“
Anyone who has ever written a manuscript, funding application or PhD thesis knows that writing is a...
- Honing Resiliency: Reminders from a Recent Disappointment
Match Week, when graduating medical students learn whether they matched into a residency position in their specialty of choice and where they will spend the next 3-7 years of their lives, brings a roller coaster of emotions for students and their families. Seeing the ups and down...
- How to “Do it All” (By Not Doing it All)
As an academic mom of three, I get asked all of the time how I “do it all”. Short answer: I don’t! Long answer: Check out these thoughts, tips and tricks I shared recently in a Twitter thread.
1) Set boundaries and choose exceptions carefully: Because much of academic work is...
- Crafting the RCR Section in Application & Progress Report
Let’s talk about Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) – you know, that one-page, required piece of an NIH grant application that could use a little attention. NIH released new guidance (effective September 25, 2022) that does not substantially change prior guide...
- Getting Expectations in Line with an Online Mentoring Agreement
Excellent communication underlies the mentee-mentor relationship, starting with the initial expectations, goals, and plans to achieve success together. Yet most Mentee-Mentor Agreements used by academic groups define agreements in formal legalese that often poorly fit specific nu...
- Pro Tips for Networking and Collaborating
One recently promoted PI and another more senior who both started leading large multi-site studies early in their careers shared their best advice on networking and collaborating at a recent Vanderbilt event for early career researchers.
Digna Velez Edwards, PhD
Professor, Ob...
- Fierce Conversations
Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work & in Life, One Conversation at a Time
Although the title may bring to mind some vivid images, author Susan Scott doesn't suggest that we talk in threatening overconfidence with unrelenting passion, but rather that our conversat...
- Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected
If you’re like your correspondent, the very word “networking” sends a trickle of terror down your spine. Even the thought of mingling at a conference fills you with dread. But take heart! “Networking” doesn’t have to be a four-letter word. As Devora Zack admits, while it migh...
- Professional Success in Social Media
I’ve created a professional network through Twitter by engaging with all stakeholders relevant to what I do as a Breast Radiologist, what I advocate for, and what my brand entails.
I did this first by engaging with those in my profession. As a trainee, I used my platform and lea...
