- Celebrating “The Climb”
To achieve a goal, we must celebrate the small wins to fuel motivation. No matter how small, we must recognize the milestones along the way as a tool to energize the process. It is also equally important to intentionally pause and take time to celebrate often while working to...
- More Friendly Advice: When Rejection Isn’t Really Rejection
When rejection isn’t really rejection – more friendly advice from your NIH grant reviewer
I know you’ve heard it, too – “Not Discussed” means you should toss that idea in the black hole of bad research ideas never to be spoken of again. But how many clever, impactful, inno...
- Fighting Rejection, Reggae-Style: Three Little Reviewers
Thought I’d start this one off with a nod to Bob Marley, since a little reggae always soothes my FL girl soul. When I had my first baby, I realized I knew very few lullabies. So “Three Little Birds” it was. Baby loved it, and so did I.
Fighting Rejection Lesson #1: Don’t worry...
- Dealing with Rejection
Dr. Brené Brown stated that “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them” in her bestselling book, Rising Strong. This excerpt reminds us that when dealing with disappointing moments, such as rejection, we have the power...
- Growing Stronger in the Face of Rejection: Roundup
Rejection is painful for anyone. And yes, it still happens to your mentors and department chairs. Read on for perspectives on managing the emotional fallout and using rejection to improve your work.
What to Do When Your Grant Is Rejected - Tips on handling the emotional fallou...
- Friendly Advice from Your NIH Grant Reviewer
Dear PI,
I am your NIH grant reviewer. Many feel that reviewers are the enemy. But actually, for the next few weeks I want to be your friend. You should want to be mine too. I’m going to explain why.
To get funded you need me to defend your proposal to the review committe...
- Specific Aims Part II – the Solution
In Part I of my series on the Specific Aims page I talked about the first paragraph of this page, which sets up the problem. Although a whole paragraph dedicated to the problem might seem like a lot, remember that the problem includes: (1) a couple background sentences to put the...
- On the Interview Trail While Pregnant or Pumping
As our reproductive years increasingly overlap with our postdoc years, it’s not uncommon to end up in the rather awkward situation to be on the job market while pregnant or pumping breast milk. I experienced both, so I thought I would share my tips and suggestions. One positi...
- Mentoring Roundup: What to Consider When Selecting a Research Mentor
New trainees are often advised to find a “good mentor.” But what makes a “good mentor” and how do you determine if someone fulfills those qualities? Are the characteristics of a “good mentor” the same for each trainee? What expectations should a mentee have of their mentor and ...
- Navigating Academic Relationships
The bedrock of any good relationship – whether academic or otherwise – is clear communication and aligning expectations. When clear communication is not established, it can lead to isolation, stalemates, and even conflict, but in all instances, it negatively impacts productiv...
