Scientists, It’s OK to Say “No”
“Volunteer” opportunities can be rewarding—but we shouldn’t feel obligated, our Experimental Error columnist writes.
Why Graduation Ceremonies for Grad Students Can Be Kind of Weird
It’s normal for the ceremony to feel like a letdown, our Experimental Error columnist writes.
When Scientific Grant Work Is Scientific Grunt Work
Embrace the tedium, our Experimental Error columnist writes.
The Agony and the Ecstasy of the Science Fair
What scientists can learn from middle schoolers, according to our Experimental Error columnist.
Scientists, It’s OK to Be Well Rounded
Exploring other interests doesn’t make you less of a scientist, our Experimental Error columnist writes.
“Dear Most Honored Professor”: How Much Respect Is Too Much?
Finding the right dynamic can be a two-way street, our Experimental Error columnist writes.
Quoth My PI: “Nevermore”
For Halloween, our Experimental Error columnist reimagines Edgar Allan Poe’s classic poem for academia.
The Lord of the Stir Plates: A Cautionary Tale
Our Experimental Error columnist atones for petty behavior in lab.
The Big Problem(s) with Grades
Quoted in the Washington Post.
Your Thesis Committee: Like a Jury, but Not Your Peers
The power differential between Ph.D. student and committee member can be daunting, our Experimental Error columnist writes.
You Can Attend This Conference If You Promise You Won’t Enjoy It
Our Experimental Error columnist was surprised to find a “Persuade Your Boss” section on a conference website.
A Postdoc by Any Other Name Is Not Always as Sweet
The maze of official academic job titles isn’t just semantics, our Experimental Error columnist writes.
When Universities Are Theme Parks, Postdocs and Grad Students Suffer
Our Experimental Error columnists reflects on a “serious flaw” in one institution’s affordable housing efforts.
Your Nonacademic Career Is Not a Consolation Prize
Our Experimental Error columnist shares how he navigated doubts about leaving academia.
The Man Who Saved Pinball Gets His Hollywood Moment. Reluctantly.
Article for the Washington Post about the film “Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game.”