Snowy days are here! Between two slides and snow ball (kind and consented) fights with colleagues, let’s see what’s in my mailbox… Well, this one is pretty topical, let’s go! Dear Sassy scientist, I think I lost all motivation for research but I need to work! What do I do? Please help me! My sweet cute pie, Let me ask you a quick question, when was the last time you took va ...[Read More]
In this week’s blog post, Dr. Katherine Villavicencio (University of Pisa) explores how women in STEAM navigate pregnancy and family life while advancing in their careers and examines the support (or lack thereof) provided by academic and research institutions. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) careers are undoubtedly demanding. For women in these fields, juggling the ...[Read More]
While we are getting this close to unwrapping our advent calendars, here is a question that will keep us away from the first chocolate for a bit. Rowan asks: How do I tell my partner who is also in academia to talk less about work outside the office? Dear Rowan, Oh, this question hits home for many academics. Seriously, though. I don’t know the exact statistics but let me have a quick search…. Wel ...[Read More]
It’s that time of year again. The academic year is ramping up, everyone is back from their summer holiday and expecting miraculous things from you, the deadlines are rolling in and there is (unfortunately) no end in sight. So of course, Paxman, like many of you, is wondering: How can I feel less pressure/stress in my work? Dear Paxman, Stress? Pressure? Surely you love your research enough that ev ...[Read More]
Recently, we’ve been discussing how you can fit a holiday into your busy schedule. But once you’ve found the time to take a few days off you then have to decide where to go. This can be almost as challenging, which is why Simone has asked me: What are the best holiday destinations for a geodynamicist? Dear Simone, Excellent question! There’s nothing worse than putting all the effort into organisin ...[Read More]
Every scientist wants to squeeze a holiday or two into their calendar. However, finding the time in between all of your other commitments can be hard. Adeline, much like the rest of us, is desperate to get away from campus for a while and find somewhere to relax for a few days, so here I am to help you solve the age old question: How do you plan a holiday when your schedule is always so full? Dear ...[Read More]
Doing a PhD is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. You get to conduct your own research, develop your skills, and ultimately become a doctor! Think back to when you were told that your application was accepted, and you were going to start the PhD position. I bet you were excited and nervous; I know I was! However, after starting your PhD, the excitement may fade and stress can start to ...[Read More]
Lily took a nice break during the Christmas season, but quickly restressed, and asked: Everytime I take some time off work, I feel guilty I did afterwards. Should l simply keep working continuously? Dear Lily, I would keep working continuously if I were you. I mean, how else are you going to finish your research, write those papers, complete that funding request, prepare a new undergrad course, se ...[Read More]
Maintaining a good work-life balance is essential for a steady career and happy life in academia. However, like with all good things, it is not easy. In this new Wit & Wisdom post, Jessica Munch, PhD student at ETH Zürich, explores how to achieve a good work-life balance. Research is a truly amazing occupation, especially in geodynamics (okay, that might be a bit biased…). However, disre ...[Read More]