Science and Policy: Pathways and Transitions

Career Story by Scott Steele, Associate Professor, Director of Government and Academic Research Alliances and Director of Regulatory Science Programs

There are vast numbers of rewarding roles scientists can pursue if they wish to develop and impact policy at many levels.  My career path has allowed me to explore a number of opportunities to directly and also indirectly shape policy from both the federal government and in academia.   Below are four “lessons learned” to consider as you progress through your training and career path.

Consumer products R&D might surprise you!

Career Story by Kurt Schilling, PhD, SVP Basic Science Research and Advanced Technologies at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

I don’t think too many people really know much about R&D careers in the consumer products industry.  Although I was partially aware of some of the work happening behind oral care brands during my PhD program at URSMD, I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I joined Unilever back in 1989.  After spending the last 28 years or so at Unilever, Johnson and Johnson and Estee Lauder, I can say without reservation that my journey has proven to be as exciting and rewarding as any R&D career out there. Why do I say that?

Letter from the Outside World

News Article by Anonymous URBEST Trainee Alumnus

I recently received an email from a URBEST trainee that had graduated and made their way out into the world. It surprises (and delights) me that people still like to share their success stories. I also wanted to communicate the email with you because I think it contains a lot of useful information for when you decide to make your way into the outside world. I got permission to share – I just had to remove identifying factors. Please enjoy this trainee’s experience. It might be similar to your own in the future?

 

Looking for Good Graduate Students

News Article by Department of Microbiology's Scott Butler, Ph.D.; Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Ph.D.; Rob Quivey, Ph.D.; and Juilee Thakar, Ph.D.

Juilee Thakar did a few recruiting visits over the summer, and undergraduate students wanted to know: what characteristics are professors looking for in a graduate student. Some faculty weigh in.

Getting Work Done With The URBEST Grand Gesture

News Article by Tracey Baas, Ph.D., URBEST Executive Director

I was recently introduced to the book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, written by Cal Newport. He references the examples of J.K. Rowling checking into the five-star Balmoral Hotel, Bill Gates working in a cabin, Alan Lightman retreating to a tiny island in Maine, and Peter Shankman booking a round-trip flight to Japan in order to focus on their deep work. I couldn’t offer those options to trainees and supporters, but what I could offer was a two-hour URBEST Grand Gesture.