“An accurate diagnosis is the first step to receiving effective treatment.” – Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
By Kimberly Burgos Villar, MS; PhD Candidate in the Pathology – Cell Biology of Disease Program
Clinical laboratory science is an essential service to anyone who seeks medical care; however, very few people think about what happens behind the scenes after a biological specimen has been collected. Every blood draw, drug test, swab, and biopsy are sent through an intricate network of laboratory procedures to find a long-awaited diagnosis for a patient. Frequently, these tests have life-long effects on patients and their families: early detection of cancer that can now be treated with a much higher success rate, finding out a new diabetes medication is finally able to manage blood sugar levels, and identifying a match for a donor heart that a patient has been waiting for are only a few examples.
"My Experience as a Science Communication Intern "
By Ashley Peppriell, MS, PhD Candidate in Toxicology
An old adage in the field of toxicology explains that anything can be toxic, given the dose and duration of exposure. This message dates back to the 16th century, yet there is still misconception surrounding toxic substances in the environment. I think that most people are aware that pollution is bad, but may not fully understand the societal impacts of toxic exposures. More work needs to be done to communicate the risks of toxic exposures to the public.
"Following the cues: trusting your gut in science and life"
By: Tara Capece, Ph.D., MPH -Scientific Review Officer with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
My career path as a graduate student began the way many do – with the belief I was going to stay in academia. I loved pouring over the literature and writing (and editing and re-editing…) papers and grant applications. I especially enjoyed brainstorming for the best questions and experiments for projects. I checked all the academic boxes, and my path was set. Until it wasn’t.
"Brett Mulvey’s Roadmap to a Career in Medical Affairs: How to Break Away from Academia’s Publish or Perish Environment with Networking and Communication"
By Matthew Ingalls, PhD Candidate in Genetics, Development, and Stem Cells
My dreams became set on becoming an academic in part because that was what I was led to believe would be the most fulfilling career path in science, but also because the only other option fell into a gray box called, “industry.” After six years of observing my peers, mentors, and surrounding faculty constantly struggle to secure funding, that academic pipedream has begun to produce a more nightmarish tone. I still love science, I can’t imagine my life without it, but I’ve come to realize that what I most enjoy about science cannot flourish in academia, at least not with the current “publish or perish” environment.
“Should I do a postdoc? My path from an academic postdoc to industry and perspectives on how to answer this question.”
By Jennifer Judge, PhD - Regulatory Scientist at Cook MyoSite
It always seemed obvious to me as a graduate student at URMC that I should followed my passion for teaching and research and pursue a postdoctoral fellowship. Throughout graduate school, I was constantly pursuing activities that would strengthen my CV for an academic tract: applying for my own NIH fellowship and completing a teaching internship through URBEST. I figured that my postdoc would help me further decide the next path, whether that be a teaching-focused academic position or if my research goes well, a research-focused position. Either way, I knew that I wanted a faculty position someday.