PhD Trekkers

Have you heard of BRiDGE? Tune in to today's podcast to learn how some trailblazing graduate students are taking matters into their own hands, by taking out the stodginess in traditional department seminars and turning them into a tool that works to change department culture and increase the visibility of traditionally underrepresented scientists in STEM. Historically, scientists invited to give seminars have been cis-gendered older white males. This is due to the cultural norm, that scientists only invite those within their own personal networks to give talks, gating the access to academia and making way for the ol' boys club phenomenon. Additionally, it is still not the norm at many unis to have just students meet with these invited speakers for cordial conversations on not only science, but the broader impacts of the individual's work and on their experiences along their career trajectory. BRIDGE aims to increase the representation and visibility of early career scientists from underrepresented groups to combat attrition of underrepresented graduate students. BRIDGE will increase the diversity of invited speakers on campus while providing a space for open and constructive conversations between current graduate students and early career researchers on the obstacles faced by underrepresented groups in STEM. In addition to highlighting the contributions of underrepresented scientists, BRIDGE provides invited early career researchers with a platform for sharing their research, and establishing collaborations at a leading research university. Tune in to our podcast to learn more! Or visit our website: https://blogs.umass.edu/bridge/ Or email us at [email protected] Follow the initiative on twitter @umassbridge Follow the trailblazers on twitter @TheNadiaFern @foramsraqu @palaeobak @scienceizgolden Or check out their youtube UMass BRiDGE

Yan shares his story on finding a postdoc position after many applications and several interviews. Listen in for advice on the dos and donts in postdoc applications and interviews. Yan also tells his once-in-a-lifetime story hanging out with the 2018 Chemistry Nobel Laureate Frances Arnold.

Mari and Yan are back! After over having half a year to recuperate from a surgery Mari updates Yan on what its been like being back at home during this time. Mari talks about getting her surgery and how she is struggling staying connected with her lab work while taking this much needed time away and break from the traditional grad school timeline.

Join us as we talk with Dr. Samantha Ying, an Assistant Professor from UC Riverside on her journey through undergrad and take an intimate look at the world of academia and the barriers it poses on members of our society from becoming part of & contributing to our scientific community – specifically, single mothers. Dr. Ying was a Fall 2018 BRIDGE Scholar at UMass Amherst, we would like to acknowledge the funding from BRIDGE that made this podcast interview possible. Dr. Samantha Ying's Website: https://ucrsoils.weebly.com/ BRIDGE @ UMass: https://blogs.umass.edu/bridge/ If you would like to get in contact Dr. Samantha Ying's email: [email protected]

We are back! Join us as we chat about Yan's experience at his first conference!