Contributors:

• 
  Dr. Nicholas Jankowski
  
  
  
  
  


• 
  Dr. Kevin Hares
  
  
  
  • 
    LinkedIn
    
  
  
  
  

Are you thinking about pursuing a PhD in chemistry and have wondered if its with the struggle? In this episode of ‘Innovate and React’, we discuss the personal and professional journey of pursuing a PhD and share our motivations for studying chemistry. We discuss the challenges and surprises encountered during our PhD journey, and the important skills we developed through teaching and research. Every journey is different and depends on many different things. We give a glimpse into our experience with doing a PhD in chemistry and how it can be worth it.

Overview:

00:00  Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

01:25  Choosing Chemistry: Our Academic Beginnings

04:29  The PhD Decision: Motivations and Expectations

08:55  PhD Realities: Challenges and Learning Curves

15:31  Teaching and Mentorship: Passing on Knowledge

24:55  Project Management and Time Management Insights

37:02  Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Also check out last episode with Nick to learn more about his research and how hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) can replace a gold catalyst in organic syntheses: Beyond Gold: Exploring Acid-Promoted Cyclization in Organic Chemistry.

If you would like to share your research in the podcast or have and interesting topic, comment, connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email to contact@innovateandreact.com. Also let me know if you think PhD is worth it and why.

Many thanks to aloc for providing the music.