Life outside the lab - exploring passion projects beyond research

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What a fun and insightful conversation we had at the University of California, Davis Plant Sciences seminar series on how immersive experiences beyond research (e.g. #internship, #scicomm training, #committee services, #teaching, #business development ) helps enhance grad school training!

Big thanks to my 4 inspiring panelists joining our informative discussion with students and faculty members in-person and via zoom: Katherine (Katie) Murphy, Saarah Kuzay, Mwaura Livingstone Nganga, Cody Bekkering

Here are 3 key lessons I learned:

1. Communicate Values – a top concern was how to get support from the advisor(s). Grad school is not just about research. It’s a journey to grow personally & professionally! Immersive opportunities can help develop essential skills to become a better scientist, and a better human being! Share with mentors how the experience could be vital to your career trajectory.

2. Start small and make a plan – It’s a daunting, yet necessary task to set goals and follow through. Make a realistic plan that will help you balance time in/outside lab. Start small first, like attending one event once a month, will help you find what you enjoy most and learn to leap outside the comfort zone, one step at a time!

3. Curate a support network – Perhaps start by finding a buddy to go to networking events with! Expand your network to gain exposure to diverse skill sets and experience. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help from peers and other professionals in the field. Most people are more than happy to share their ‘expert’ advice. It’s not only what you know; who you know also matters!

Great opportunities await – here are some examples from our panelists: #SeedCentral (Seed Biotechnology Center at UC Davis), Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology, UC Grad Slam, iBiology (Science Communication Lab), Leader for the future/Business development fellowship (Mike & Renee Child Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship UC Davis/University of California, Davis - Graduate School of Management), Grad Innovator Fellowship (Innovation Institute for Food & Health, UC Davis), UC Davis Student Collaborative Organic Plant-Breeding and Education (UC Davis Plant Breeding Center), Borlaug scholar (NAPB, National Association of Plant Breeders), Corteva Agriscience symposium series, American Society of Plant Biologists, UC Davis Office of Research, and so much more!

How about you? What have your learned from your life outside the lab? Let’s keep the conversation going!

category: thoughts  inspirations 
tag: science  gradschool 

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