Yaaaaayyyyy.... I made it.... right??There's a funny thing about the first academic year. You aspire to it - for many, this is what they have been waiting for. A tenure-track position. Really belonging to a faculty/department. On the other hand, once you get it, everyone will be quick to warn you about how hard it is. It's a little like the back-handed compliment: "Congratulations, hope you enjoy hell!"Everyone knows it is not meant to be…

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Yaaaaayyyyy.... I made it.... right?? There's a funny thing about the first academic year. You aspire to it - for many, this is what they have been waiting for. A tenure-track position. Really belonging to a faculty/department. On the other hand, once you get it, everyone will be quick to warn you about how hard it is. It's a little like the back-handed compliment: "Congratulations, hope you enjoy hell!" Everyone knows it is not meant…

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Ah lectures. Prepping, delivering, tweaking, delivering again. This idea that you can just make a series of lectures and use them for years isn't exactly true. Lectures and labs do require a lot of maintenance as you improve, update and tailor to suit the class/topic/cohort.I'm only halfway through my first year at Assistant Prof level, but I have already come across some neat apps and resources. Below is a list, in no particular order:PeergradeFree and…

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Ah lectures. Prepping, delivering, tweaking, delivering again. This idea that you can just make a series of lectures and use them for years isn't exactly true. Lectures and labs do require a lot of maintenance as you improve, update and tailor to suit the class/topic/cohort. I'm only halfway through my first year at Assistant Prof level, but I have already come across some neat apps and resources. Below is a list, in no particular order:…

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I have been asked this question many times. Friends, family, strangers, hiring committees, students... many people are interested in personal stories around this topic. I had been thinking about this for a long time. Manu Saunders' recent post for International Day of Women and Girls in Science gave me the kick in the pants I need to finally sit write something - that plus a snowday! (The first academic year annihilates time). Manu's story is…

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I have been asked this question many times. Friends, family, strangers, hiring committees, students... many people are interested in personal stories around this topic.I had been thinking about this for a long time. Manu Saunders' recent post for International Day of Women and Girls in Science gave me the kick in the pants I need to finally sit write something - that plus a snowday! (The first academic year annihilates time). Manu's story is very…

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Should we stop using the title of PhD student? This was a blog topic covered recently. The blog raised some good points, but the take home message was that many 'PhD students' don't fit the traditional student mould. Some are older, some are already employed and completing PhDs part-time. It was also pointed out that PhD students fulfill roles in departments that are above the status quo for a typical student role. Does this matter?…

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Should we stop using the title of PhD student? This was a blog topic covered recently. The blog raised some good points, but the take home message was that many 'PhD students' don't fit the traditional student mould. Some are older, some are already employed and completing PhDs part-time. It was also pointed out that PhD students fulfill roles in departments that are above the status quo for a typical student role.Does this matter? Likely…

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This morning I read the blog at Small Pond Science entitled "Really, faculty jobs in teaching-focused institutions are not inherently less stressful or easier or more balanced".I enjoyed reading this blog because it is true and it reflects my current status. It also speaks to a larger misconception that is often held by other academics, non-academics, administrators and students. I completely agree with the sentiments in the article - being a faculty member at a…

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A few weeks ago, I attended my Canadian citizenship ceremony. Applying for citizenship, learning the history and attending the ceremony, it was all a truly fascinating experience from so many different perspectives.This blog seems particularly relevant at a time when Trump is proclaiming that birthright citizenship should be abolished in the USA.So, what does it mean to be a citizen? If you live in a country that is relatively safe, wealthy and democratic, you probably…

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