What is science?
"Yes, science is based on logic, but it moves forward
rather in fits and leaps, making ample use of
intuition."
Choices,
choices, choices
"Be informed, and follow what you have a real passion
for."
The advisor and thesis
committee
"Choose carefully and develop a good working relation."
Questions
drive research
"How can you find an answer if you don't know what the
question is?"
Giving directions to your
work
"Set goals, and develop a strategy, but value
the process and meaning of your work."
Turning challenges into opportunities
"Being stuck and confused can be the catalyst
of breakthroughs; play can be, as well."
Ethics of research
"No man is an island." (John Donne)
Using the scientific literature
"Be informed, learn to drink from a fire-hose,
and make a database."
Communication
"Put
yourself in the shoes of your audience."
Publishing
a paper
"Know
who you write for, and understand the mechanics of
publishing."
Time management
"We
set priorities so that circumstances and others don't make
the choices for us."
Writing
proposals
"Know
what reviewers and program managers are looking for."
The
scientific career
"Know
what to expect and make your own choices."
Applying
for a job
"Be
informed, and pursue a win-win scenario."
Concluding
remarks
"Life is a
boomerang; rely on love, enthusiasm, trust, and
commitment."
Appendix, a sample
curriculum
"Ideas for teachers who want
to develop a course for graduate students."
Sasha van Wijk (age 3), daughter of colleague
Kasper
van Wijk,
engrossed in The Art of Being a Scientist. You can't
start young enough!
Katie and Andres Guerra with their son Ariano and Roel
Snieder
at the awards ceremony of the Keck Mentorship award
for Andres Guerra.
Katie and Andres met in 2005 while taking "The Art of
Science."