Double Shelix

May 29 2024 48 ep. 49 mins 87

Double Shelix Podcast artwork

Conversations and real talk on women in STEM, the grad school grind, and inclusive science.

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Episode 48: First Year of Postdoc with Dr. Kayla Wolf

May 29 2024 31 mins

How can you use the first year of your postdoctoral research position to set yourself up for long-term success? How do you decide if a postdoc is even right for you? In this episode, Sally and Kayla dive into reasons to do (or not to do) a postdoc, how to find a position, and how to get started. Kayla shares her personal experience and what she wishes all new postdocs would know.

Episode 47: Writing Your First Paper

Sep 21 2023 44 mins

If you or someone you're mentoring is new to writing peer reviewed papers, this episode is for you! Kayla and Sally break down the logistics to get you from blank page to final proofs. We discuss planning out your figures, managing your references, crafting an intro, choosing a journal, navigating coauthor drama, and more.What should you do if your PI is (really) slow to read your

Episode 46: Who can afford to stay in science? With Dr. Erika Moore

Sep 07 2023 49 mins

After completing her undergraduate degree, Dr. Moore found herself burdened by substantial student debt, prompting her to address the critical issue of financial sustainability in academia. Through her own journey, she has developed an educational program aimed at empowering students with essential financial literacy skills. Dr. Moore candidly shares her personal experiences while

Episode 45: NSF Graduate Fellowship 101

Aug 24 2023 28 mins

It’s all of our tips for applying to the NSF graduate research fellowship! The National Science Foundation GRFP can fund 3 years of your PhD, and there’s a hidden curriculum for crafting a winning application. Sally and Kayla share their tips for how to prep your application to frame your Broader Impacts and Intellectual Merit in the best possible light.

Episode 44: Personal Statements 101

Aug 10 2023 43 mins

A well-crafted personal statement can make the difference between aspiration and reality. But what information should you include? What does "personal" really mean? In this episode Kayla and Sally dive into the hidden curriculum of personal statements to empower you when drafting your applications to graduate school, medical school, PhD programs, fellowships, and other exciting opp

Episode 43: Anti CV: embracing failures to drive future wins

Jul 27 2023 51 mins

You won’t get everything you apply for - and that’s ok! In this episode Kayla and Sally dive into some of their biggest fails, rejections, and misses. We go through what we learned and how you can learn from our failures. Kayla shares hard-earned lessons from her (innumerable) application journeys as well as how to create a Rejection Ritual to quickly move on to the next opport

Episode 42: Patient Stakeholders in Biomedical Research, with Kevin Fowler

Jul 13 2023 38 mins

Join Sally and Kayla as they explore the role of patient advocacy in biomedical research with Kevin Fowler, consultant and owner of "The Voice of the Patient." Kevin shares insights on what patients want to know and how you can get involved in patient advocacy to drive meaningful change in healthcare related research. Kevin Fowler on Twitter: @gratefull080504Celeste Cast

Episode 41: Restructuring academic traineeship, with Dr. Shirley Malcom

Jun 29 2023 50 mins

Renowned public servant Dr. Shirley Malcom joins Kayla and Sally to discuss the challenges facing graduate students and postdocs during traineeship. We discuss structural barriers keeping trainees in underpaid roles and keeping out those who cannot afford to stay in such roles. Importantly, we consider how universities and funding agencies can perpetuate (or can act to stop!) toxic

Episode 40: Post PhD Paths: Evidence-Based Equity with Dr. Chrissy Stachl

Feb 28 2023 54 mins

When Dr. Chrissy Stachl realized that her department's culture needed an overhaul, she turned the challenge into her thesis and a consulting career. Using an evidenced-based approach, Chrissy now helps universities and businesses find and implement pragmatic solutions to improve equity and inclusion. Chrissy shares her experiences in developing survey

Episode 39: Post PhD Paths: Sally’s Industry Job Hunt

Nov 18 2022 67 mins

Preparing to apply for industry jobs but have no idea what to expect? In this episode, Sally shares her personal experience and practical advice about finding a job in industry such as how to ace a phone screen and what even is a “hiring manager.” She spent 8 pandemic months looking for her first post-PhD role so you don’t have to! In addition to going deep into her biggest j