STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q
151 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratingsThis podcast is a resource for those with a STEM background seeking to understand the vast career opportunities outside of the laboratory, how to prepare these roles, and tips on being successful after making the transition.
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Episodes
SC50: Who Are you Listening to for Career Advice?
August 29, 2018 09:00 - 9 minutes - 6.33 MBBeware of the naked man who offers you his shirt. The African proverb is as appropriate for your career as it is any other area. Who are the people you seek advice and counsel on as it relates to your career? Are they people who have traveled the path in which you seek? A quick thought-provoking STEMulating hot topic to end the month of August!
SC49: Your LinkedN Driving Instructor-Elisse Wright Barnes, JD, PhD
August 22, 2018 09:00 - 51 minutes - 38.3 MBYour LinkedIn profile is more than a resume with a picture. Whether you are preparing to graduate and seeking your first job or you are an experienced professional who is now on the job market, LinkedIn can be a valuable tool to assist in your pursuit. Elisse Wright Barnes, JD, PhD shares actionable tips on how to make sure you are getting noticed by your target audience. About Elisse Wright Barnes https://about.me/elissewright
SC48: I Am Not My Hair
August 15, 2018 09:00 - 8 minutes - 5.72 MBIt's 2018 and we are still having conversations about hairstyles and fashion choices as a career differentiator or limiting factor in the workplace. We say that we embrace diversity and are inclusive, but are we? When we produce websites, brochures and other material that showcase the people who work at our organizations, do they reflect the people who we say we are trying to attract?
SC47: Are You Ready
August 08, 2018 09:00 - 11 minutes - 7.88 MBThis Hot Topic episode asks a simple, yet thought provoking question that will help you both assess and prepare for being promoted to the next level.
SC46: Preventative Maintenance is Not Just for Vehicles
August 02, 2018 02:38 - 20 minutes - 15 MBThis is the kickoff of Year TWO of Beyond the Bench: STEMulating Career Conversations. We perform preventative maintenance for our vehicles, but do we do it for our careers? In this episode we explore 4 key items that should be on your Career Preventative Maintenance checklist.
SC45: One Year Anniversary Episode
June 27, 2018 08:49 - 18 minutes - 22.7 MBA milestone reached! Celebrating one year of the podcast with a compilation favorite quotes and words of career advise from the Beyond the Bench guests over the past year.
SC44 Hot Topic: Open Letter to STEM students
June 20, 2018 09:00 - 10 minutes - 6.49 MBA little over two years ago, I wrote an open letter to STEM graduate students about preparing for their next steps. Today, I give voice to the letter!
SC43 Hot Topic: Success Questions
June 13, 2018 09:00 - 3 minutes - 2.51 MBThere are no right or wrong answers. You will not have to share your responses with anyone. All you have to do is be honest and the answers just may reveal the key to your success. 1. When you measure your successes, whose measuring stick do you use? 2. If “success is a failure turned inside out”, how many of your failures have you turned into successes? 3. How often has a fear of success prevented you from pursuing your dreams? 4. What is your plan for sustaining your success on...
SC42: From STEM Researcher to College President Tuajuanda Jordan
June 06, 2018 09:00 - 43 minutes - 26.7 MBAscending to the position of college president is likely not at the forefront of one's mind while doing scientific research in graduate school or when beginning as a new faculty member. It definitely was not the case for Dr. Tuajuanda Jordan, but after heeding the advice of a mentor, she accepted an opportunity to explore the other "enlightened" side academia. Though she loved teaching and doing research, this initial experience in administration was one that would change the course of her...
SC41: Dr. Angela Ragin Wilson is a Chemist Leading a Public Health team at the CDC
May 30, 2018 09:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBChemists are needed in the public health sector. When Dr. Angela Ragin-Wilson completed her Master's degree in chemistry, she landed a position as a bench scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. It didn't take long, however, for her to realize that she needed more. With the support and encouragement of a strong mentor, she enrolled in a PhD program. The next steps on her path led her to begin a rewarding and unexpected career at the Centers for Disease Control. After spending a few ye...
SC40: The PhD-JD Career Path of Kenrick Vidale
May 23, 2018 09:00 - 42 minutes - 25.4 MBA PhD in a STEM field combined with a JD is a powerful combination and has afforded our guest an exciting career path. In this week's conversation, Dr. Kenrick Vidale shares his journey from a PhD in organic chemistry, through going to law school part time while working a full time job in the pharma industry, to passing the Bar in multiple States, and now a full fledged attorney who has worked in both pharma and the chemicals sectors. Connect with him on Facebook or Linked In!
SC39: Latane E. Bracket, III-The Electrical Engineer Who Creates Mental Morsels for Leadership
May 16, 2018 09:00 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MBAn internship at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) was a great experience for the budding electrical engineer because it prompted him to seek careers outside of the traditional lab environment. Over the course of his career, he gained experiences in a variety of fields spanning foods to pharmaceutical manufacturing and held roles at levels of increased responsibility. At each step, he learned and observed some valuable leadership skills which he now coins as " me...
SC38 Hot Topic: What Does your Yes Mean?
May 09, 2018 09:00 - 9 minutes - 5.86 MBIf you never say no, what does your yes really mean? Your ‘yes’ may have various meanings, but in this Hot Topic we explore what a ‘yes’ means in the context of 1.) association 2.) prioritization 3.) prioritization.
SC37 Hot Topic: Celebration, Motivation, Vacation!
April 18, 2018 22:45 - 6 minutes - 4.17 MBCelebrating the success of others can serve as a motivator.
SC36: Dr. Gloria Thomas- Researcher, Leader, Mom and Teacher
April 11, 2018 09:00 - 47 minutes - 33.5 MBKeeping an open mind is one of the things that has been critical to the successes of Dr. Gloria Thomas. A series of professional and personal events led her back to her hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she has expanded her STEM wings and now serves as the Director of the Center for Academic Success at Louisiana State University. This superwoman mom is a prime example of how marketable and valuable a STEM degree is. She is also a member of a distinct group of scientists who have w...
SC35:Dr. Melissa Vaught-the Biochembelle of Social Media
April 04, 2018 09:00 - 42 minutes - 28.1 MBDr. Melissa Vaught, known on social media platforms as @biochembelle, started her STEM journey at a community college in Virginia with initial hopes of going into a medical field. However, she fell in love with chemistry and her career path took a turn which led her down the road to a PhD, two postdocs, and two very rewarding positions--one on the East Coast, the other on the West Coast. Listen in as @biochembelle not only shares her STEM journey beyond the Bench, but also talks about why...
SC34: DEA Laboratory Director Mr. Darrell Davis
March 28, 2018 09:00 - 1 hour - 39.7 MBWhen Darrell Davis completed his undergraduate degree in chemistry, he had aspirations of teaching. However, a networking connection at a NOBCChE conference temporarily altered that path, and he began his career as a forensic chemist with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Though several years of hard work and being open to opportunity, he became the laboratory director for the South Central District of the DEA. He became an expert in clandestine laboratories, and he made sure h...
SC33: The Truth About STEM Diversity and Inclusion
March 21, 2018 09:00 - 23 minutes - 15 MBHow do you give meaning and action to Diversity and Inclusion? It's not simple, and it will make most uncomfortable. If we truly want to become more diverse and inclusive in the STEM community, we must provide opportunities to and take risks on those who are not mirror images of ourselves. @drqualls on Twitter
SC32: The Wright STEM Career Transitions- Emotionally, Mentally, Spiritually and Physcially.
March 14, 2018 09:00 - 47 minutes - 30.4 MBIn Episode 22, we met the newly minted PhD Dr. Melody Wright and she shared her joys of landing her first role outside since obtaining her degree. She transitioned into a role that was atypical for someone with her background, but with hard work and determination, she landed the role. Fast forward 3 months, and she gives an update that she has resigned from that position. Stress seriously impacted her mental, emotional, and physical well being. Her message as to why and what prompted her r...
SC31 Hot Topic: Growth Areas
March 07, 2018 10:00 - 11 minutes - 7.45 MBWhen you look back over your career journey, what are the areas that you can see personal and professional growth?
SC30 Hot Topic: 28 Days of Growth
February 28, 2018 10:00 - 8 minutes - 6.03 MBFebruary is Black History Month but did you know it was also Growth Month?
SC29 Hot Topic: February 1 is my PhD Anniversay!
February 01, 2018 18:38 - 11 minutes - 7.9 MBFebruary 1st marks the anniversary of my journey Beyond the Bench. In this episode, I share advice on the STEMulating conversations I would have liked to have had as a graduate student.
SC28: Started in the Academy and Now Back Again with Dr. Yaihara Fortis
January 24, 2018 10:00 - 44 minutes - 30.1 MBWhen she started graduate school, her plans were to be in the academy. However, after having conversations with her labmate and networking with fellow alumni of her institution, the journey beyond the bench took a different course. Dr. Fortis was open to opportunity which led her to a AAAS policy fellowship, the National Science Foundation, New York Academy of Science, and now as the director of postdoctoral affairs at Memorial Sloan Kettering. We also discuss how Hurricane Maria has impa...
SC27: Who is @HeyDrWilson?
January 17, 2018 10:00 - 43 minutes - 28 MBA Mississippian, an HBCU graduate, a PhD immunologist with postdoctoral training from an Ivy League institution, yet he sums up his journey beyond the bench with a simple phrase: be good to the people around you; be good to the people you care about, but most importantly be good to yourself! Dr. Caleph Wilson shares his journey from the bench to a career in industry--first as a research scientist at an emerging biotech/biopharm, and now as a technical sales specialist and consultant for a...
SC26: The Journey from Durham to DC: Kenneth Gibbs Jr., PhD
January 10, 2018 10:00 - 42 minutes - 28.3 MBIf you've ever wondered about a career in the policy world, this week's guest shares his journey from the North Carolina School of Math and Science to his current role at the National Institutes of Health. He also gives candid, yet helpful advice for those who are conducting job searches. Follow Dr. Kenneth Gibbs, Jr. on Twitter at: @KennyGibbsPhD @STEMPhDCareers Also mentioned in this episode: Meyerhoff Scholars at University of Maryland, Baltimore County Leadership Alliance ...
SC25 Hot Topic: Finish Strong
December 27, 2017 10:00 - 7 minutes - 4.9 MBClosing out 2017 and preparing to usher in 2018.
SC24 Hot Topic: Setting SMART Goals
December 20, 2017 10:06 - 31 minutes - 20.3 MBThis week's episode is a rebroadcast of a very popular 2016 Lunchtime webinar on setting Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic and Time Bound (SMART) goals. Tips on not only how to create them, but also how to ensure that you attain and achieve them.
SC23 Active versus Passive Netowking
December 13, 2017 10:00 - 28 minutes - 18.6 MBThis week's episode is a rebroadcast of a 2016 lunchtime webinar on Active and Passive networking. We explore the definition of network, and pose challenging questions to unearth they type of networking that most of us engage. We discuss several examples to allow you to see a clear difference between passive and active networking.
SC22: The First Job After the PhD with Dr. Melody Robinson
December 06, 2017 10:00 - 42 minutes - 28.5 MBIs working in industry really that different from working in an academic research laboratory? How can you transfer the skills learned while training for a PhD into real time application? These are just two of several areas of insight that this newly minted PhD guest shares on her journey from the bench to the workplace. Mentioned on the show: Twitter: @Being_Melody Instagram: @brokeonpurpose Broke On Purpose
SC21 Hot Topic: Staying Ready
November 29, 2017 10:00 - 5 minutes - 3.57 MBIf someone asks how can they help you, what would be your response? You never know when this may happen, so if you stay ready, you will never have to get ready.
SC20 Hot Topic: Invest In You
November 22, 2017 10:00 - 8 minutes - 5.86 MBAs we prepare to spread love and cheer to others in this season of giving, be sure that you make it a priority to Invest in You.
SC19: Retaining Scientist Identity Outside the Lab with Dr. Lamont Terrell
November 15, 2017 10:00 - 32 minutes - 21.4 MBIs your scientific identity determined by the number of experiments you run each day? Do you somehow lose the ability to be a scientist when you choose to utilize your scientific training and skills outside a laboratory environment? Today's guest, Dr. Lamont Terrell, is a trained PhD synthetic organic chemist who had a very successful career as a bench scientist. Now, he's taking his talents to the 'other' side of the business and making an impact in identifying talent for the R&D organiz...
SC18: A GEM of STEM in Dr. Howard G. Adams
November 08, 2017 10:00 - 37 minutes - 24.1 MBDr. Howard G. Adams is a mentoring guru. He is a leading expert on developing people through mentoring and strategic career/life planning. He has written, lectured, and consulted extensively on effective strategies for career, educational, and personal development. He is a sought-after keynote speaker and seminar presenter, having spoken at over 650 colleges/universities, numerous national conferences, and conducted training for a number of fortune 500 companies. From 1978 to 1995 Adams se...
SC17 Hot Topic: What's Your WHY ME?
November 01, 2017 09:00 - 8 minutes - 5.53 MBWhat is your WHY ME? Are you experiencing a situation that seems like there is no way for you to possibly be successful? Maybe you are ready to take that bold step towards your dream but just don’t know where to begin. Do you ever find yourself observing the progression and success of others who are seemingly doing the same things that you are, but wonder why you are not getting similar results? Whatever the case, the next time you find yourself asking WHY ME, ask yourself: What’s Hin...
SC16: Dr. Amy Laster, the Neuroscientist Helping to Fight Blindness
October 25, 2017 09:00 - 40 minutes - 25.2 MBDr. Amy Laster is a trained neuroscientist who utilizes her skills to assist other scientists in their research quest to fight blindness. She shares her career path beyond the bench, as well as gives sage advice on what she has learned over the years about ensuring balance and the importance of ' keeping the main thing,the main thing." Mentioned in episode: Health Research Alliance healthra.org
SC15 Hot Topic: Silent Recognition
October 18, 2017 13:58 - 10 minutes - 6.26 MBOftentimes when we are working on projects or starting a new project, it can be scary and uncertain. Why? Because we do not know if the work that we are doing is having the impact that we would like. Have you ever noticed that in those times when we think no one is watching or listening, those are the moments when people are paying the closest attention! Keep pressing and doing what you do. Your recognition and reward is sometimes silent, but your impact speaks volumes.
SC14: Dr. Renetta G. Tull Living Life Online
October 11, 2017 09:00 - 35 minutes - 38.9 MBDr. Renetta Garrison Tull is an engineer who lives life online by Sharing connections, Connecting passions, Living to make a difference. Dr. Tull is Associate Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and Professor of the Practice in UMBC’s College of Engineering and IT. She is also Founding Director and Co-PI for the 12-institution National Science Foundation University System of Maryland’s (USM) PROMISE AGEP, and Co-Director/Co-PI for ...
SC13 Hot Topic: Prioritize the Priority
September 20, 2017 18:51 - 7 minutes - 4.8 MBLet's talk about why it's so difficult to say no to things and prioritize the priorities in our life.
SC12: The STEMConnector PhD NFL Cheerleader Dr. Talmesha Richards
September 14, 2017 03:52 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBWhen dancing is your outlet, then why not use your talents to cheer for the NFL team in your city while you are pursuing your PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine. Don't think it is possible, then you have to listen to this episode with Dr. Talmesha Richards. Mentioned in the show: STEMConnector Meyerhoff Scholars at UMBC
SC11: The Wisdom and Wit of Dr. Bill Jackson
September 13, 2017 09:00 - 37 minutes - 23 MBDr. Jackson received his PhD in 1961 from Catholic University. He shares his experiences in industry, government and the private sector in his almost 60 years of working in the field of chemistry. He still enjoys it because a scientist never stops learning. He is a founding member of NOBCChE, an organization that has played a tremendous role in the professional development of chemists of color.
SC10 Hot Topic: Receiving Feedback
August 30, 2017 08:30 - 5 minutes - 3.35 MBWe spend time learning how to give feedback, but learning how to receive feedback is equally important. This quick hot topic shares three tips to help you become a better receiver of feedback.
SC09 Executive Director of Boston's Best Small Company: Dr. Joanne Kamens
August 23, 2017 08:30 - 41 minutes - 29.3 MBShe’s the Executive Director of Addgene which was named the Best place to work in Boston for 2016. After listening to this interview you will undoubtedly understand why. Dr. Joanne Kamens is a trained scientist who leads the organization by example and creates a culture that values the differences each scientist brings to the table. She shares her journey from STEM PhD graduate school to her current role and highlights the importance of mentoring and using your networks to identify, prep...
SC08 Chemjobber: A Chemist with a Job Blog
August 16, 2017 08:30 - 45 minutes - 32.1 MBChemjobber is a mid-career process chemist with a PhD in organic chemistry who has garnered a popular social media presence that connects not only people, but also ideas. He started a blog to help chemists find jobs in during the turbulent economic times in 2008, and after nearly a decade, it has grown to be an invaluable resource to both students and professionals of the chemical enterprise. Mentioned in this episode: Follow @chemjobber on Twitter Chemjobber Blog: http://chemjobbe...
SC07 Having a Successful Career in Industry with Dr. Alveda Williams
August 09, 2017 08:30 - 41 minutes - 26.6 MBBefore Dr. Alveda Williams entertains a new opportunity, she asks: 1.) Is it fun? 2.) Is it impactful? 3.) Do I have anything to contribute? This has been key to her accepting roles throughout her career that have been challenging, rewarding, and satisfying. Her beyond the bench experiences include contributing to the efforts of a corporate acquisition, leading the United States PhD recruiting strategy, and even a role leading a team of HR professionals.
SC06 Hot Topic: Branding or Bragging?
August 02, 2017 08:10 - 13 minutes - 9.19 MBEven though personal branding is not bragging, people find it difficult to promote their unique skills and accomplishments to aide in their career development and progression. This hot topic is on what personal branding is and tips to begin your rebranding process.
SC05 Developing Nurturing Mentoring Environments in STEM with Dr. Beronda Montgomery
July 26, 2017 08:00 - 46 minutes - 31.4 MBDr. Beronda Montgomery is a plant scientist by training, and leverages her technical expertise to advance a professional development area that she is truly passionate. She masterfully uses the analogy of plant care and maintenance to illustrate the importance that a nurturing environment plays in mentoring. She has written extensively on the topic of mentoring, particularly within the STEM community and has been recognized for her work in this area. Follow her on Twitter @BerondaM for STE...
SC04 Engineering a Career with Family: Dr. GDale Wesson
July 19, 2017 05:15 - 42 minutes - 27.8 MBDr. Dale Wesson shares his journey from a chemical engineering undergraduate student to a VP of Research in Higher Education Administration. He gained valuable experiences along his non-linear journey to the PhD, which included resigning from the same company twice. Through all of this, he credits having a strong family support system as the main reason he has been able to have a successful career and a healthy family life. If you enjoyed this conversation and would like to connect wit...
SC03 Running Dad Zach Cross Turns Synthesis to Sales
July 12, 2017 07:38 - 45 minutes - 28.4 MBZach Cross went from a high performing synthetic chemist to a top technical salesperson. The non-linear path that he took to get there, however, is the best part of this STEMulating conversation. Through a series of events, Zach Cross realized that chemistry in a macroeconomic sense was changing, and he had to both adjust and adapt to remain relative and competitive. He also shares his love for running and how he has been able to incorporate it in several phases of his career. He has o...
SC02 Learning to Embrace Career Challenges with Dr. Sibrina Collins
July 05, 2017 04:49 - 40 minutes - 27.4 MBHave you ever been grateful that some things didn't work out the way you wanted them? Dr. Sibrina Collins began her career journey on a path to the professoriate, but a disappointing tenure decision forced her to reassess what she really wanted to do in a career. She began to walk in her purpose of serving the STEM community in a way that truly aligns with her passion which led to her current roles as the first Executive Director of the Marburger STEM Center at Lawrence Technical Universit...
SC01 From Academia to the Private Sector with Dr. Carl Cohen
June 27, 2017 20:40 - 45 minutes - 30.9 MBCarl is a thought leader in the field of management and leadership training for scientists and technical professionals. He is the author of the widely popular Lab Dynamics: Management and Leadership Skills for Scientists which is available on Amazon. Interesting fact that we learn about Carl in the conversation is that he is a trained physicist, who early in his career, was tasked to lead a hematology lab! From there he went on to become a tenured professor, then left the academy to fill...