stem phd mentor
@stemphdmentor.bsky.social
📈 Full prof at a U.S. R1, running a lab and managing millions in federal funding… for now.
🍻 This is the advice I'd give over a beer.
🔗 stemphdmentor.com
#academicsky #phdlife #newPI #sciencesky
🍻 This is the advice I'd give over a beer.
🔗 stemphdmentor.com
#academicsky #phdlife #newPI #sciencesky
Reposted by stem phd mentor
I have to keep this deliberately vague, but this is a total disaster for academic research.
And imposing it so suddenly is just cruel. I’ve got friends scrambling to get back to the US before midnight tonight. Do you know how hard that is to do on 36 hours of notice?
And imposing it so suddenly is just cruel. I’ve got friends scrambling to get back to the US before midnight tonight. Do you know how hard that is to do on 36 hours of notice?
Trump to impose $100,000 fee per year for H-1B visas, in blow to tech
The Trump administration said on Friday it would ask companies to pay $100,000 per year for H-1B worker visas, prompting some big tech companies to warn visa holders to stay in the U.S. or quickly return.
www.reuters.com
September 20, 2025 at 6:43 PM
I have to keep this deliberately vague, but this is a total disaster for academic research.
And imposing it so suddenly is just cruel. I’ve got friends scrambling to get back to the US before midnight tonight. Do you know how hard that is to do on 36 hours of notice?
And imposing it so suddenly is just cruel. I’ve got friends scrambling to get back to the US before midnight tonight. Do you know how hard that is to do on 36 hours of notice?
Reposted by stem phd mentor
The paper highlights actionable steps to help improve these double standards, including more RESEARCH RELATED LANGUAGE in P &T letters for Black, Hispanic and Indigenous women to improve their outcomes.
Underrepresented minority faculty in the USA face a double standard in promotion and tenure decisions - Nature Human Behaviour
Masters-Waage et al. report that underrepresented minority (URM) faculty in the USA face barriers in the promotion and tenure process, receiving more negative votes and fewer unanimous positive decisi...
www.nature.com
August 15, 2025 at 12:52 PM
The paper highlights actionable steps to help improve these double standards, including more RESEARCH RELATED LANGUAGE in P &T letters for Black, Hispanic and Indigenous women to improve their outcomes.
Reposted by stem phd mentor
Pro tip: say no to at least 50% of requests and, whenever you decline, provide the names of two male colleagues who are shirking their share of service. (Gold star for BCCing the dean when you do so.)
In a study of professors, women got 378 new work requests over 4 weeks vs 118 for men. Women spent more time on service, advising & teaching; men on research. Orgs should track who is taking extra duties & ensure they are rewarded and distributed fairly. www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Being Too Helpful At Work Can Hurt Your Career—Here’s How To Say No
Women are more likely to take on behind-the-scenes duties at work—extra tasks like onboarding or event planning—and it's hurting their careers. Here's how to say no.
www.forbes.com
July 7, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Pro tip: say no to at least 50% of requests and, whenever you decline, provide the names of two male colleagues who are shirking their share of service. (Gold star for BCCing the dean when you do so.)
omfg
thank you, Jeremy
thank you, Jeremy
I hope everyone is having a good Fourth of July break. Here is how I ended up spending some of mine...
1/n
1/n
July 5, 2025 at 1:43 AM
omfg
thank you, Jeremy
thank you, Jeremy
Desk rejection and request from a PO to speak about a foreign subaward this morning.
Staying strong… 💪 🫠
Staying strong… 💪 🫠
July 1, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Desk rejection and request from a PO to speak about a foreign subaward this morning.
Staying strong… 💪 🫠
Staying strong… 💪 🫠
Reposted by stem phd mentor
The US government is aiming to get rid of a quarter million people involved in science research and education by 2026.
I have no words.
I have no words.
July 1, 2025 at 3:21 PM
The US government is aiming to get rid of a quarter million people involved in science research and education by 2026.
I have no words.
I have no words.
Something I re-learn throughout life, a little better each time: Self-care means not avoiding what scares me.
This can be tricky because 'what scares me' changes over time. This week, it's reading certain papers. Reading papers used to be my main procrastination method!
This can be tricky because 'what scares me' changes over time. This week, it's reading certain papers. Reading papers used to be my main procrastination method!
June 30, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Something I re-learn throughout life, a little better each time: Self-care means not avoiding what scares me.
This can be tricky because 'what scares me' changes over time. This week, it's reading certain papers. Reading papers used to be my main procrastination method!
This can be tricky because 'what scares me' changes over time. This week, it's reading certain papers. Reading papers used to be my main procrastination method!
Reposted by stem phd mentor
This one hit me in the feels today
June 29, 2025 at 8:30 PM
This one hit me in the feels today
Reposted by stem phd mentor
🧪 Winner of the 2018 Nikon Small World in Motion : 16 hours of Zebrafish embryo growing its sensory nervous system
🔬 Dr. Elizabeth M. Haynes & Jiaye "Henry" He - University of Winsconsin
🔬 Dr. Elizabeth M. Haynes & Jiaye "Henry" He - University of Winsconsin
June 20, 2025 at 8:40 AM
🧪 Winner of the 2018 Nikon Small World in Motion : 16 hours of Zebrafish embryo growing its sensory nervous system
🔬 Dr. Elizabeth M. Haynes & Jiaye "Henry" He - University of Winsconsin
🔬 Dr. Elizabeth M. Haynes & Jiaye "Henry" He - University of Winsconsin
Reposted by stem phd mentor
“That’s an awfully nice university you have there. Would be a shame if something happened to it.”
-DOJ
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/u...
-DOJ
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/u...
University of Virginia President Resigns Under Pressure From Trump Administration
www.nytimes.com
June 27, 2025 at 8:36 PM
“That’s an awfully nice university you have there. Would be a shame if something happened to it.”
-DOJ
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/u...
-DOJ
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/u...
Reposted by stem phd mentor
Since the US politics have decided to target DEI spaces, I’ve seen a huge drop of engagement in #DisabledInSTEM
Disabled, disability and accessibility are part of the list of banned words for grants too really really highlights that these identities are being specifically targeted to be silenced.
Disabled, disability and accessibility are part of the list of banned words for grants too really really highlights that these identities are being specifically targeted to be silenced.
June 23, 2025 at 3:55 AM
Since the US politics have decided to target DEI spaces, I’ve seen a huge drop of engagement in #DisabledInSTEM
Disabled, disability and accessibility are part of the list of banned words for grants too really really highlights that these identities are being specifically targeted to be silenced.
Disabled, disability and accessibility are part of the list of banned words for grants too really really highlights that these identities are being specifically targeted to be silenced.
Whenever I dislike a research project, I eventually discover it's because some part of it feels stale or wrong: We're not asking the right question, an assumption is bad, or some other work in the field has started to eclipse it, so it's no longer a priority.
🧵
🧵
June 27, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Whenever I dislike a research project, I eventually discover it's because some part of it feels stale or wrong: We're not asking the right question, an assumption is bad, or some other work in the field has started to eclipse it, so it's no longer a priority.
🧵
🧵
Reposted by stem phd mentor
Judge Young's order has come in. Grant terminations in the plaintiff states or to the plaintiff orgs (APHA, UAW) are officially void and illegal.
It also says that the "Challenged Directives" are arbitrary and capricious — and thus illegal as well.
Now what exactly are are these directives? 🧵
It also says that the "Challenged Directives" are arbitrary and capricious — and thus illegal as well.
Now what exactly are are these directives? 🧵
June 23, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Judge Young's order has come in. Grant terminations in the plaintiff states or to the plaintiff orgs (APHA, UAW) are officially void and illegal.
It also says that the "Challenged Directives" are arbitrary and capricious — and thus illegal as well.
Now what exactly are are these directives? 🧵
It also says that the "Challenged Directives" are arbitrary and capricious — and thus illegal as well.
Now what exactly are are these directives? 🧵
Reposted by stem phd mentor
Chatbots — LLMs — do not know facts and are not designed to be able to accurately answer factual questions. They are designed to find and mimic patterns of words, probabilistically. When they’re “right” it’s because correct things are often written down, so those patterns are frequent. That’s all.
June 19, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Chatbots — LLMs — do not know facts and are not designed to be able to accurately answer factual questions. They are designed to find and mimic patterns of words, probabilistically. When they’re “right” it’s because correct things are often written down, so those patterns are frequent. That’s all.
New NIH Notice rescinding the no DEI, no Israeli boycott term and condition added to NIH grants (covers the whole university)
This is what Williams refused to sign and declined all federal funding.
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
1/2
This is what Williams refused to sign and declined all federal funding.
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
1/2
NOT-OD-25-124: Notice of Rescission of Civil Rights Term and Condition of Award
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: Notice of Rescission of Civil Rights Term and Condition of Award NOT-OD-25-124. NIH
grants.nih.gov
June 9, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Reposted by stem phd mentor
GOOD NEWS!
The NIH guide notice prohibiting grantees from engaging in or promoting DEI activities or from engaging in "prohibited boycotts" (such as BDS) has been rescinded!!!!
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
The NIH guide notice prohibiting grantees from engaging in or promoting DEI activities or from engaging in "prohibited boycotts" (such as BDS) has been rescinded!!!!
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
a cartoon character says good news in front of a futurama sign
ALT: a cartoon character says good news in front of a futurama sign
media.tenor.com
June 9, 2025 at 2:49 PM
GOOD NEWS!
The NIH guide notice prohibiting grantees from engaging in or promoting DEI activities or from engaging in "prohibited boycotts" (such as BDS) has been rescinded!!!!
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
The NIH guide notice prohibiting grantees from engaging in or promoting DEI activities or from engaging in "prohibited boycotts" (such as BDS) has been rescinded!!!!
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
It has taken me a long time to accept that research requires embracing discomfort as we grow our skills and grapple with the unknown.
When I was starting out (including as PI), I didn't know that it was okay for things to feel so hard.
It's possible to enjoy the process, even while it's tough.
When I was starting out (including as PI), I didn't know that it was okay for things to feel so hard.
It's possible to enjoy the process, even while it's tough.
June 9, 2025 at 2:32 PM
It has taken me a long time to accept that research requires embracing discomfort as we grow our skills and grapple with the unknown.
When I was starting out (including as PI), I didn't know that it was okay for things to feel so hard.
It's possible to enjoy the process, even while it's tough.
When I was starting out (including as PI), I didn't know that it was okay for things to feel so hard.
It's possible to enjoy the process, even while it's tough.
For scientists who can do it, I can’t think of a better use of their time.
As a reminder, we are one week out from a nationwide mobilization against the fascist coup. Find the nearest protest in your neck of the woods here. www.nokings.org
No Kings
On June 14—Flag Day—Donald Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. ...
www.nokings.org
June 8, 2025 at 8:00 AM
For scientists who can do it, I can’t think of a better use of their time.
Reposted by stem phd mentor
The deadline is soon! Nature has launched its seventh global survey of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) doctoral students, which will probe graduate students’ views about their goals and challenges, and their experiences of their studies so far. #Academicsky 🧪
PhD students in STEM: Nature wants to hear from you
Buried in lab work or drowning in data? Take a break and help shape the future of PhD education.
go.nature.com
June 7, 2025 at 1:19 AM
The deadline is soon! Nature has launched its seventh global survey of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) doctoral students, which will probe graduate students’ views about their goals and challenges, and their experiences of their studies so far. #Academicsky 🧪
Reposted by stem phd mentor
tl;dr — this EO co-opts the language of open science to implement a system of political control wherein presidential appointees are given broad latitude to designate any number of reasonable scientific activities and inferences as scientific misconduct, and to penalize those involved accordingly.
Restoring Gold Standard Science
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 7301 of title 5, United
www.whitehouse.gov
May 24, 2025 at 9:28 PM
tl;dr — this EO co-opts the language of open science to implement a system of political control wherein presidential appointees are given broad latitude to designate any number of reasonable scientific activities and inferences as scientific misconduct, and to penalize those involved accordingly.
If any potential advisor or collaborator talks like this while in charge, wish them luck, run, and never look back.
Director Jay Bhattacharya says he didn’t decide who was terminated from NIH. “I actually don’t have any transparency in how those decisions were made, and actually I’m quite upset about that. It would be nice to have had some say”
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
NIH director faces pointed questions at first staff town hall
Jay Bhattacharya says he disagrees with firings, supports minority health studies
www.science.org
May 21, 2025 at 6:51 PM
If any potential advisor or collaborator talks like this while in charge, wish them luck, run, and never look back.
Yes, we are. 💪
“Faculty, students, & staff are leading the fight back against Trump’s outrageous attacks on higher education…we will continue to lead & move our universities to stand up with us.”
— Todd Wolfson, AAUP President on @cnn.com.
#DefendHigherEd
— Todd Wolfson, AAUP President on @cnn.com.
#DefendHigherEd
May 18, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Yes, we are. 💪
Reposted by stem phd mentor
people need to internalize, very quickly, that federal research grants are a hypercompetitive contracting process not charity, and that what Uncle Sam gets in return for that money is American dominance in the future
May 18, 2025 at 3:31 AM
people need to internalize, very quickly, that federal research grants are a hypercompetitive contracting process not charity, and that what Uncle Sam gets in return for that money is American dominance in the future
I recently learned there are current graduate students selling materials and coaching programs on PhD admissions. I admire their entrepreneurial spirit, but can someone explain why people with negligible to zero experience reviewing PhD applications are trusted in this role?
#PhDSky #PhDLife #phd
#PhDSky #PhDLife #phd
May 17, 2025 at 12:38 AM