09.22.2015 - By Chris Jones interviews PhDs about graduate school and careers to provide advice to graduate students!
This interview is full of great advice! Amanda attributes her success to the positive relationships she developed during graduate school and outreach experiences. Listen to her share her graduate school experiences and how she became a postdoc at the Smithsonian Institute.
Amanda is a postdoctoral fellow at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Her research focuses on the evolutionary biology of ferns. Particularly exploring the patterns and processes that have given rise to modern plant diversity. She has a PhD in Biology from Duke University.
Biggest Struggle
Dealing with jealous and feeling that her accomplishments weren't as good as her peers.
Worst Moment
Trying to keep personal life from interfering with productivity.
Best Moment
Receiving first large grant (the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Improvement Program Grant).
Mindful Minutes Segment
Habit: Perserverence
Book: (1) The Chicago Guide to Landing a Job in Academic Biology by Chandler, Wolfe, and Promislow (2) You're Hired Now What: A Guide for New Science Faculty by Mohamed Noor
Productivity Tool: Computer coding (R and Python)
Best Advice: Sit down and write or do the experiment. It is better to have something done that isn't perfect than to wait.
Hobbies: Swim, run, cycle, paddling, sewing, learning music, yoga, and cooking
Alternative PhD study: Antropology
Contact and links to resources mentioned
Website
Intro and Outro Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music - Happy Rock