Blooming Late Scientists

Becoming a scientist later in life is not the traditional

From knowing more about who you are and what you want out of life, to having the confidence to go out there and do something about it. In this episode I am joined by Dr Paul Brett, the Lead Scientist at Adamo Foods, who did just that.

Paul is a former teacher that later in life did his PHD in fungal and molecular biology. He talks about how this experience teaching has benefited not just his work but how he can share it with others. He also considers the importance of the relationships throughout his life that supported and enabled him to follow his love for science.

Paul gives valuable insights for those looking to pursue their own journey into science later in life, including how he was able to find jobs after completing his PHD and what it’s like to work in a startup.

“I felt very confident about doing a PHD later than everyone else” - Paul

You’ll hear about:

01:30 - An introduction to Dr Paul Brett

02:55 - What does Paul like about the startup environment?

07:56 - What should happen as technology improves?

10:15 - Finding a position after completing his PHD

15:37 - Was Paul's undergrad degree traditional?

18:26 - The power of having support

20:19 - Why individuality is a wonderful thing

22:58 - What did Paul do after his undergrad?

29:26 - Paul's work on soft fruit farms

34:36 - Did teaching have transferrable skills?

41:39 - Would a traditional PHD been different?

Dr. Paul’s resources:

LinkedIn: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-michael-brett/

Adamo Foods - https://www.adamofoods.com/

My resources:

What’s it like teaching mature students in the sciences?

We often have a view of students at university as teenagers fresh out of college, but many come to it later in life. To explore the reality of working with mature students, I am joined by Dr Shern Tee, a practical lecturer and computational electrochemist at Griffith University, Australia. We discuss what mature students bring to the lecture theatre and why teaching a diverse group of students benefits the groups.

Shern also shares how he uses technology in the lecture theatre and why he learns just as much from his students as they do from him. He discusses how aspiring mature chemists can start their journey into academia and how chemistry surrounds us in everyday life.

“Diversity is better for everyone on a human level” Shern

You’ll hear about:

00:00 -Introduction

01:13 –Shern on teaching a diverse group of students

03:38 -Generating feedback during the lecture

06:36 -Teaching and learning goes both ways

07:43 -Adapting teaching for mixed groups

13:16 -Do mature students communicate better?

20:12 -Does Shern use technology to enhance learning?

23:22 -How does diversity enhance learning?

25:01 -How chemistry shows up in everyday life

28:50 -Advice to mature aspiring chemists

Dr. Shern’s resources:LinkedIn: -https://www.linkedin.com/in/shern-tee-phd-8172241b3/

Episode resources: 2012 Christmas Lectures -Burning a Diamond-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QbHRLpYc-0

My resources:LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-n/

In this episode, I interview Ted Mason, an apprentice at Catapult, a cell and gene therapy company. Ted shares his unconventional journey into the science industry, starting from struggling with A-levels to finding his passion in an apprenticeship. He discusses the practical experience and specialized skills he has gained in the lab and the pressure and responsibility of working with stem cells. Ted emphasizes the importance of apprenticeships and encourages listeners to keep their options open and embrace their unique paths.

Takeaways

Claudia Andretta shares her journey from academia to industry, highlighting the value of being a scientist beyond having a PhD. She discusses her expertise in go-to-market strategy and rare diseases, specifically cell and gene therapy. She also reflects on her academic background in neuroscience and her decision to transition to a career in sales and consulting. Claudia advises those facing toxicity in academia and encourages individuals to explore alternative career paths. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for individuals to consider their options and make choices that align with their goals and aspirations.

Takeaways

Renuka Ramanujan, founder of HUID, a biotech startup that converts onion waste into a single-use plastic alternative for packaging, shares her journey of transitioning from a textile designer to the world of biotech. She discusses the importance of sustainable processes in creating eco-friendly packaging and the need to consider the entire supply chain. Renuka draws inspiration from her background in textiles and design to simplify complex scientific concepts and communicate them effectively. She also highlights the social impact of her work and her aspiration to create a more equitable and sustainable future.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, Dr Elena Hoffer discusses her experience after completing her PhD and transitioning to new goals. She shares her background in pharmaceutical biotechnology and her transition to immunology, specifically studying skin diseases. Elena emphasizes the importance of overcoming the fear of imperfection and the value of mentorship, encouraging individuals to pursue education and career changes, and highlighting the long-term benefits. Elena also discusses her current journey of building a company and offers advice for those considering returning to education.

Today's guest, Dr Thais Langer, started her career at cruising altitude as a flight attendant. Thais shares the tale of how her passion for exploration and knowledge led her to pursue higher education while jet-setting across the globe. With a PhD in life sciences in hand, she made the leap into the world of biotech marketing, where she now applies her rich tapestry of experiences to innovate and lead.

This episode is a deep dive into the intersections of travel, education, and professional growth, offering invaluable insights for anyone fascinated by the limitless possibilities that arise from combining diverse life experiences with a career in science and marketing.

In today's episode of the Blooming Late Scientists, we chat to Harrison Waid, Co-Founder of Succession, a company dedicated to sales training in the life science sector.

Harrison shares his journey from being a dedicated sportsman to embracing sales challenges and, eventually, co-founding a business that stands at the intersection of biotech innovation and sales excellence. Don't miss it!

Join us on this episode of Blooming Late Scientists, where we explore the compelling story of Dr David Brühlmann, whose initial aspirations of becoming a pilot took a dramatic turn towards uncharted territories. After a brief stint in medical school that lasted just two days, he redirected his ambitions towards the field of chemical engineering, a decision that marked the beginning of a new journey. His career took off in the aromatic world of Nespresso, where he contributed to the art of coffee making before pivoting to the cutting-edge biotech arena for his PhD. This episode is a testament to the power of adaptability, resilience, and the pursuit of passion, illustrating how life's unexpected detours can lead to fulfilling and impactful destinations.

Follow the journey of a Commercial Director whose life story defies convention. Starting in a cult, his path led him through physics, crane driving, founding companies and becoming a CFO before steering the helm in biotech innovation. In this interview, Dale Harrison shares insights from his diverse experiences and how they shaped his approach to leadership and innovation in the biotech sector. It's a tale of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of passion that will inspire anyone facing their own hurdles.This story isn't just about success; it's about the power of diversity in experience and thinking. Perfect for entrepreneurs, science buffs, or anyone looking for motivation to chart their own unique course.