The Scholarly Grind

Curious how to balance research, graduate teaching roles, and personal development in graduate school?  Chemistry PhD candidate Vidya Nadar shares how she does it. In this episode of The Scholarly Grind, she talks about her research, how she approaches her PI when experiments stall, and how she explains complex science to people outside her field. Her advice for fellow graduate students: Keep moving, and treat every outcome as a lesson. 

This episode was recorded in spring 2026. Titles, roles, and research updates reflect that time.  

This podcast highlights the people, research, and conversations that define graduate education and its impact, both on campus and beyond.

 
For more information about Graduate School at Kansas State University, visit our website: https://www.k-state.edu/grad/

For more information about Graduate School at Kansas State University, visit our website: https://www.k-state.edu/grad/

This podcast highlights the people, research, and conversations that define graduate education and its impact, both on campus and beyond. 

Serving as host is Dr. Phil Payne, Interim Dean of the Graduate School at Kansas State University. As both an academic leader and advocate for graduate students, he brings a thoughtful perspective on scholarship, professional development, and the evolving role of graduate education. 

In today’s episode, we start by getting to know him: his academic journey, his vision for the Graduate School and what listeners can expect from this podcast moving forward. Let’s jump right in!

For more information about Graduate School at Kansas State University, visit our website: https://www.k-state.edu/grad/