This Academic Life

This Academic Life

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This Academic Life episodes

  • Ep.43 – Fun Facts on The Nobel Prize

    In this episode, we discuss some fun facts about the Nobel Prize from its origin to the most common recipient types.

    Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”. Cast list:

    • Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.
    • Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.
    • Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

      • Editing team:

      • Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal ([email protected])
      • Edited by Angella Chen
      • Edited by Jared Duffy
      • Artwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

        • Support This Academic Life by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/this-academic-life

        22 min
      • Ep.42 – A Success Story of a Woman Veteran in STEM

        In this episode, we are honored to host Ms. Morghan Carr, a coast guard veteran, to discuss her journey into a STEM career and learn more about how we can help other veterans who are interested in joining the STEM workforce. It’s important to note that Morghan volunteers for ArmySmart which provides free online tutoring to service members and veterans to help them achieve their further education goals.

        Reference list:

        • https://womenvetsstem.edc.org
        • https://www.armysmart.org

          • Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.

          Cast list:

          • Miss Morghan Carr (guest) is a Civil Geotechnical Engineer working in Portland, Maine after receiving her Master’s of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of New Hampshire and serving in the United States Coast Guard. Her unique career path into a STEM career was facilitated by her experiences and benefits earned from the U.S. Military, and she aims to encourage more Veterans to pursue STEM careers. 
          • Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.
          • Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.
          • Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

            • Editing team:

            • Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal ([email protected])
            • Edited by Angella Chen
            • Edited by Jared Duffy
            • Artwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

              • Support This Academic Life by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/this-academic-life

              26 min
            • Ep.41 – A Pivotal Decision: Plan for Promotion to Full or Move to Administration?

              In this episode, we discuss your options for your future in academia. Do you continue the route of being a professor and attain full tenure or do you pivot to an administrative role? Both have their positives and negatives, we discuss and layout our thoughts on the issue.

              Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.

              Cast list:

              • Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.
              • Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.
              • Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

                • Editing team:

                • Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal ([email protected])
                • Edited by Angella Chen
                • Edited by Jared Duffy
                • Artwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

                  • Support This Academic Life by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/this-academic-life

                  18 min
                • Ep.40 – Does Prestige Matter in Academia?

                  In this episode, we discuss whether prestige matters in academia and how it shapes academic hierarchy. This topic is based on a paper published recently in Nature entitled “Quantifying hierarchy and dynamics in US faculty hiring and retention” authored by Daniel Larremorem et al, which presented an analysis based on a large dataset from US faculty census collected in the past 10 years. 

                  Reference list:

                  • https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05222-x 
                  • https://slate.com/human-interest/2015/02/university-hiring-if-you-didn-t-get-your-ph-d-at-an-elite-university-good-luck-finding-an-academic-job.html 

                    • Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.

                    Cast list:

                    • Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.
                    • Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.
                    • Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

                      • Editing team:

                      • Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal ([email protected])
                      • Edited by Angella Chen
                      • Edited by Jared Duffy
                      • Artwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

                        • Support This Academic Life by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/this-academic-life

                        1 min
                      • Ep.39 – How do faculty choose research topics?

                        In this episode, we talk about how faculty choose research topics and how one can come up with novel ideas for research. We also share a few tips for junior faculty as they step into their independent research career.

                        Reference list:

                        • https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2016/09/academic-conferences
                        • https://www.watermarkinsights.com/resources/blog/top-five-ways-your-college-can-support-veterans

                          • Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.

                          Cast list:

                          • Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.
                          • Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.
                          • Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

                            • Editing team:

                            • Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal ([email protected])
                            • Edited by Angella Chen
                            • Edited by Jared Duffy
                            • Artwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

                              • Support This Academic Life by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/this-academic-life

                              28 min
                            • Ep.38 – Episode 38: Ready, Set, Go for a new academic year

                              Returning from the break we dive into how to prepare for the new school year including tips on how to balance your workload and block out time for yourself.

                              Reference list:

                              • https://www.sssp-research.org/how-do-you-prepare-for-the-new-academic-year/
                              • https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/10/09/prep-squad-how-faculty-gets-ready-new-school-year

                                • Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.

                                Cast list:

                                • Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.
                                • Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.
                                • Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

                                  • Editing team:

                                  • Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal ([email protected])
                                  • Edited by Angella Chen
                                  • Edited by Jared Duffy
                                  • Artwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

                                    • Support This Academic Life by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/this-academic-life

                                    1 min
                                  • Ep.3 – Rerun: Real Talk: 5 Unspoken Tips for Early Career Faculty

                                    The early years of a faculty position can be an exciting and challenging experience. In this episode, we will provide 5 unspoken tips for early-career faculty. These tips are gathered from our own experiences, which can benefit those who are going through the early years of their academic life.

                                    Reference list: Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal ([email protected])

                                    References:

                                    1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00216-017-0817-5
                                    2. https://tomprof.stanford.edu/posting/976
                                    3. https://whatisthemeaningofmylife.com/tag/academic-life/
                                    4. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=7715&context=dissertations

                                      5. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also find us on webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on facebook group “This Academic Life”.

                                      Cast list:

                                      • Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.
                                      • Prof. Pania Newel (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.
                                      • Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

                                        • Support This Academic Life by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/this-academic-life

                                        1 min
                                      • Ep.4 – Rerun: The H-Index: Keeping up with the Joneses

                                        The h-index, or Hirsch index, measures the research impact and productivity of a particular scientist. Since its inception in 2005, it has become a standard way to somewhat objectively quantify an individual’s research impact. In this episode, you will learn what it is, what is expected of this H-index from researchers at different stages of their research careers, and ethical practices in increasing your H-index. We also raise concerns in the un-intended use of H-index for the academic world we are in today. Reference list: Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal ([email protected]) References:

                                        1. https://www.journal-publishing.com/blog/good-h-index-required-academic-position/
                                        2. https://phys.org/news/2020-07-albert-einstein-mediocre-h-index-bogus.html
                                        3. http://www.webometrics.info/en/hlargerthan100
                                        4. https://www.aacc.org/cln/articles/2019/september/scientific-impact-and-the-h-index
                                        5. https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/102/46/16569.full.pdf
                                        6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H-index#Comparing_results_across_fields_and_career_levels
                                        7. https://www.slideshare.net/AnneWilHarzing/citation-metrics-across-disciplines-google-scholar-scopus-and-the-web-of-science

                                          8. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also find us on webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on facebook group “This Academic Life”. Cast list:

                                          • Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.
                                          • Prof. Pania Newel (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.
                                          • Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

                                            • Support This Academic Life by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/this-academic-life

                                            1 min
                                          • Ep.9 – Rerun: Academic Salary

                                            In this episode, we discuss the taboo topic of a professor’s salary and the importance of academic salary transparency. We also discuss how administrators can work with junior faculty and help them ease the salary negotiation process. Reference list:

                                            • https://www.ccdaily.com/2021/04/a-look-at-faculty-presidents-salaries/
                                            • https://www.lifeofaprofessor.com/post/are-professors-rich
                                            • The Annual Report on the Economic Status of the Profession, 2018-19
                                            • https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2014/07/02/327289264/episode-550-when-salaries-arent-secret
                                            • Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal ([email protected])

                                              • Contact list:

                                              If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also find us on webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on facebook group “This Academic Life”.

                                              Cast list:

                                              • Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.
                                              • Prof. Pania Newel (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.
                                              • Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

                                                • Support This Academic Life by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/this-academic-life

                                                1 min
                                              • Ep.37 – Academic Conferences

                                                In this episode, we talk about academic conferences. Why you should go, what you need to do to prepare, and what are the do’s and dont’s when you get there. 

                                                 
                                                 
                                                Reference list:
                                                 
                                                Sponsor: De Gruyter: This episode is sponsored by De Gruyter and its portfolio in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. For “Students and Researchers in Mathematics” De Gruyter’s 2022 catalog is now available on This Academic Life website. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”. 
                                                 
                                                https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2016/09/academic-conferences
                                                 
                                                 
                                                Cast list:
                                                 

                                                • Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.

                                                • Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.

                                                • Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

                                                  Editing team:

                                                   

                                                  • Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal ([email protected])
                                                  • Edited by Angella Chen
                                                  • Edited by Jared Duffy
                                                  • Artwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

                                                    • Support This Academic Life by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/this-academic-life

                                                    1 min

                                                  About This Academic Life

                                                  From the publisher's feed

                                                  This is an academic podcast for everyone who inspires to be a successful STEM educator and researcher. In each show, we share stories and look into the incredible journey that impacts STEM education…