When Science Speaks

Navigating the world of graduate school or postdoctoral studies can be an immense challenge. Those inherent difficulties are even greater when the student is working and studying in a culture different from the one he or she grew up in.

Change is inevitable in life. Through the course of our lives we will go through a series of transitions, and not all of them will be what we expect. While there is the tantalizing prospect of success and growth, there is also a dark side: fear of failure, regression, loss which can leave us anxious and scared. So how do we navigate these inevitable moments of change? How do we approach periods of transition and give ourselves the greatest chance of success?

Dr. Claire Horner-Devine is a leader in the field of career development for women and underrepresented minorities in STEM, focusing on inclusion, connection, creativity, and problem-solving. She is the founder and principal consultant for Counterspace Consulting, a career and leadership firm which focuses on helping to facilitate transformative experiences for clients in technology, government, industry, philanthropy, and academia.

Claire has a rich professional experience which includes all the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), as well as philanthropy, industry, and academia (higher-education). She served as a faculty member of the University of Washington for almost a decade, teaching courses and running a research lab.

Dr. Horner-Devine completed her undergraduate degree at Princeton University, earning a BA in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She went on to earn a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Stanford University, and was a postdoctoral scholar studying ecological patterns diverse communities of microorganisms from different aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:01] Mark welcomes his guest, Dr. Claire Horner-Devine
• [3:13] Why transitions in life are difficult
• [6:43] Adaptability is the key to success
• [9:16] The leadership organizations which Claire in a part of
• [13:40] How to establish trust
• [20:45] Being aware of personal blind spots
• [26:14] The effects of language and rhetoric

Connect with Claire Horner-Devine

• Claire on LinkedIn
• Claire Horner-Devine (@chornerdevine) - Twitter
• Counterspace Consulting

Why transitions can be difficult

Change is a double-edged sword. It is full of wonder, excitement, and the unknown. But it can be a scary prospect, as well. A seemingly infinite number of possible futures could unfold from a single point. While this is true for everyone, it can be especially difficult for women and underrepresented minorities. That is why it is important to be open-minded and adaptable, and ready to embrace the change itself.

For those going through a transition, it is best to concentrate on the positive aspects of change, as well as the positive potential futures. What does success mean for us? If we can define what that looks like, it can be much easier to work towards that goal and take the steps needed to manifest that potential future. Focusing on the worst-case scenarios and what-ifs can lead to a negative feedback loop which can lead to failure.

Trust is the key

Trust is the foundation of all community development and growth. Each person needs to trust themselves, each other, and especially those with positions of power. Community and connection are things Claire really focus on, and trust is the baseline goal. It truly is central to any effort for diversity, equity, and inclusion. That is why they are the core values of the organizations Claire is a part of.

The programs which Claire has helped to develop put an emphasis on building trust through the use of retreats to help people learn how to learn from each other and learn to build trust. Being present is important, and participants are discouraged from utilizing distracting devices and social media during their time there.

To hear more about Claire's meaningful and interesting work and her great perspective on trust and language, make sure to listen to her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

Subscribe to When Science Speaks on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher

Change is inevitable in life. Through the course of our lives we will go through a series of transitions, and not all of them will be what we expect. While there is the tantalizing prospect of success and growth, there is also a dark side: fear of failure, regression, loss which can leave us anxious and scared. So how do we navigate these inevitable moments of change? How do we approach periods of transition and give ourselves the greatest chance of success?

Dr. Claire Horner-Devine is a leader in the field of career development for women and underrepresented minorities in STEM, focusing on inclusion, connection, creativity, and problem-solving. She is the founder and principal consultant for Counterspace Consulting, a career and leadership firm which focuses on helping to facilitate transformative experiences for clients in technology, government, industry, philanthropy, and academia.

Claire has a rich professional experience which includes all the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), as well as philanthropy, industry, and academia (higher-education). She served as a faculty member of the University of Washington for almost a decade, teaching courses and running a research lab.

Dr. Horner-Devine completed her undergraduate degree at Princeton University, earning a BA in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She went on to earn a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Stanford University, and was a postdoctoral scholar studying ecological patterns diverse communities of microorganisms from different aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:01] Mark welcomes his guest, Dr. Claire Horner-Devine
• [3:13] Why transitions in life are difficult
• [6:43] Adaptability is the key to success
• [9:16] The leadership organizations which Claire in a part of
• [13:40] How to establish trust
• [20:45] Being aware of personal blind spots
• [26:14] The effects of language and rhetoric

Connect with Claire Horner-Devine

• Claire on LinkedIn
• Claire Horner-Devine (@chornerdevine) - Twitter
• Counterspace Consulting

Why transitions can be difficult

Change is a double-edged sword. It is full of wonder, excitement, and the unknown. But it can be a scary prospect, as well. A seemingly infinite number of possible futures could unfold from a single point. While this is true for everyone, it can be especially difficult for women and underrepresented minorities. That is why it is important to be open-minded and adaptable, and ready to embrace the change itself.

For those going through a transition, it is best to concentrate on the positive aspects of change, as well as the positive potential futures. What does success mean for us? If we can define what that looks like, it can be much easier to work towards that goal and take the steps needed to manifest that potential future. Focusing on the worst-case scenarios and what-ifs can lead to a negative feedback loop which can lead to failure. 

Trust is the key

Trust is the foundation of all community development and growth. Each person needs to trust themselves, each other, and especially those with positions of power. Community and connection are things Claire really focus on, and trust is the baseline goal. It truly is central to any effort for diversity, equity, and inclusion. That is why they are the core values of the organizations Claire is a part of. 

The programs which Claire has helped to develop put an emphasis on building trust through the use of retreats to help people learn how to learn from each other and learn to build trust. Being present is important, and participants are discouraged from utilizing distracting devices and social media during their time there. 

To hear more about Claire’s meaningful and interesting work and her great perspective on trust and language, make sure to listen to her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

 Subscribe to When Science Speaks on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher

Scientists are often encouraged to embrace the power of storytelling in writing or presentations, but how do you know which story to tell? Do you understand how to connect with your reader? If you struggle to find a balance between presenting research while also making a connection with your audience, you're not alone. Today we're joined by Trish Hall to talk about her new book, Writing to Persuade, and how you can weave her suggestions into your own work.

Trish Hall's served almost 5 years as the Op-Ed Editor of The New York TImes—doubling her department's size and creative output. She's credited with creating one of the cornerstones of the Sunday Times, the 'Sunday Review'. Trish's other senior roles at the Times included Assistant Managing Editor and Living/Style Editor. She concluded her tenure with the Times as the Senior Editor.

Trish recently published "Writing to Persuade" (W.W. Norton) and writes and edits Op-Eds for clients who want to get their opinions out into the world

Trish graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor's Degree in History.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Trish Hall
• [3:00] You have expertise and a story that people want to hear
• [4:30] Scientists, engineers, and doctors are trustworthy
• [7:30] How to establish similarity with your audience
• [9:00] The credibility of the messenger
• [11:15] How to deal with alternative facts
• [13:15] Change is slow but some change is fast
• [14:35] Flattery is an important way to connect
• [17:00] The importance of research

Connect with Trish Hall

• Trish on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned

• Book: Writing to Persuade: How to Bring People Over to Your Side
• Pew Research on Credibility

Interweaving the power of storytelling with your expertise

Are you excited to start writing, but worried your opinion or research may be misconstrued? Do you know how to establish a connection with your audience? Trish has some encouraging words: you have some expertise or story that people want to hear. Don't be afraid to talk about a personal experience that will draw your readers in and engage them. People desire to have some context for what you're talking about. So a personal story or experience related to your topic goes a long way.

Remember, as a scientist or engineer, polling consistently shows high degrees of trust in these positions. It's important to keep your audience in mind when you write. What publication are you writing for? Is the typcial reader liberal or conservative? Make sure you establish similarity with your audience. The best way to do that? Establish a personal connection with storytelling.

Personal connection with your audience as a means of persuasion

Scientists tend to focus on the facts and what the research shows. Facts, graphs, and charts are all great tools of persuasion, but developing a personal connection is the strongest. A personal connection is also one of the strongest precursors to change. The 'Me Too' movement took off because everyone has a mother, daughter, or sister. Many people had a connection in some way or another to someone who was personally affected by sexual harassment or assault.

Writing to persuade requires authenticity, the ability to be empathetic, and the ability to listen. If you're looking to share your opinion and persuade your reader to do the same, you have to know their argument. You have to anticipate their questions and rebuttals and address them. Present an argument that is rounded and addresses all issues—and always remember the importance of the human connection.

Make sure to listen to this episode of When Science Speaks to hear more about Trish's career in journalism and the powerful role of storytelling in persuasive writing the next time you're addressing an audience outside your specialty..

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

Subscribe to When Science Speaks on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher

Scientists are often encouraged to embrace the power of storytelling in writing or presentations, but how do you know which story to tell? Do you understand how to connect with your reader? If you struggle to find a balance between presenting research while also making a connection with your audience, you’re not alone. Today we’re joined by Trish Hall to talk about her new book, Writing to Persuade, and how you can weave her suggestions into your own work.

Do you feel like multiple pathways for success were open to you on your journey through higher education? Were you fortunate enough to find an opportunity to explore your interest right away or did you have to dig around for a while? Unfortunately, there remains a wide gap between what students and postdocs are looking for and the programs that colleges and universities provide. Seeking to bridge that gap and create a more helpful approach is Dr. Allison Rosenberg.

Dr. Rosenberg is a behavioral scientist and startup entrepreneur with a record of success in both the public and private sectors, focusing on higher education and education technology. She has advanced training in cognitive science, psychology, and entrepreneurship.

Allison received her undergraduate degree from the University of California - Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from Harvard University. She has served as a senior executive at several top universities – including the University of California System; the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill; and Iowa State University.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Allison Rosenberg.
• [3:20] Understanding diverse audiences.
• [5:40] The value of creative thinking.
• [7:40] If your message isn't getting across, it's not your audience's fault.
• [9:50] Allison's decision to live in Paris after finishing undergraduate school.
• [13:30] What is posed2?
• [22:45] A simple way to understand what posed2 is all about.
• [24:20] Trends in higher education.
• [29:50] How to break into the entrepreneurship scene.
• [33:40] Allison addresses gender bias she has seen in the startup industry.
• [38:20] Closing thoughts.

Connect with Allison Rosenberg

• Allison Rosenberg, Ph.D. - Founder & CEO - posed2, Inc. | LinkedIn
• posed2

Resources & People Mentioned

• Book: Founder's Dilemmas
• 314 Action
• Scientists' Unique Advantage in Running for Office, with Shaughnessy Naughton

How posed2 is creating new pathways for success

Do you ever find yourself wondering how Facebook or Amazon knows just the right ad or product to put in front of you? Be honest - it can feel a little creepy, right? Are they listening in on your conversations, making a really good data-driven guess, or some combination of the two? While it can feel like those tech companies are invading your privacy - the truth is - their suggestions are often helpful. What if someone could turn that innovative approach of marketing product toward creating pathways for success in higher education?

Allison Rosenberg set out to create an organization and a tool to cut through the complexity that is often associated with finding the right fit in higher education. Drawing on her entrepreneurial drive and her passion for creating programs and systems that help people find solutions and opportunities - Allison founded, posed2. Posed2 is a purpose-driven, college-to-career guidance program that uses games and AI - it identifies a user's best fit from how they play, not what they say. You can learn more about posed2 by visiting their website located in the resources section.

Forging your own path

It's wonderful to have a champion like Allison leading the way and creating new pathways for success - but what about forging your own path? If you don't see a way forward with your skill set and unique abilities - then make one. No one handed Allison a script and told her how to start her entrepreneurial journey - she had to make it up along the way. Leaders like you can blaze their own trail.

As someone who has gone down that entrepreneurial path - Allison has some helpful tips on what it takes to break into the entrepreneurship scene. If you want to test the entrepreneurial waters - Allison suggests these three places to start.

1. Spend time reading about entrepreneurship. Read blogs, books, and magazines dedicated to entrepreneurship and startups.
2. Sign up for classes at your university or college about entrepreneurship.
3. Get in the room with young business leaders and thought leaders.

Don't expect that the path forward to find your right fit will be easy - it rarely is. Learn from those who have gone before and who are in the trenches right now. Make sure to tune into this episode of When Science Speaks to catch Allison's full conversation with Mark - you don't want to miss it.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

Subscribe to When Science Speaks on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher

Do you feel like multiple pathways for success were open to you on your journey through higher education? Were you fortunate enough to find an opportunity to explore your interest right away or did you have to dig around for a while? Unfortunately, there remains a wide gap between what students and postdocs are looking for and the programs that colleges and universities provide. Seeking to bridge that gap and create a more helpful approach is Dr. Allison Rosenberg.

Have you ever considered taking your skill set and training to the realm of innovation and entrepreneurship? What would it look like to start exploring a career in the marketplace? Here to share her story and encourage postdocs and researchers like you is Vanderbilt University's, Deanna Meador.

Deanna is the assistant director of the Wond'ry at Vanderbilt University. She joined Vanderbilt in 2009 where she began working with the Peabody Research Institute (PRI), now the Peabody Research Office.

Deanna and her husband Jason became entrepreneurs in 2007 when they founded a mineral makeup business that grew to multiple retail locations in two states that they ran together until it was acquired by another company. She is 1 of 3 inventors developing a new edtech platform that will allow early childhood professionals to collect data, compare that data, and receive tailored feedback to improve classroom practices for our youngest students. The classroom practices measured by the tool have been demonstrated to relate to children's academic performance. This work is funded by the National Science Foundation.

Deanna received her B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Middle Tennessee State University and her M.A. in Educational Psychology and Counseling from Tennessee Technological University.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Deanna Meador.
• [2:35] Deanna talks about the Wond'ry at Vanderbilt University.
• [6:20] What is the Innovation Garage?
• [10:00] Deanna reflects on the impact of the Wond'ry.
• [13:00] How students and researchers from different disciplines come together.
• [16:00] What led to the creation of the Wond'ry? How did Deanna end up at Vanderbilt?
• [23:15] Deanna's advice for students who want to get involved with startups.
• [26:45] The benefit of working in a team environment.
• [29:00] Don't be afraid about talking about your idea!
• [31:30] Red flags for budding entrepreneurs.
• [36:50] Simplifying your message.
• [38:15] Turn your ideas into action!
• [41:20] Closing thoughts.

Connect with Deanna Meador

• Deanna on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned

• The Wond'ry at Vanderbilt University
• The Innovation Garage

What is the Wond'ry?

What if there were a program wholly dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship at your college or university? Would you explore a program like that? Too often, researchers and postdocs miss out on marketplace opportunities to use their skill sets simply because they haven't been exposed to the possibilities. Thankfully - innovative programs like the Wond'ry at Vanderbilt University are hard at work to change that narrative.

The Wond'ry is the epicenter for innovation and entrepreneurship at Vanderbilt University. Its three-story, 13,000-square foot space, located adjacent to the Engineering and Science Building, facilitates transinstitutional collaboration between students and faculty from all schools, levels, and disciplines. From engineers to scientists to entrepreneurs to artists, the Wond'ry is the primary point of connection for students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship.

At the Wond'ry there is something for everyone, from speaker series and workshops to maker spaces, interactive art exhibits and unique corporate partnerships. The Wond'ry provides students opportunities to gain real-world experience in creating new processes, building new technologies, and forming fresh insights.

Turn your ideas into action!

What is the difference between someone who makes an impact in the world and someone who doesn't? The key ingredient is action. Action is the catalyst that takes a dormant idea and moves it into the realm of reality. Does that mean that every action-taker is an innovative entrepreneur? Not by a long shot. Taking action is the critical first step that's needed before you can get to the fun part - experimentation and innovation.

One of the best ways to take action and start exploring the viability of your idea is to talk about it. Many budding entrepreneurs that Deanna mentors to at the Wond'ry are concerned that talking about their ideas will lead to someone stealing it. In Deanna's experience, those concerns are largely overblown. Most researchers and postdocs aren't out to steal your ideas - they are too busy trying to make their ideas and innovations a reality. Deanna also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to keep an open mind when it comes to funding their innovations. The typical route of raising millions and millions of dollars isn't always the best route to take - there are more options out there.

This is just a snapshot of Mark's wide-ranging conversation with Deanna. To hear their full conversation - make sure to listen to this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

Subscribe to When Science Speaks on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher

Have you ever considered taking your skill set and training to the realm of innovation and entrepreneurship? What would it look like to start exploring a career in the marketplace? Here to share her story and encourage postdocs and researchers like you is Vanderbilt University’s, Deanna Meador.

Have you ever considered a career in the field of research development? While it's a relatively new field in academia, there are some amazing leaders like Dr. Karen Eck who are making significant progress.

Karen is the Assistant Vice President for Research at Old Dominion University (ODU). In her role at ODU, Karen interfaces with internal and external entities in support of research development and policy, research strategic planning and partnerships, and regional and other initiatives on behalf of the Office of Research.

In 2015 Dr. Eck was elected to the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP) Board of Directors and currently serve as President. Before joining ODU, Karen was the biomedical Grants Officer at McGill University in the Office of the Vice-Principal for Research and International Relations. She has presented numerous talks and workshops on grant writing, peer review, team science and foundation funding, including developing a webinar series on the National Institutes of Health for the Canadian Association of University Research Administrators (CAURA). Karen is fluent in French and studied and worked in a French-speaking environment for over ten years.

Dr. Eck received her B.A. in Psychology and French from Indiana University in 1992 and her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Kent State University in 1998.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Karen Eck.
• [2:50] What is research development, how did it get started?
• [5:00] The difference between research development and standard development?
• [6:40] How Karen got started with research development.
• [9:30] Karen talks about how bilingualism has assisted her in her career.
• [13:50] Applying for and winning a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant.
• [19:20] Who should pursue a career in research development?
• [23:30] How the field of research development has evolved.

Connect with Dr. Karen Eck

• Karen on LinkedIn
• Old Dominion University

Resources & People Mentioned

• The Tipping Point
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP)

What is research development?

What is research development (RD)? Research development includes a set of strategic, proactive, catalytic, and capacity-building activities designed to facilitate individual faculty members, teams of researchers, and central research administrations in attracting extramural research funding, creating relationships, and developing and implementing strategies that increase institutional competitiveness.

Research development professionals like Dr. Karen Eck initiate and cultivate key partnerships throughout the institutional research sector and between institutions. The goal of research development is to encourage competitive individual and team research. Research development includes a broad spectrum of activities that vary by institution. Dr. Eck has played a vital role during her career exploring aspects of RD, such as funding opportunity identification, grant proposal development, and interaction with funding agencies.

Who should get involved in the research development field?

Is a career in research development right for you? As the RD field continues to grow, we'll need more talented leaders like Dr. Eck to continue the critical work. If you want to work in a field that builds collaboration and fuels competitiveness - research development would be a good fit. According to Dr. Eck, research development professionals should be proficient strategists and talented connectors.

From bringing teams together and crafting a singular message to reaching out to other institutions and building a coalition - research development professionals need to be good connectors. While many of the skills needed to excel in research development can be acquired and cultivated - there will be some researchers who will find this field a perfect fit right away. If you'd like to learn more about research development - connect with Dr. Eck or visit the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP) website.

Hear more about Karen's journey in research development and how bilingualism has helped her career by listening to her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

Subscribe to When Science Speaks on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher