When Science Speaks

Does your organization value the role of their introverts in the workplace? Are you an introvert who has struggled to find your voice? Do you want to help your workplace become more equitable for introverts? Here to help us understand introverts and how we can best empower them is Dr. Jennifer Kahnweiler.

What would you say are the most important aspects of postdoc research? Would the learning environment or the availability of mentors rank high on your list? What about the role of passion and enthusiasm for your field of study? Dr. Sarah Chobot Hokanson joins Mark in this episode of When Science Speaks to highlight the role of enthusiasm and storytelling in postdoc research.

Sarah is the Assistant Provost of Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs at Boston University. She is responsible for providing services and programming for all postdoc scholars at Boston University, as well as supporting the development of University policies related to postdoc scholarships.

Before joining Boston University, Sarah was the US Deputy Director of Science and Innovation at the British Consulate-General, Boston. Dr. Hokanson holds a BA in Chemistry from Boston University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She completed a National Institute of Health (NIH) Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Fellowship at Cornell University in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

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

• [1:08] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Sarah Chobot Hokanson.
• [3:50] What sparked Sarah's interest in science?
• [7:30] Sarah talks about taking a position working for the British Consulate.
• [12:00] What is the Postdoc Academy?
• [15:00] How Sarah and her team create programs that appeal to postdoc researchers.
• [18:00] Sarah's advice for postdoc researchers.
• [20:30] Why enthusiasm for your field is crucial.
• [22:20] How to connect with the Postdoc Academy.

Connect with Sarah Chobot Hokanson

• Postdocacademy[at]gmail.com
• Sch1[at]bu.edu
• Sarah on LinkedIn
• Sarah on Twitter

Resources & People Mentioned

• National Postdoctoral Association

Don't fake it, pursue what energizes you

Have you ever found yourself stuck listening to someone who is dispassionate about their work? The experience tends to be incredibly dull and ultimately a waste of time. While It's not fair to expect every researcher to come out with the most stunning and captivating presentation, a lack of passion and enthusiasm speaks volumes. What is the solution? Should you fake excitement for something that you don't care about?

Most people are ill-equipped to take a topic they care nothing about and make it sound interesting. Don't try to fake enthusiasm; your audience will see it coming from a mile away. If you find yourself in a field of study that you don't care about, make a change as soon as possible. Not only will you benefit from switching to a subject that you care about, but those on the receiving end of your research will also benefit. If you are stuck, consider reaching out to your mentor or peers and utilize the network you've built to make a change.

Why storytelling is crucial to communicating your research

Storytelling is an often neglected aspect of postdoc research. Even the phrase, "Storytelling" seems foreign in a world of facts, figures, and data. What does storytelling have to do with postdoc studies? It all comes down to effectively conveying your findings. If you can't tell a compelling story with the data you've collected, you need to look at it from a different perspective.

Your research will only have the desired effect if you present it in a way that connects with your target audience. Are you presenting your findings to your peers? If so, you can get away with a lot of lingo and jargon, but you still need to make a compelling case. Are you presenting to an audience outside your field of study? If that's the case, you've got to find a way to connect your research to something they can understand. You don't have to abandon your data and figures, you must make them relevant to your audience. This aspect of your research will come more naturally if you are engaged and invested in your subject matter.

To hear Dr. Hokanson expand on this topic and much more, make sure to catch her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

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hat would you say are the most important aspects of postdoc research? Would the learning environment or the availability of mentors rank high on your list? What about the role of passion and enthusiasm for your field of study? Dr. Sarah Chobot Hokanson joins Mark in this episode of When Science Speaks to highlight the role of enthusiasm and storytelling in postdoc research.

Have you ever felt stuck in your career? Did you ever face a moment where you wish you had some degree of insight that could help you move forward? What if there was a way to navigate your career path and ultimately locate that perfect fit where you could make a difference? Christine Cruzveraga joins Mark in this episode to talk about her work helping students and professionals find the right fit in their career.

Christine currently serves as the VP of Higher Education and Student Success at Handshake. In this capacity, she leads the effort to deepen partnerships with the higher education community to ensure greater student career success. Most recently Christine served at Wellesley College as their Associate Provost and Executive Director for Career Education.

She has held senior level positions and board roles at multiple institutions and organizations including Wellesley College, George Mason University, Georgetown University, The George Washington University, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). Christine earned her Master's degree in College Student Personnel from the University of Maryland, College Park and her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from James Madison University.

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

• [0:50] Mark introduces his guest, Christine Cruzveraga.
• [3:15] What led Christine to her role at Handshake?
• [5:45] Three types of people who can help you advance in your field.
• [8:45] How to be a good mentee.
• [10:15] Christine shares a story about how her brother found the right career path.
• [15:20] Insights that will help you get traction in your career.
• [22:30] How to stay adaptable and make yourself a valuable asset.
• [25:30] Why you need to grow in emotional intelligence.
• [27:45] Mark and Christine talk about their professional goals.
• [31:30] Closing thoughts from Mark.

Connect with Christine Cruzveraga

• Christine on LinkedIn
• Christine on Twitter
• Christine's article, "Redefining "We" in Career Education"

Three types of people you need in your corner

As you continue to navigate your career it is helpful to consider three types of people that can assist you along the way. Christine Cruzveraga developed these three categories to bring clarity to the often vague concept of a mentor/mentee relationship.

1. Mentor. A mentor is an individual who may or may not be in your profession. They are someone who will act as an honest sounding board who will give you both positive and constructive feedback. It is their goal to challenge you and help you see things from a different perspective.
2. Sponsor. A sponsor is someone who is typically more senior than you in your organization or company who can help pull you up and get you a seat at the table and open the right doors for you. Their goal is to help you grow in your career.
3. Advocate. An advocate isn't necessarily your supervisor or even someone at your organization. They should be someone who has clout and is connected to your profession in some way. Their goal is to help you build your network and grow your influence and presence in the work that you do beyond just the work in your company.

Christine encourages students and professionals to keep an eye out for leaders who fit these descriptions and work to nurture those relationships. Make sure that you approach these relationships organically, don't go for the big names, find leaders who you genuinely connect with and learn from them.

Tips to help you advance in your career

Do you remember when you were a young student, and you struggled with a concept or an equation, then one day you have that moment when everything just clicked and fell into place? Perhaps for you, it was the extra help that you received from your teacher or maybe it was a peer who took the time to explain the concept to you. What does it take to find a similar "Ah-ha" moment when it comes to navigating your career? Drawing on her years as a student and as a professional, Christine Cruzveraga wants to help as many people as possible to make the right decisions and advance in their career. In her conversation with Mark, Christine touched on five lessons she has learned along the way.

1. Repetition builds your reputation.
2. Strive to respond, not react.
3. People are your most important resource.
4. Hiring is the most critical decision you can make as a leader.
5. Authenticity is the best strategy.

Go deeper with these lessons from Christine by listening to this fascinating 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

Have you ever felt stuck in your career? Did you ever face a moment where you wish you had some degree of insight that could help you move forward? What if there was a way to navigate your career path and ultimately locate that perfect fit where you could make a difference? Christine Cruzveraga joins Mark in this episode to talk about her work helping students and professionals find the right fit in their career.

Do you ever find yourself so caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of your research that you don't know how to take advantage of professional networking opportunities? When was the last time you ventured out of your daily work routine and explored new professional development opportunities that piqued your interest? On this episode of When Science Speaks, you'll hear from Dr. Christine Ponder as she touches on the need for professional networking and evaluating your definition of success.

Dr. Ponder is the Director for Postdoctoral Affairs at the Washington Square campus of New York University (NYU). She established the program in 2011 and has since been part of two large projects in postdoc career development, the NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is funded by a Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to expand career preparation and outcomes for biomedical postdocs, and the NYC Advancing Computer Science Careers through Enhanced Networking and Training (ASCENT) program funded by the Computing Community Consortium, to do the same for Computer Science postdocs. Christine has a PhD in Genetics and Development from Columbia University and was a postdoc at Rockefeller University before joining NYU.

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

• [1:10] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Christine Ponder.
• [4:00] What does success look like for postdoc researchers?
• [7:00] Why informational interviews are so valuable.
• [9:15] Get out of your venue of research and network.
• [13:00] Dr. Ponder talks about her office's efforts focusing on communication and policy.
• [16:00] How have postdoc researchers' interests changed over the years?
• [20:00] The difference between political and partisan involvement.
• [22:40] Mark and Dr. Ponder talk about their professional goals for 2019.
• [25:45] Closing thoughts from Mark and Dr. Ponder.

Connect with Dr. Christine Ponder

• Dr. Ponder's LinkedIn page
• PostdocsNYU on Twitter

Get out of your venue of research and network

Everyone gets enveloped in their work from time to time, but you can unnecessarily stunt your career growth by missing out on professional networking opportunities. It is a good idea to put a plan in place or even mark a date on the calendar to remind yourself about the world outside of your research venue. Unfortunately, the best candidates for particular positions don't always get the traction they deserve; you've got to be willing to make the professional connections necessary to advance your career.

Dr. Ponder says that professional networking played a large role in her ability to rethink and reevaluate her goals and career trajectory. When you network, you don't always have to have career advancement in mind. You can use networking opportunities to broaden your horizons and connect with peers you usually wouldn't get the chance to associate with. What do you have to lose? Consider prioritizing professional networking as you set your goals for 2019.

Reevaluating your definition of success

As the new year progresses, many professionals are taking the time to reevaluate their definition of success. Do you have a definition of success in mind? Has it changed at all over the years or is it mostly the same? The need to reevaluate your definition of success will also arise once you reach the mark you've set. Once you've achieved your goal you don't have to stop there. It is a good idea to keep pressing forward and to challenge your abilities and your capacity.

For a long time, Dr. Ponder's definition of professional success was tied to securing a position in academia. Even though she entered her graduate degree studies with a goal of going back into the private sector, Dr. Ponder found her scope limited to academic work. Many PhD students find themselves tied to this idea that success can only mean advancing their career in an academic setting. Dr. Ponder's experience highlights the need for students and other professionals to take the time to reevaluate their definition of success periodically as they progress in their career.

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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
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Do you ever find yourself so caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of your research that you don't know how to take advantage of professional networking opportunities? When was the last time you ventured out of your daily work routine and explored new professional development opportunities that piqued your interest? On this episode of When Science Speaks, you’ll hear from Dr. Christine Ponder as she touches on the need for professional networking and evaluating your definition of success.

With the start of a new year, many Americans commit to resolutions and ambitious goals they hope to accomplish throughout the year's end.

Many organizations have ambitious goals as well, but all too often they fail to make these goals specific and connected to a deadline. UCLA's creation of so-called "Grand Challenges" is a bold departure from such fuzzy, timid-by-comparison initiatives. UCLA's Grand Challenges are inspiring endeavours to solve the most difficult societal problems by a fixed date by harnessing the University's deep, diverse resources across disciplines. Leading UCLA's Grand Challenge program is Michelle Popowitz. Michelle is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and Co-Founder of UCLA Grand Challenges. She received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Masters of Public Health at UCLA and her Doctor of Law degree from Loyola Law School. Under Michelle's leadership, UCLA was the first university to commit to solving a specific societal grand challenge.

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

• [1:10] Mark introduces his guest, Michelle Popowitz.
• [2:50] What led Michelle to her work at UCLA?
• [8:30] How Michelle ended up working on Grand Challenges.
• [19:20] Why it's important to know your audience and tailor your approach.
• [25:20] Helping the public understand the resources that universities offer.
• [28:50] How Michelle and her team have disseminated their approach to other universities.
• [31:00] From general incentives to specific goals.
• [38:00] Mark and Michelle talk about their professional goals for 2019.
• [42:15] How the Grand Challenge is like a startup.
• [44:15] Closing thoughts from Michelle.

Connect with Michelle Popowitz

• Michelle's LinkedIn profile
• UCLA Grand Challenges

Resources & People Mentioned

• Report on University-Led Grand Challenges
• Indiana University Grand Challenges
• UT-Austin Grand Challenges
• University of Alabama at Birmingham Grand Challenges
• University of New Mexico Grand Challenges
• Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think

Grand Challenges are Moonshot Goals

Have you heard the term "Grand Challenges" before? Grand Challenges are also known as "moonshots" derived from President Kennedy's moonshot goal to put a man on the moon and return him safely to earth. These ambitious goals have the potential to draw the public's interest and fuel popular support for a positive societal change. Grand Challenges aren't just for governments and universities; businesses are getting in on the positive publicity garnered by these ambitious goals. Recently, Mircosoft announced that they are investing $500 million to build affordable housing in the Seattle area.

In her work at UCLA, Michelle Popowitz is engaged in two specific and ambitious Grand Challenges. These two Grand Challenges are the biggest, most collaborative, and potentially most transformative efforts UCLA has undertaken to date. The Sustainable LA

Grand Challenge focuses on achieving sustainability in energy and water while enhancing ecosystem health in Los Angeles County by 2050. The Depression Grand Challenge is dedicated to understanding, preventing and treating the world's greatest health problem. They plan to cut the burden of depression in half by 2050 and eliminate it by the end of the century.

Seize opportunities and explore the possibilities

Too often many professionals have this idea that opportunities will just fall in their lap. Has that been your experience? Did someone come along and roll out the red carpet for you or did you have to forge your own path? Nothing happens without a price, either you pay the price, or someone pays it for you. Don't let this discourage you in your efforts; half the battle is knowing the rules to the game. How have you forged your own path in your career?

Michelle Popowitz didn't have any plans to start the Grand Challenges initiative at UCLA when she entered her role as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research. She went from putting out fires in her position as the Assistant Dean with the UCLA School of Dentistry to enjoying a significant amount of free time in the research office. Jumping into her role at the research department, Michelle set herself on a course she never would have imagined. Determined to make an impact and elicit positive change, Michelle started with small steps that eventually snowballed into founding the Grand Challenges at UCLA.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
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UCLA’s creation of so-called “Grand Challenges” is a bold departure from such fuzzy, timid-by-comparison initiatives. UCLA’s Grand Challenges are inspiring endeavours to solve the most difficult societal problems by a fixed date by harnessing the University’s deep, diverse resources across disciplines. Leading UCLA’s Grand Challenge program is Michelle Popowitz.

Have you ever watched an interview that went beyond boilerplate questions and got to the heart of the subject? It takes skill and a well-honed appetite for curiosity to move past the superficial and begin to peel back layers of intrigue. You don't have to be an award-winning journalist to ask good questions. Embracing your curiosity and developing proper research and listening skills can help you in just about any career you choose.

Frank is an Emmy Award-winning journalist with more than thirty years of experience reporting from around the world. Well known as an anchor, Bureau Chief of CNN's Washington, DC office White House Correspondent and talk show host on CNN, Frank is also a nationally renowned moderator who has engaged some of the world's leading personalities and appears regularly on U.S. and international media. Frank currently serves as Director of The George Washington University's School of Media and Public Affairs, where he leads nearly two dozen world-class faculty and teaches classes on The Art of the Interview, journalism ethics, documentary and sustainability reporting. Frank also created PlanetForward.org, a user-driven web and television project that brings students and experts together to examine sustainable innovations that "move the planet forward."

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

• [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Frank Sesno.
• [3:20] What are the best qualities of an interviewer?
• [6:40] Are the stakes higher for journalists asking tough questions today?
• [11:45] Why preparation is so important for journalists and interviewers.
• [16:20] Assets that scientists have when it comes to asking questions & public policy.
• [19:00] How should scientists adjust their language when working with policymakers?
• [21:30] Frank talks about the power of storytelling.
• [24:45] To master the art of storytelling, you've got to look at the classics.

Connect with Frank Sesno

• Ask More: The Power of Questions to Open Doors, Uncover Solutions, & Spark Change
• Frank's website
• Planet Forward

The power of questions

Have you ever watched an interview that went beyond boilerplate questions and got to the heart of the subject? It takes skill and a well-honed appetite for curiosity to move past the superficial and begin to peel back layers of intrigue. You don't have to be an award-winning journalist to ask good questions. Embracing your curiosity and developing proper research and listening skills can help you in just about any career you choose. Consider in-depth research, asking questions, and listening as assets that you can use to engage with your peers and broaden your abilities. Don't assume that these are common traits that everyone has; you can stand out and make an impact by training yourself to become a good listener and questioner. If you'd like to go deeper with this important topic, make sure to check out Frank Sesno's book, "Ask More."

Don't just give data, tell a story

We've all been there, you attend a lecture, and you care about the subject matter, but the presentation is dreadfully dull, what do you do? Some people will power through the bland presentation; others will pull out their smartphone for a quick escape. What if there was a way to make data, statics, and research findings relevant? According to Frank Sesno, the solution is to train scientists and researchers to become better storytellers. The last thing you think of when a scientist or research comes to mind is a good storyteller. The good news is, these highly trained professionals are not destined to languish in the realm of jargon and insider lingo. Thankfully, innovative leaders like Frank Sesno are hard at work creating new avenues for scientists and researchers to get their message to a broader audience. In 2009 Frank formed Planet Forward to empower new voices and lead a global conversation on the planet's future. Engaging a diverse audience of college students from across the country, Planet Forward uses storytelling, media, and educational events to tell the stories of invention and innovation that can move the planet forward. Make sure to catch Mark's full conversation with Frank on this exciting 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
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• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17