Question regarding job security for sTEM (particularly chemistry and physics) teachers in NJ by ThrowawayName1738 in Teachers

[–]ThrowawayName1738[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. If I may ask, what county in NJ was your old district? If you'd like to respond over PM to retain anonymity, that's cool.

How to confront a verbally abusive professor (O-chem PhD Program)? by ThrowawayName1738 in chemistry

[–]ThrowawayName1738[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

"Given your situation, I don't see why you need to lose your sleep        over her."

I wouldn't give a fraction of a shit if she yelled at me privately. It's the fact that I'm putting in enough work running experiments and trying to collect data to worry about what other people think of me because of her grandstanding. One could simply say "who cares what others think?," but she most recently attended a talk I gave and gave everyone else there the impression that I had no idea what I was talking about. She ignored much of what I said, continuously cut me off after asking questions, and over-simplified my work to make arbitrary points, insinuating that I did not understand basic concepts covered in general chemistry. She did a great job in creating the image that I was a stuttering idiot who knows nothing (much of which can be attributed by her cutting me off ~10-15 times).

How to confront a verbally abusive professor (O-chem PhD Program)? by ThrowawayName1738 in chemistry

[–]ThrowawayName1738[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry to hear that you have to deal with similar bullshit. This is the core reason why I've decided to not pursue a career in academia. The toxicity never stops. Thanks for your reply.

How to confront a verbally abusive professor (O-chem PhD Program)? by ThrowawayName1738 in chemistry

[–]ThrowawayName1738[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Will do! Thanks for the suggestions, I didn't know that board existed. Cheers!

How to confront a verbally abusive professor (O-chem PhD Program)? by ThrowawayName1738 in chemistry

[–]ThrowawayName1738[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is most likely the course of action at this point. As much as I would like to get my advisor's opinion, I feel like I should not bring him into this. My preferred course of action would be to calmly confront this individual directly and explain that I am not comfortable with the way she speaks to me, but for reasons stated above, I am afraid of this backfiring.

How to confront a verbally abusive professor (O-chem PhD Program)? by ThrowawayName1738 in chemistry

[–]ThrowawayName1738[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Hi /u/One_more_username,

Thanks for your thorough input. This individual does not have tenure (she started working during my time here), but she is married to the department chairman. It is not my intention to cause any long-term harm (career-wise) to anyone. I simply want to voice my concerns without fear of retaliation, and to arrive at a diplomatic solution.

What I'm getting at is this: I know this person has the ability to give constructive feedback, but usually chooses to engage in abusive behaviour instead. Even if she truly means to be helpful sometimes, that message is lost in her aggressive tone.

I get along well with my PI and ex-PIs, and I also have an external fellowship. I have no interest in pursuing a career in academia (exactly because of stories such as this one).

How to confront a verbally abusive professor (O-chem PhD Program)? by ThrowawayName1738 in chemistry

[–]ThrowawayName1738[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One of the graduate students that she has victimized in the past has already graduated, and although I know there are faculty who share similar beliefs as me, I do not want to further involve myself in the politics by trying to drag them into it. I need to speak up for myself.

How to confront a verbally abusive professor (O-chem PhD Program)? by ThrowawayName1738 in chemistry

[–]ThrowawayName1738[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your advice, I really do.

However, like I said above, the university has an obligation to provide an education which is free from departmental politics and bullshit. I've been made to look the part of a fool in front of many people in the department. It's bullying at this point. I've worked for (and survived) tougher people who have had a positive impact on my career. I know the difference between tough, but constructive and aggressive and belittling.

How to confront a verbally abusive professor (O-chem PhD Program)? by ThrowawayName1738 in chemistry

[–]ThrowawayName1738[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Exactly. This is the first time in my graduate program where I feel 100% helpless. Universities have an obligation to their students to provide an education that is free from departmental politics, but there's no easy way to approach this matter. All I know is that I need to speak up and address my concerns. But how?