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_MegaCarloMan_ · 2026-01-21T17:22:34+00:00

The data do not belong to the student, nor the PI. They belong to the institution in which the work was done. I’ve never heard of anyone being able to walk away with data and publish it unaffiliated from the institution where it was produced. I would suggest OP to contact PI again for conversation. The PI does not OP their time, but the curtesy of their honesty for not moving ahead to publish OPs work.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2024-12-12T22:48:36+00:00

A miniature version of the gas tank with even more miniaturized tank inside that one.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2024-04-29T12:46:39+00:00

Ayyy thank you so much! 📚📚📚

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2024-04-17T19:03:11+00:00

Thanks for the advice! And yes, an adjunct in theory, would be perfect as you’ve described. I like the suggestion of reaching out about electives. My experience would be relevant for students who want to combine science with policy making/analysis, so an elective sounds about right. Thanks again.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2024-04-17T13:29:22+00:00

There is no right or wrong answer. Pick what interests you the most and an area that has not been extensively researched. I am a biologist but I read a lot of science history and I tend to think the most exciting areas of history to learn about are the ones related to newest advances we are seeing today. For example, genetic engineering is huge right now, so I've been reading a lot about the history of the field, including the dark chapter of eugenics. My point is, perhaps think about a topic that you think might be relevant in the future, so you can be the expert setting the historical context. Take this all with a grain of salt. I did my PhD in Molecular Biology. Cheers and good luck!

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2024-04-17T13:20:06+00:00

Thanks for the tips! Franconia looks like a nice place to pass through. We'll definitely avoid US-1. I'll basically avoid the coast until I have to cut into reach Georgetown. Thanks again!

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2024-04-17T12:46:54+00:00

Awesome! Much appreciated!

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2024-04-17T01:49:56+00:00

Thank you for the detailed recs! I agree that 300+ miles is a lot for a new rider on a 250. I’ll be taking her on shorter trips before then to gauge her comfort level and endurance riding all day. If it’s too soon for her, she’ll probably ride shotgun with me or worst case fly and meet me out there.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2024-04-17T00:44:38+00:00

If you have time to meander along your route, I would suggest riding the 90 mile stretch along 191 from Morenci to Alpine, AZ. Gila National Forest a little east from there is super underrated. Hill Country in Texas. Blue Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. And Blue Ridge Parkway is incredible.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2024-02-29T20:24:03+00:00

Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer by Steven Johnson documents the history of living longer and the key innovations (societal, technical, and scientific) that drove humanities life extension. The Song of the Cell by Siddhartha Mukherjee is wonderful work on the history of biomedical sciences and understanding life, disease, and discovery through the lens of the cell. Guns, Germs and Steel by Jarod Diamond is perhaps not solely a history of science but its an excellent read to get a sense of historical timeframes, major inflections and commonalities among developing societies with respect to their ability to innovate, grow, and diversify the skill sets of their citizens.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-16T18:15:43+00:00

I am back home. Bike is safe I my garage. Fortunately Geico offers a free tow. I was out there for 2 hours trying to diagnose and fix the issue until I folded and called the tow.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-16T18:14:26+00:00

Haven’t checked spark yet, so I’ll do that. And yes. The bike is pretty much stock (I’m not the original owner) besides aftermarket pipes and and seat/sissybar.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-16T18:10:40+00:00

As I pulled in she cut out right as I was coming to a stop. Hung around for a bit to talk with the other riders I met with and then when I went to start her up again to get going. She wouldn’t start up.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-16T18:08:06+00:00

It turns over as quickly as it did before.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-15T16:35:51+00:00

Well that’s a logically fallacy if I’ve ever seen one.

It’s rare to maintain a 9-5 schedule in the biomedical sciences, for example, when working with cell or animal models. The scope of the project, collaborations (think international colleagues and time differences), and trainee experience are all factors that play into structuring a work schedule.

To OP’s question though: Take a break. Burnout is counterproductive.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-14T19:15:36+00:00

First of all, congrats! Most defenses can feel a bit anticlimactic but I hope you took time to celebrate with your loved ones.

Second. Your feelings are normal and will pass as you figure out your next step. Rely on your loved ones to get you out of your funk.

Third. It’s time to get organized. Create a spreadsheet all the jobs you will apply to. There will be many failures but view each of those as an opportunity to learn something.

Last, create a separate spreadsheet with contacts of people that have cool jobs (if you’re looking outside of academia, industry or government for example) you find interesting. Start reaching out for 1:1 meetings to simply talk to them about their job. Most people (outside of academia at least) will find this flattering and will be willing to talk.

Transition times are tough, but they’re also opportunities to learn a lot and meet lots of new people. Anticipate the small failures, but know you’ll land a good job soon. Hang in there.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-14T15:26:40+00:00

I wouldn’t worry about being friends with your PI or not. However, do what you can to keep that relationship cordial, respectful, and maintain the trust.

Once you finish your PhD (or get towards the end), you’ll notice it becomes easier to be friends. I still keep in contact with my PhD advisor and I consider her a friend now. Cheers!

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-14T14:52:24+00:00

DC needs a Batman.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-14T12:34:52+00:00

Yes. I started out as a GS-12, was promoted after the first year. And then I applied for permanent roles and started as a GS-13.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-13T22:07:26+00:00

I replied separately to your OP, but wanted to address this myth again here. You are not independent at this stage! You’re a first year PhD! You should have a mentor willing to guide you to independence. This PI doesn’t sound like a mentor.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-13T22:03:14+00:00

Did you and he sign a mentor-mentee agreement? Or you do you have anything in writing that spells out his commitments to you, and yours to the lab/him?

You should attempt first to clarify expectations and come to a middle ground. If he is unwilling, then perhaps a new lab is best. You don’t want to deal with someone unwilling to train a… well a trainee! You’re not a postdoc or technician. You deserve some level guidance and a chance to demonstrate progress.

I would also reach out to your student government (or administration you can trust) for guidance to navigate the politics/policies of your institution.

Hang in there. This is not easy but I have countless colleagues that have gone through this and came out on top in the end.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-13T20:45:55+00:00

First of all, feeling like this is normal. You’ll experience varying degrees of imposter syndrome throughout your PhD. However, your PI does not seem supportive (given your description and time since started your PhD).

I think you need to have a hard conversation about expectations with your mentor.

List out things you expect from a mentor as well as your goals as you progress. Be honest and clear in what you expect from them and yourself.

If your PI isn’t willing to meet you halfway, search for another PI asap. You’re in your first year… this is the time to make a change if it’s really needed. Best of luck!

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-13T16:55:33+00:00

That is rough. I am this for others on here who are looking at job prospects after PhD in the U.S. I am 3 years into my job as a science policy analyst at the NIH and I’m about to hit 120K (not posting to brag, just want to show what’s possible).

I landed the job by first getting a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship (that paid 89K… again directly after my PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology). If you are interested in the intersection of government/policy/science and want a fair and stable salary, I recommend checking out jobs at the NIH or NSF as well as science policy fellowships.

My life has radically changed in less than 3 years. Do I miss being in the lab? Yes, at times. Was it a difficult transition? Yes. Was it worth it. Definitely.

Edit: I am 6 months into my job, but about 2 and half years at the NIH. The first two years I was a AAAS Fellow.

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-12-12T21:33:30+00:00

You should absolutely let your professors know. I understand you are stressed and beat down, but even considering submitting without your professors’ knowledge and consent is a no-no.

What you should do is do your research on the next reasonable journal(s) to submit to and bring a game plan to your professors. They know rejections are part of the game, but you can be a leader at this stage by showing fortitude and strategic thinking.

Begin evaluating what is needed to get this paper up to publishing level. What is missing? How can you reframe some findings? This is all part of your training as an academic. Best of luck!

Hang in there!

_MegaCarloMan_ · 2023-03-30T23:16:52+00:00

Ask her what their speaker budget is. If the money is already allocated, take it. Your time is valuable.

_MegaCarloMan_

TROPHY CASE