One of my goals this year has been to be more steadfast about self-advocacy. It feels as though we are taught (especially as women) to not speak up for ourselves and to always go out of our way for others. Do you have any tips for how to realize that you need to self-advocate, as…Continue readingBeing outspoken about your accomplishments isn’t selfish; it’s smart
Tag: Jen Heemstra
If you’ve ever learned a language, says Jen Heemstra of Emory University, there are two levels of understanding. First you learn to read text and comprehend it. Then you begin speaking the language and interacting with others. In Heemstra’s lab, she says her team members are even more ambitious: the group is teaching molecules to…Continue readingDesigner biopolymer speaks nucleic acid and protein languages
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Being bullied? Here’s what to do
I’m being bullied by another student, who is my mentor. When I brought this up to my principal investigator (PI), they removed this student as my mentor and addressed the situation by telling the student to stop. However, the bullying has continued. I am afraid to complain about this again to the PI because of…Continue readingBeing bullied? Here’s what to do
I’m standing alone in an empty lab. No reaction mixtures stirring in the hoods. No pipettors lined up on the benches. No glassware on the drying racks. The movers have just finished packing up the last of our things as we complete the final stage of our move to Emory University, and I want to…Continue readingJen Heemstra on the importance of relationships in science
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When is it time to leave a PhD program?
In her C&EN column, “Office Hours”, Emory Department of Chemistry professor Jen Heemstra argues that getting a master’s degree is a decision, not a downgrade.
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In her C&EN column, “Office Hours”, Emory Department of Chemistry professor Jen Heemstra discusses three things faculty can do to help their students struggling with mental health issues.
Continue readingHow to create a supportive mental health environment in your lab
In her C&EN column, “Office Hours”, Emory Department of Chemistry professor Jen Heemstra discusses how mental wellness for grad students and postdocs begins with faculty.
Continue readingFor grad students and postdocs, mental health begins with faculty
In many instances, scientific insights come not just from flipping through our rolodex of knowledge from past successes, but also from the equally common—though sometimes less documented— failures. We become much more effective and efficient researchers if we use our own experiences, good and bad, to guide us to the answers. “We get really excited…Continue readingJen Heemstra explores the chemistry of nature and the nature of failure