938: How to Break Into Biology Research and Systems Biology With Galit Lahav, Harvard Medical School [Espresso Shots]

Galit Lahav is the Chair of the Department of Systems Biology and a professor of systems biology at Harvard Medical School. She is known for identifying a range of behaviors in the tumor suppressor protein p53 and uncovering its significance for killing individual cancer cells. She has been recognized globally for her excellence in teaching and research, receiving awards such as the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science and an Excellence in Mentoring Award. Dr. Lahav received her Ph.D. in 2001 from Technion, Israel’s Institute of Technology. She is working to make Harvard a destination of choice for women in science.  WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: What molecular and systems biology are (2:58) What entry level jobs are available in biology research (4:57) Why Galit looks for curiosity and determination in her research assistants (5:44) How your college major can impact your career in biology (8:48) What jobs in biology may require a graduate degree (9:53) What life experiences are most helpful for a career in biology research (12:23) What is the best career advice Galit has ever received (16:13) Why the show The Big Bang Theory wasn’t accurate (18:59) What Java Junkies would be surprised to learn about being a researcher (20:28) If you want to learn more about what Galit does as a systems biologist check out T4C episode #716.