The Next Step: Career and Grad School Advice from Our Alumni

What can you do with a PhD beyond academia?Derek Crowe, PhD, a graduate of our biomedical genetics program, shares how he transitioned into data science and now helps cities use data to make better policy decisions at the Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence.He discusses how skills developed during graduate training, like problem-solving, data analysis, and scientific thinking, translate to new fields, and why finding the right team and environment mattered more than the job title itself.Derek also speaks candidly about navigating challenges during grad school and offers perspective for trainees figuring out their own next steps.Biomedical Genetics PhD program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/phd/biomedical-genetics-and-genomicsDerek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekbcrowe/

In this episode of The Next Step Podcast, we sit down with Bo Hoon Lee, MD, child neurologist and associate director for the Child Neurology Residency program at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, to talk about what it really means to design a career that fits.Bo shares how she built a role that blends clinical care, clinical trials research, and teaching without forcing herself into a traditional 80/20 academic model. She reflects on the mentors who shaped her path, the importance of learning when to say no, and how writing down where her time was actually going helped her realign her work with her values.We also discuss how to intentionally insert yourself into opportunities, how to build strong mentor–mentee relationships, and why defining your own version of success is critical in academic medicine.If you have broad interests, are questioning how to narrow your focus, or are trying to imagine what a sustainable, fulfilling career in medicine can look like. Bo's story is a reminder that you don’t have to choose just one lane. You can shape medicine to fit you.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bo's Journey02:24 The Influence of Mentorship in Medicine05:08 Choosing Rochester: A Personal Journey07:41 Balancing Clinical Care, Research, and Teaching10:30 The Importance of Time Management and Prioritization12:59 Navigating Career Paths in Medicine15:33 The Role of Clinical Trials in Pediatric Neurology18:07 Building Strong Mentor-Mentee Relationships20:41 Teaching and Mentoring the Next Generation23:05 Defining Success in a Medical Career25:25 Advice for Aspiring Medical ProfessionalsMore about Dr. Lee: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/112360810-bo-hoon-leeChild Neurology Residency Program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate-medical-education/prospective-residents/child-neurology

In this episode of The Next Step, we sit down with Makaia Papasergi-Scott, PhD, assistant professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics, as well as Pharmacology and Physiology, to talk about what happens when a carefully imagined career path doesn’t unfold the way you expect.Makaia shares her journey through graduate school, postdoctoral training, and into a research career shaped by obstacles, difficult decisions, and moments of uncertainty. Along the way, she reflects on the personal and professional challenges she faced, the mentors and community members who helped guide her, and how she learned to stay open to new directions—including teaching, emerging research technologies, and leadership opportunities.This conversation is especially relevant for prospective and current trainees who may be questioning their next steps, rethinking long-term goals, or wondering whether it’s okay to change course. Makaia’s story is a reminder that career paths in science and academic medicine are often nonlinear—and that growth can come from the unexpected turns.Topics covered include:00:00 Introduction and Makaia’s Career Background02:23 Early Inspirations and Initial Career Goals07:44 Navigating Challenges in Graduate School11:44 Major Decisions and Personal Struggles17:44 Finding Support Through Community and Mentorship20:00 Exploring Teaching as a Career Path23:24 Postdoctoral Training and Research Focus26:09 Looking Back on Unexpected Career Turns29:50 Rediscovering Passion in Scientific Research33:10 How Cryo-EM Is Changing Modern Science40:08 What It Takes to Build a Cryo-EM Center43:10 The Growing Pains of Running a Research Lab46:00 Advice for Trainees Facing Career TransitionsMore about Makaia: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/112365117-makaia-papasergiPapasergi-Scott Lab: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/papasergi-scott

Colleen Fogarty, MD, MSc, chair of Family Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center, joins us for a conversation that blends creativity, reflection, and the realities of rural healthcare.Colleen talks about how 55-word stories can help trainees and clinicians pause, reflect, and make sense of the moments that define their work. These short narratives become powerful tools for learning, writing, and self-understanding.We also discuss her recent research on rural physician shortages, including why the decline is accelerating, what her team uncovered in the national data, and how new rural training pathways at URMC aim to strengthen the primary care workforce.The episode ends with Colleen reading one of her published 55-word stories—Blue Velvet—a powerful example of how concise writing can illuminate the human side of medicine.Colleen completed residency here at URMC in 1996.Links mentioned in this episode:A piece of my mind. The stories: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.283.15.1934Fifty-five Word Stories: “Small Jewels” for Personal Reflection and Teaching: https://howlround.com/sites/default/files/55%20word%20stories%20reference%20by%20Fogarty%20CT.pdfFamily Physician Workforce Trends: The Toll on Rural Communities, Colleen T. Fogarty, Hoon Byun and Alison N. Huffstetler: https://www.annfammed.org/content/23/6/535Physician Shortage in Rural Areas of the U.S. Worsened Since 2017: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/physician-shortage-in-rural-areas-of-the-u-s-worsened-since-2017More about Colleen: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/112358775-colleen-t-fogartyColleen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-fogarty-057570111/

In this conversation, immunologist and science communicator Aimee Pugh Bernard '01M (PhD) reflects on her path from academic research to public engagement.She discusses the evolving role of scientists as communicators, the barriers that keep research from reaching the public, and the power of collaboration and digital platforms to close that gap.Dr. Bernard shares practical guidance for trainees on developing communication skills and embedding outreach within their scientific careers.Links Aimee mentioned:Science Bites: https://sciencebites.org/Science Homecoming: https://sciencehomecoming.com/Unbiased Science: https://www.unbiasedscience.com/

In the latest episode of The Next Step, Alejandro Vera '23M (MS) shares his journey from the Bay Area to Rochester, where he discovered his passion for health humanities and bioethics.We talk about why this field is so important for connecting science, medicine, and the human experience, and how the program shaped his graduate education path.Alejandro also shares how taking a year after graduation to pause and write his story gave him clarity heading into his PhD at The University of Texas Medical Branch, and why meeting people and building connections has been one of the most valuable lessons along the way.Health Humanities and Bioethics master's program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/masters-degrees/health-humanities-and-bioethics

Dr. David Korones has spent decades caring for children with brain tumors as a pediatric oncologist and palliative care physician at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Along the way, he’s also built a remarkable body of writing, sharing the deeply human side of medicine with the public.In this episode, Dr. Korones reflects on what compels him to write, the vulnerability that comes with putting your work into the world, and why it’s important for physicians and researchers to share their perspectives.We also talk about how becoming a parent changed the way he approaches pediatric care, what it’s like to navigate emotional conversations with families, and his thoughts on speaking up, even when it’s challenging.Whether you’re a graduate trainee, medical student, or simply someone interested in the intersection of medicine and storytelling, this conversation will leave you inspired to find your voice.

In this episode, we explore the journey of Qiuyi Wu '24M (PhD), a postdoctoral research fellow in Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at Duke University.We discuss her educational path from Suzhou, China to Rochester and beyond, her research experience here at UofR under the direction of Xing Qiu, as well as the importance of internships in shaping her career.She reflects on the challenges she faced as an international student, the significance of science communication, and the value of building a personal brand.More on our Statistics PhD program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/phd/statistics

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD candidate Madeline Jensen joins us on The Next Step to share her path from graduate school to a new postdoc position at UT Southwestern.In this episode, Maddie reflects on the origins of her love of science, the increasing importance of RNA research, and what the postdoctoral search process really entails. She discusses the critical role of mentorship, why PhD trainees should feel confident heading into interviews, and offers top advice for those considering their own next step.Wagner lab: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/wagner Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/phd/biochemistry

In this special episode for Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore the emotional toll of high-pressure careers in science and medicine, and why acknowledging our limits is essential to thriving.Amber Rivera, Director of Learner Life and Wellness here at SMD, shares how she supports graduate students and postdocs through moments of stress, uncertainty, and overwhelm. Karen Leitner, MD alum and now a leadership and wellness coach for women physicians, reflects on her personal experience with burnout and how she redefined success after stepping away from clinical practice.Together, they discuss a culture of perfectionism, the importance of self-compassion, and the mindset shifts that can help us show up fully for our careers and for ourselves.00:00 Journey from Medicine to Coaching05:26 Understanding Burnout in Healthcare08:32 Cultural Pressures and Resilience11:20 The Importance of Self-Compassion14:33 Post-COVID Mental Health Challenges17:31 Women in Medicine: Unique Challenges20:09 Redefining Success in Medicine23:31 The Role of Mental Health Awareness26:12 Creating a Supportive Environment29:29 Embracing Change and New PathsResources:Certification classes coming soon to SMD Trainees, Faculty, and Staff—Mental Health First Aid: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/ou...Support for SMD Trainees experiencing stress or symptoms of burnout: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/educat...Self-Compassion Exercises to Try: https://www.rochester.edu/mindful/sel...Karen's website: https://www.karenleitnermd.com/

Jessie Hogestyn is 2020 graduate of our Neuroscience Graduate Program, now a senior scientist at Sanofi. She shares how she balanced the demands of neuroscience research with career exploration during grad school, as well as how staying open and adaptable led her to a spot at Sanofi where she's spent the first five years of her career.From networking and internships to navigating the transition from academia to biotech, Jessie offers practical advice for anyone thinking about their next step.00:00 The Journey Begins: A Rochesterian's Academic Path03:00 Graduate School Experience: Finding the Right Fit05:58 Research and Development: Thesis Work Insights08:58 Career Transition: From Graduate School to Industry12:05 Navigating Challenges: The Impact of COVID-1914:57 Building a Network: The Importance of Communication18:02 Extracurriculars and Mental Health: Dance as an Escape21:00 Leadership and Growth: Lessons from the Lab24:00 Advice for Future Scientists: Embrace Flexibility27:03 Final Thoughts: Enjoying the Journey

Grad school is a marathon, so how do you stay energized and perform at your best?In this episode of The Next Step Podcast, we dive into strategies for staying healthy in academia—from quick, nutritious meals to realistic ways to stay active with a packed schedule.What you’ll learn:🔵 How diet and exercise impact focus and resilience🔵 Easy meal hacks for busy lab schedules🔵 Ways to prevent burnout and maintain balanceSpeakers:Darren Lipomi, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of RochesterAmber Rivera, MSW, Director of Learner Life and Wellness, University of Rochester School of Medicine and DentistryHolly Gilligan, MA RD CDN, Registered Dietician Nutritionist, URMC Fitness ScienceLinks mentioned during the show:Mayo Clinic Calorie Calculatorhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-li...Balanced Microwavable Mealshttps://rochester.box.com/s/xktjhqd8s...Meal Planning Gridhttps://rochester.box.com/s/m0qgofvv1...

We're thrilled to have Tom O'Connor, PhD, SMD Genetics/Pharmacology and Physiology alum, join us for the latest episode of The Next Step podcast.Tom shares insights on transitioning from graduate school to being a scientist at  @rpcicreative . He also discusses his shift from muscle biology to cancer research, and how a passion for scientific writing shaped his career.Get insights on public speaking, networking, and the importance of taking time to reflect before diving into your next career phase.Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-o-connor-phd-2675a7a8/Roswell postdoc openings: https://www.roswellpark.org/careers/post-docRoswell research openings: https://roswellpark.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ExternalCareers/jobs?jobFamilyGroup=1c580bbf58c401a3140852183f0fc54dThis podcast is brought to you by myHub. If you're interested in writing services, mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development: https://myhub.urmc.edu/.#phdlife #gradstudentlife #sciencecareers #phd

The intersection of stroke rehabilitation & neuroscience research is transforming our understanding of the brain and recovery after a stroke. Catherine Lang, PT, PhD, Barbara J Norton Professor of Physical Therapy, Professor of Neurology and Occupational Therapy, and Associate Director of the Movement Science Program at the University of Washington in St. Louis, shares expert insights into stroke therapy, the challenges of regaining motor function, and how personal and environmental factors impact rehabilitation outcomes. Dr. Lang is a WashU Medicine graduate who completed her postdoctoral studies in a neuroscience lab here at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She shares how the education and mentorship she received played a role in the mentor she is today. She also gives insight into how growing up in rural Vermont influenced her interest in movement. This interview first appeared as an episode of the Neuroscience Perspectives podcast produced by the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience. Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg_Qb1nlEgfPFpRMEdrm1IeFUPx9S5xt1 Catherine Lang, PT, PhD: https://pt.wustl.edu/people/catherine-lang-pt-phd-fapta/ Lang Research Profile: https://profiles.wustl.edu/en/persons/catherine-lang

Savannah Moritzky, PhD is a 2022 graduate of our Translational Biomedical Science program, now working as a scientist at HDT Bio in Seattle. She joins The Next Step to talk about getting her first job at a start-up across the country where she had no established network, what it truly means to "wear many hats" at a young company, what qualities they look for in applicants now that she's part of the decision-making process, and much more. --- myHub's vision is to ensure all learners have a positive and productive educational experience and an impactful, fulfilling, and prosperous career. For more on professional development, writing, wellness, and mentorship services for graduate trainees, visit https://myhub.urmc.edu. ---

In celebration of International Education Week in November, we hosted a special conversation with two alumni who began their journeys at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry as international students. Cindi Lewis, who now serves as executive management to the Director General at the World Health Organization, and Vivek Nanda, an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham leading groundbreaking cardiovascular research, joined us to share their stories. We explore their unique career paths, the impact of their time in Rochester, and how their international experiences shaped their success.

In the latest episode of The Next Step, we sit down with Jeff Wyatt, the University of Rochester's Veterinarian and Professor of Comparative Medicine, to discuss his career journey and the fascinating intersections between human, animal, and ecosystem health. Jeff talks about what led to his decision to pursue a master's in Public Health and ultimately bridge gaps between veterinary and human medicine, taking him all over the world to do so. As the first veterinarian to complete the Public Health program here at the University, Jeff’s story is one of pioneering leadership and dedication, especially in championing environmental health and community well-being around the Great Lakes. This conversation is packed with career advice for those considering paths that challenge the traditional boundaries of medicine.

Our latest career discussion features Tara Vrooman Murante, who received her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology in July 2024. Tara is fresh into her new role as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Westfield State University in Massachusetts. We talk about how her intentions of going to medical school shifted to focus on a teaching career, how she developed relevant teaching experience to make her a top candidate, and how swing dancing played a role in her going to grad school. This interview was recorded live on LinkedIn on October 1, 2024.

We’re excited to share a recent episode of NeURoscience Perspectives, the podcast produced by the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience. In this special edition, you'll see a curated, powerful mash-up of the best career and grad school advice from world-renowned neuroscientists who have visited the University of Rochester. If you’re curious about how a career in science might look for you, or if you’re looking for inspiration and practical advice from leading experts, this episode is a must-listen. Special thanks to Dr. John Foxe, director of the Institute, and the entire Neuroscience Perspectives team for letting us share this one. Guests (in order of appearance): Katalin Gothard, PhD, professor of Physiology and Neuroscience at the University of Arizona Nathan A. Smith, PhD, associate dean for Equity & Inclusion for Research and Research Education and associate professor of Neuroscience at the University of Rochester School of Medicine School of Medicine and Dentistry Ed Callaway, PhD, professor and Audrey Geisel chair in the systems neurobiology laboratories at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies Kia Nobre, PhD, director of the Center for Neurocognition and Behavior at the Wu Tsai Institute at Yale University Takao Hensch, PhD, professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School at Boston Children’s Hospital and of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard’s Center for Brain Science Lucina Uddin, PhD, professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA Yoland Smith, PhD, Division Chief, Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Emory National Primate Research Center Jessica Cardin, PhD, associate professor, and vice chair of the Neuroscience Department at Yale School of Medicine Brian Boyd, PhD, William C. Friday Distinguished professor of Education and interim director of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Jeffrey Macklis, MD, Max and Anne Wien professor of Life Sciences, in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Brain Science at Harvard University Watch more from NeURoscience Perspectives: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg_Qb1nlEgfPFpRMEdrm1IeFUPx9S5xt1

Special episode alert! The myHub crew joins the podcast as we take a look back some of the top pieces of wisdom from our alumni guests so far this year, as well as let our current graduate and postdoc trainees know about all the professional development resources they have at their disposal. myHub is a professional and career development office established for SMD graduate trainees bringing together eight critical areas, including learner life/wellness, writing services, fellowships and grants, career services, internships, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, alumni mentorship, and events. More on myHub: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/myhub-professional-development.aspx

Stefan joins us for our latest episode of The Next Step to talk about his career journey, how he transitioned from a technical role to strategic business development, advice to trainees exploring a career in regulatory affairs, and more. Stefan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sburde/ Pathology PhD Program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/phd/pathology.aspx TÜV SÜD: https://www.tuvsud.com/en-us If you're interested in career planning, writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development: https://myhub.urmc.edu/.

Jamie Butler, PhD is a 2002 graduate of our Biophysics graduate program and now works as the Vice President of Marketing at Hamamatsu, a leading company of light and technology products. We talk about how he became interested in tech, what it was like starting his career in sales, taking a year off from his career for personal reasons, and ultimately how he worked his way up to his current role. If you're interested in writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development: https://myhub.urmc.edu/. Jamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-butler-5419b95/ #gradschooltips #photonics #careerjourney

We're thrilled to welcome Brenda Santiago Narvaez, PhD to our next career discussion on The Next Step! Hear about Brendaliz's journey from Puerto Rico to Rochester, why she decided to pursue teaching, how mentors had an impact on her journey, and more. Brenda is a 2012 graduate of our Microbiology and Immunology program. She also completed the PREP and Summer Scholars programs before pursuing graduate studies. She's currently an associate professor of Biology at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla. Brenda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendaliz-santiago-narvaez-ph-d-6335a596/ SMD PREP program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/prep-program.aspx Summer Scholars program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/summer-scholars.aspx

We're excited to welcome 2021 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology graduate Nazish Jeffery, PhD to the podcast! Nazish is currently a Bioeconomy Policy Manager with the Federation of American Scientists. She talks about what a career in science policy looks like and how she broke into the space. Nazish on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazish-jeffery/ Federation of American Scientists: https://fas.org/ If you're interested in writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development: https://myhub.urmc.edu/.

Kicking off season two of The Next Step is 2022 Toxicology grad Ian Krout, PhD! Ian joins us to talk life as a postdoc at Emory University School of Medicine, why he chose to pursue a postdoc, what were some of the key steps he took before identifying the right opportunity, and more. Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ikrout/ Ian on X: https://twitter.com/ADME_Ian If you're interested in writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development: https://myhub.urmc.edu/. #postdoc #gradschooltips #careerjourney #urochesterresearch

Kaisha Gonzalez, Ph.D., a 2012 graduate of our Microbiology and Immunology program, joins us to discuss the world of scientific affairs. What does a typical day look like for a senior principal scientist at DiaSorin Molecular LLC? What skills are needed to break into the field? How much communication is involved? She also encourages graduate trainees to be multidisciplinary thinkers and constantly be learning. This conversation was recorded live on LinkedIn on Oct. 24, 2023. Kaisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaigonzalez/ DiaSorin Molecular: https://us.diasorin.com/en/molecular-diagnostics If you're interested in writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development: https://myhub.urmc.edu/

David Simon, PhD joins us for this episode The Next Step podcast. He received his doctorate in 2007 from our Microbiology and Immunology program. He went on to work in infectious diseases, eventually receiving a Presidential Commendation in 2021 for his work on Operation Warp Speed, leading a team in charge of shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine all around the world. He talks to us about the importance of learning to present your work, how a PhD prepares you for much more than what you're researching, and what it's like going from government work to the startup world. David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsimonphd/ If you're interested in writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development: https://myhub.urmc.edu/

Monique Mendes, Ph.D., postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University and 2020 neuroscience program graduate joins us for the latest episode of The Next Step. She talks about her journey from Jamaica to Rochester, the rewards and challenges that come with being the first black woman to earn a Ph.D. from the Neuroscience Graduate Program here at UofR, the importance of advocating for yourself, her current work at Stanford, and more. If you're interested in writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development: https://myhub.urmc.edu/ Monique on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-s-mendesphd/ This podcast was recorded live on the SMD LinkedIn page on August 23, 2023.

Carissa Childs, PhD, JD is an '05 alum of our Toxicology program. She currently works as senior IP counsel at Amgen, a biotechnology research company. She joins us on the latest episode of The Next Step to discuss her work at Amgen, how her Toxicology Ph.D. prepared her for a career in legal, what resources she took advantage of in graduate school that made her want to pursue law, why it's so important to reach out to alumni, and more. If you're interested in writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development: https://myhub.urmc.edu/ Carissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carissa-c... Amgen: https://www.amgen.com/ This interview was recorded Live on the SMD LinkedIn page on July 21, 2023

Cassandra Houser, Ph.D., 2022 graduate of our Microbiology and Immunology program, joins us to chat the importance of informational interviews and how they helped her find the right fit, salary negotiation, what she might do differently if she could go back to grad school, and more. Cassandra brings a fresh perspective on the current job market for someone with a specialty in immunotoxicology. If you're interested in writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development. https://myhub.urmc.edu/ Cassandra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-houser/ Bausch + Lomb: https://www.bausch.com/

On this special episode of The Next Step, several members of the University of Rochester Postdoctoral Association join the podcast to discuss why each of them decided to pursue postdoc opportunities, what exactly the PDA is and how they create a better experience for postdocs at the institution. For more on our trainee groups, writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, and research ethics, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development. https://myhub.urmc.edu/ PDA website: https://ccc.rochester.edu/pda/home/

Yin-Yin Wang, a 2015 alum of our microbiology and immunology graduate program, joins us to chat about her journey from grad student to now chief of staff at Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. We also discuss some atypical lessons she learned during the job hunt, as well as some things she might do differently if she could go back to grad school. She talks about the importance of being clear about what you want when trying to network or get informational interviews. She also encourages trainees to be upfront with their PIs about where they see their future. If you're interested in writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development. https://myhub.urmc.edu/ Viridian Therapeutics: https://www.viridiantherapeutics.com/ Yin-Yin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wenzhuoyi...

Louben Dorval, Ph.D., a 2021 graduate of our Cellular Molecular and Pharmacology program, joins us to discuss how he built a LinkedIn profile that got recruiters' attention when he was looking for a job. Hear about how he used private messaging and informational interviewing to land his first job out of grad school. He's currently a preclinical scientist at Akero Therapeutics. If you're interested in writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development. https://myhub.urmc.edu/ Akero Therapeutics: https://akerotx.com/ Louben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ldorval/

Eric Schott, Ph.D., a 2017 graduate of SMD's Cell Biology of Disease program, joins the podcast to discuss his experience starting a company while finishing up grad school. He also shares some things he would do differently if he could be a grad student again, as well as some of the resources he utilized along the way to help him network and learn the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. If you're interested in writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development: https://myhub.urmc.edu/ Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-schott1/ Solarea Bio: https://solareabio.com/

E'Lissa Flores, Ph.D., a 2018 graduate of SMD's Translational Biomedical Science program, talks about her career journey to working in the non-profit sector, her transition out of graduate school, imposter syndrome, the importance of being your authentic self, and much more. If you're interested in writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development: https://myhub.urmc.edu/ Health and Environmental Sciences Institute: https://hesiglobal.org/ SMD Translational Biomedical Science program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/phd/translational-biomedical-science.aspx