In this episode, we continue our previous discussion on parental leave policy and its unintended consequences with Dr. Amir Arzani from the University of Utah. He joins us to share his experiences with us. If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Guest:Dr. Amir Arzani (guest) is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah. Hosts: Prof. Kim Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University. Prof. Pania Newell (host) is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

In this episode, we talk about the financial aspects of faculty life, emphasizing the critical role finances play in both their personal and professional lives. We discuss how managing finances effectively empowers faculty to excel academically, support their families, and ensure long-term stability and security.References:https://www.aaup.org/issues/responding-financial-crisis/understanding-institutional-financesContact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Hosts: Prof. Kim Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University. Prof. Pania Newell (host) is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

In this episode, we talk about unintended consequences of parental leave as its potential impact on workplace dynamics, gender equality, and organizational policies.References:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7904257/https://www.metafilter.com/160621/The-unintended-consequences-of-tenure-timeoutshttps://docs.iza.org/dp9904.pdfhttps://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/12/6820Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Hosts: Prof. Kim Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University. Prof. Pania Newell (host) is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

In this episode, we talk about competing clocks: tenure and biological clocks, in a professor’s academic life. References:https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ903572.pdfContact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Hosts: Prof. Kim Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University. Prof. Pania Newell (host) is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

In this episode, we talk about research plagiarism and fraud that happen around us, and ways to mitigate them. References: https://www.science.org/content/article/when-postdoc-in-my-lab-committed-fraud-i-had-to-face-my-culpabilityContact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Hosts: Prof. Kim Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University. Prof. Pania Newell (host) is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

In this episode, we talk about the recent graduate stipend hike. From analyzing the financial implications for educational institutions to examining its potential effects on attracting and retaining top talent, we navigate through the complexities surrounding increased stipends.References: https://www.princeton.edu/news/2022/01/25/princeton-will-significantly-increase-stipends-support-graduate-studentshttps://gradschool.cornell.edu/announcements/graduate-student-stipends-to-increase-by-8-for-2023-24/Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Hosts: Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

In this episode, we share some personal experiences and stories near us on being implicitly biased during our academic journey. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Hosts: Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)Sponsorship:This episode is sponsored by the School of Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: eng.rpi.edu

In this episode, we talk about the faculty senate and provide insightful discussions and perspectives on the Senate's functions, promoting a better understanding of its significance within the academic community.References:https://academic-senate.utah.edu/Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Guest:Prof. Shanti Deemyad, a professor in Physics Department at the University of Utah. She is an experimental physicist and study the matter at extreme conditions of pressure and temperature. She is studying quantum phenomena in condensed matter in systems such as superconductors, quantum solids and correlated electron systems. For more information check out: https://web.physics.utah.edu/~deemyad/Hosts:Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

In this episode, we welcome back our own podcast editor Angella Chen, a high school senior, to share the vision of her future in STEM. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Guest: Angella Chan. A high schooler at Niskayuna High School. She is also a podcast host of “Chestnut and Honey”, a podcast that focuses on teenagers’ self-improvement and self discoveries. You can listen to her shows on https://open.spotify.com/show/6hs3uAkMHUfl8a6iVCBGoaHosts: Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

In this episode, we are honored to host Professor William Anderegg, the recipient of the 2023 Waterman Award given by the National Science Foundation. Throughout the episode, he shares insights into his remarkable STEM journey that has culminated in this prestigious recognition.References:http://blavatnikawards.org/honorees/profile/wrl-anderegg/http://www.anderegglab.net/Contact list:If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Guest:Prof. William Anderegg is the Director of the Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy and an Associate Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah. He received his bachelors and Ph.D. from Stanford University and did a NOAA Climate & Global Change Postdoctoral Fellowship at Princeton University.Hosts:Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

In this episode, we reflect on the stories shared by Dr. Katalin Kariko, the 2023 winner of Nobel prize in Physiology and Medicine. We share our thoughts on her experiences and resilience through her academic career.References:https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=514nzDeT7WMhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0IxiMbJBpCshttps://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2023/press-release/https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-releases/2023/october/katalin-kariko-and-drew-weissman-win-2023-nobel-prize-in-medicinehttps://www.chronicle.com/article/penn-demoted-her-then-she-won-the-nobel-prizehttps://www.thedp.com/article/2023/10/penn-katalin-kariko-university-relationship-mistreatmentContact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Hosts:Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

In this episode, we'll explore the transformative journey of teaching abroad, where educators venture beyond borders to inspire and be inspired. Our guest is Prof. Michael Pyrcz, who just came back from this journey and has a lot to share with all of us!Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Hosts:Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Guest:Dr. Michael Pyrcz……..Learn more about him through: https://michaelpyrcz.com/Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)References:https://jotl.uco.edu/index.php/jotl/article/view/450/365

In this episode, we talk about the faculty search process starting from creating the job posting to selecting a successful candidate.Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Hosts:Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

In this episode, we discuss three crucial elements that form integral components of every faculty application and how to prepare them.References:https://www.enago.com/academy/5-tips-writing-research-statement-faculty-position/#What_is_the_Purpose_of_a_Research_Statementhttps://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/teaching-statements/https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/diversity-statements/Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Hosts: Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

In this episode, we talk about how to make a great poster and poster presentation to make an impact at conferences. References:https://youtu.be/1RwJbhkCA58Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Hosts: Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

In this episode, we talk about time management tools and skills for academics that help make your working days more efficient and more productive. Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Hosts:Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)References:Clockify.meCapacities.io

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Narendra Nanal, a fresh Ph.D. graduate, on how he landed an industrial offer soon after his defense. References:https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf21319#:~:text=Among%20the%20857%2C200%20employed%20U.S.,slightly%20smaller%20fraction%20(44%25) Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Guest:Dr. Narendra NanalHosts: Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)

Mid-career development can be daunting and challenging in an academic career. With much emphasis on junior faculty, and also senior faculty who take leadership roles, mid-career development is often overlooked. A mid-career burnout resulting in a career slump can occur to many of us. As hard as we try to avoid admitting or even talking about struggles and challenges we face as mid-career, the reality is - it is real and if you experience it - you are not alone.In this show, we interview Prof. Michelle Portman, Associate Professor of Technion Israel Institute of Technology, leading the MarCoast Ecosystems Integration Laboratory. She shares her academic journey particularly during her mid-career and provides some advice on how to face and overcome mid-career burnout. Reference list: Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Artwork is created using Canva (canva.com) References for reviewers: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/348/6240/1282/tab-pdf https://hbr.org/2019/03/facing-your-mid-career-crisisContact list: You can find more information about Prof. Michelle Portman on https://portman.net.technion.ac.ilIf you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on facebook group “This Academic Life”. Cast list:Prof. Michelle Portman (guest) is an Associate Professor at Technion Israel Institute of Technology. https://portman.net.technion.ac.il Her column “You’ll be OK” appeared in Science Working Life can be found here https://science.sciencemag.org/content/348/6240/1282/tab-pdf Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.Prof. Pania Newel (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah. Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

In this episode, we discuss the taboo topic of a professor’s salary and the importance of academic salary transparency. We also discuss how administrators can work with junior faculty and help them ease the salary negotiation process. Reference list:https://www.ccdaily.com/2021/04/a-look-at-faculty-presidents-salaries/https://www.lifeofaprofessor.com/post/are-professors-richThe Annual Report on the Economic Status of the Profession, 2018-19https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2014/07/02/327289264/episode-550-when-salaries-arent-secretMusic by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on facebook group “This Academic Life”. Cast list:Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.Prof. Pania Newel (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

In this episode, we discuss whether prestige matters in academia and how it shapes academic hierarchy. This topic is based on a paper published recently in Nature entitled “Quantifying hierarchy and dynamics in US faculty hiring and retention” authored by Daniel Larremorem et al, which presented an analysis based on a large dataset from US faculty census collected in the past 10 years. Reference list:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05222-x https://slate.com/human-interest/2015/02/university-hiring-if-you-didn-t-get-your-ph-d-at-an-elite-university-good-luck-finding-an-academic-job.html Contact list: If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at info@thisacademiclife.org. You can also find us on the webpage https://thisacademiclife.org and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.Cast list:Prof. Kim Michelle Lewis (host) is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Programs, and Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.Prof. Pania Newell (host) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).Editing team:Music by RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal (schallert.wygal@gmail.com)Edited by Angella ChenEdited by Jared DuffyArtwork is created using Canva (canva.com)