Beyond Apprenticeship: Navigating the Stages of Academia: The Path to Academia
Sponsored by: TMS: Education Committee
Program Organizers: Alexis Lewis, National Science Foundation; Suveen Mathaudhu, Colorado School of Mines; Michael Groeber, Ohio State University
Monday 8:30 AM
March 20, 2023
Room: 23A
Location: SDCC
Session Chair: Michael Groeber, The Ohio State University; Alexis Lewis, National Science Foundation
8:30 AM Invited
Comparing Leadership Perspectives at a National Laboratory and a University: Transition to Academia: Dan Thoma1; 1University of Wisconsin-Madison
The goal of this presentation is to offer a personal viewpoint on the differing roles and responsibilities, from a leadership vantage point, of scientists and faculty at a National Laboratory and University, respectively. Specifically, the expectations for success at both organizations will be compared and contrasted based upon performance criteria and reward systems. While both types of organizations recognize excellence, particularly on innovative and impactful research, the differing customer and value systems do not translate seamlessly between the organizations. Recommendations for navigating both environments, both pro and con opinions, will be presented. Examples of successfully implemented programs that increase success rates of early career faculty will be shared. Moreover, ideas on how transitioning connections and networking can be leveraged for opportunities will be discussed.
9:00 AM Invited
A Field Guide for Becoming an Assistant Professor: Victoria Miller1; 1University of Florida
The first major hurdle in an academic career is often simply getting the job. It is common for a single job opening to get hundreds of applications---how do you ensure that your packet gets a thorough look? How do you stand out in the interview process? This talk demystifies the job search process, covering all the stages from deciding when to start applying all the way to negotiating a startup offer. It will combine anecdotes, conventional wisdom, and some not-so-conventional wisdom into a practical field guide for the academic job market.
9:30 AM Invited
The Early Days of Faculty Life: Balancing the Tripod: Danielle Cote1; 1Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Research, teaching, and service comprise the academic “tripod.” Sounds simple enough, executing these activities, coupled with everyday life quickly turns into a complicated balancing act. We’ll give tips and tricks learned from first-hand experience navigating these early days of faculty life, including the difficult “learning to say no,” prioritization, and network building.
10:00 AM Break
10:20 AM Invited
Leveraging the Entanglement of Big Business, Entrepreneurship and Research to Build a Career in Academia: Nathan Ames1; 1Ohio State University
Nathan Ames is the Executive Director for OSU’s Center for Design and Manufacturing (CDME). In his professional career, he started multiple companies, has been on three boards, was president of non-profit, worked for Swagelok Co., Edison Welding Institute, and presently The Ohio State University. All of which, fits together nicely, but none of which was part of a master plan. Ames’ journey is riddled with decisions that caused his career to make 90 degree turns. During his talk, he will recount his career – highlighting how each change in trajectory helped prepare him for his role at OSU.
10:50 AM Invited
Navigating Academia from Industry and a National Laboratory: Bradley Jared1; 1University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Arrival in a tenure track faculty position is frequently secured after graduate research and/or a post-doctoral appointment. My journey, however, is less conventional and spans positions within an industrial research center, a manufacturing development organization, and a DOE national laboratory. My experience provided numerous benefits including real-world problem solving, applied research with tangible impact, honing of project management skills, broad technical exposure, business development preparation, and a diverse network. Challenges in the “road less travelled”, however, include minor bumps, ex. neglected math skills, important adjustments, ex. performing research with an inexperienced workforce, and major changes, ex. “starting over” in securing technical and financial resources for research. The impact of this path will be discussed, highlighting the advantages of academic freedom and the transitions necessary in research, teaching and service. Finally, valuable successes and missteps will be shared in anticipation of their utility to provide guidance and encouragement for others.