Stanford or Swarthmore...Which path is better for a career in research?
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Global Warming? Been There, Done That. It's bad.
Last week researchers announced new results showing that it was once balmy at the North Pole. Yes, 55 million years ago, it was as warm as 24 degrees Celsius in the Arctic. The cause? Greenhouse gases.
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So You Wanna Be A Researcher...?
Tyler from Kentucky asks, "I am in the middle of the grand college hunt and I was wondering if you guys could talk a bit about some of the institutions that particularly shine in the area of health research. Also, what advice do you have for someone like me who is interested in doing research and is just starting out on that career path?"
We'll tackle that question, but also wanted to open it up to listeners. So leave a comment here (at the end of the post) for Tyler with your advice.
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Song of the Week
Future Memory, by New York's Heth & Jed.
Global Warming? Been There, Done That. It's bad.
Last week researchers announced new results showing that it was once balmy at the North Pole. Yes, 55 million years ago, it was as warm as 24 degrees Celsius in the Arctic. The cause? Greenhouse gases.
Adam Felt An Earthquake!
Check out the USGS web site to see if there are earthquakes in your area.
So You Wanna Be A Researcher...?
Tyler from Kentucky asks, "I am in the middle of the grand college hunt and I was wondering if you guys could talk a bit about some of the institutions that particularly shine in the area of health research. Also, what advice do you have for someone like me who is interested in doing research and is just starting out on that career path?"
We'll tackle that question, but also wanted to open it up to listeners. So leave a comment here (at the end of the post) for Tyler with your advice.
More Good Sex
What does your tattoo tell the world about your sexual behavior? Researchers at Texas Tech University in Lubbock did the study.
Memory Tricks
Thanks to Jeremy in Sydney, Australia AND Dan and CJ from the Love Long & Prosper podcast for writing in with a great mnemonic for remembering stalactites and stalagmites. Hint: It has to do with ballerinas.
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Song of the Week
Future Memory, by New York's Heth & Jed.
2 Comments:
One thing I forgot to mention when answering Tyler's question about preparing for a research career and choosing a college is that if you decide to go to a smaller teaching college, most of the big research institutions still have summer programs for students from other colleges who want to try research.
I participated in a HHMI program at UCSC like this as an undergrad, and then as a grad student at Stanford I was a mentor to students coming in to do summer research. It's a great opportunity!
By Mignon, at 6:03 PM
I know this is a little late, but I just found the site:
I think the advice to look for an institution where the primary focus is teaching is a good one. Not only are you likely to get more out of your classes, but many research institutions have a policy that they won't let undergrads return for grad school (unless you've already published before you graduate, have straight A's, and everyone thinks you're the next shining star in your field).
The intention of this is that you'll do research in different environments, working with different people, and it's better for your education, but it can be frustrating if you chose an college because they do great research, you like the area, you've put down a few roots, etc., and now suddenly you have to leave town just when you're going to start doing grad-level work!
So, think about what research colleges you might want to go to for grad school, and then look for teaching institutions in the same area. It will be good for being able to do summer programs and the like, which will also let you preview what grad life will be like at that college, and then if you end up wanting to stay in the area for grad school, you're more likely to have that option.
By Anonymous, at 7:51 AM
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