Bringing science into policy

Career Story by Katrina Korfmacher, PhD, Associate Professor for Environmental Medicine and URBEST Policy Leader

I grew up thinking I wanted to be a scientist and entered college interested in “genetic engineering” -having absolutely no idea what that was.  My first environmental studies class in college got me hooked on the idea of using science to solve imminent social problems, and I refocused on ecology and geology.

My Experience in Technical Entrepreneurship For Scientists: How It All Began

News Article by Omar Mbowe, PhD, UR Research Assistant Professor and URBEST Trainee
 

The first thing that caught my eye was, “If you are interested in learning more about Technical Entrepreneurship for Scientists, you might consider attending this lunch information session for the spring course TEM411.” The session would be led by Professor Duncan Moore “one of the heroes who rescued the Hubble Space Telescope from ruin.” Meeting someone who worked that closely with the US president on scientific matters and someone who led a team that corrected the Hubble Telescope’s “nearsightedness” was a big motivation for attending the URBEST event. The free food was an added bonus.  

Kyle’s Tips for July: Writing Habits

News Article by Kyle Trenshaw, PhD, Educational Development Specialist for STEM at University of Rochester

Kyle is the leader of Page Turners For Teaching, the new bi-weekly discussion group for grad students, medical students, postdocs, and residents interested in exploring their teaching practice with like-minded colleagues. In the meantime, here are some tips to get you started with your writing practice. 

It’s Complicated: The Relationship Between Scientists and The Public

News Article by Shannon Loelius, PhD Candidate

“Oh you must be so smart, I’m too stupid for that.” I was buying some arugula from a farmer when he asked me what I researched. I started to explain when he drops that line. I’m caught off guard – I’m always caught off guard by this line, no matter how many times I’ve heard it.

Freytag’s Pyramid: A Postdoc’s Story of Transitioning to Professor

News Article by Virginia Glazier, Assistant Professor Of Biology at Niagara University and URBEST Alumni

When I reflect on my job hunting experience, I can’t help but notice the similarities to the dramatic arc of a play. It begins with an exposition and initial incident that brought me to the job market, followed by the rising action of job applications, the climax of the job offer(s), the falling action of making a decision, and the dénouement of my new position at Niagara University. Like so many stories, my story has drama, suspense, and (thankfully) a happy ending.