February 2018

Unexpected results can occasionally lead to the best discoveries!

Penicillin, vulcanized rubber, Teflon, Viagra and my career all have something in common.  

Career Story By Stephen Tajc, PhD, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Nazareth College

 

Selecting my undergraduate major came as an unexpected revelation upon taking organic chemistry.  The same course that many students fear as the “weed out”, turned out to be this dyslexic’s best friend.  For the first time in my academic career, the course material did not play tricks on my eyes and I actually enjoyed learning.  At that moment, I knew pursuing a graduate degree in Organic Chemistry would be a satisfying choice, but I was undecided on how this would translate into a career.

Impactful Findings From URBEST Trainees

News Article by Tracey Baas, URBEST Executive Director

From time to time, a colleague or trainee will ask me to share some anecdotes or examples of impactful findings from the URBEST Program that they could use for a training grant, fellowship or upcoming presentation. Rather than keep these highlights to myself, I thought I would share a few here.

The Science of Great Ideas: Fostering The Creative Process

News Article by Tracey Baas, URBEST Executive Director

Scientists use the ongoing and iterative process of the scientific method. The method is several centuries old and scientists are required to use the process and work within that tradition. At the same time, researchers need to be innovative, creative, and visionaries. How can scientists do both? URBEST facilitated a workshop that tried to introduce the “right brain” to the “left brain” with the help of a URMC artist-in-residence and a medical doctor with an interest in creativity. See what happened.

Bringing Science to Life in a Way That is Authentic, Meaningful, And Contextualized

Career Story by Teresa Long, MS, Undergraduate Research Project Coordinator at University of Rochester

Have you ever watched the original Cosmos series?  I’m no Carl Sagan (or Neil DeGrasse Tyson, for that matter), but I am someone who is most motivated by those who can bring science to life in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and contextualized.  As a researcher turned teacher turned university staff member, I’ve seen many of the same twists and turns that seem to define the modern career search.  I am excited to bring my story and opportunities for those looking to gain teaching experience to URBEST February 6^th 9:30 – 10:30 am.