Category Archives: Ph.D.

Unconscious gender bias? What do I picture when I think of a scientist?

Posted on 26 October 2014 by Steve Caplan

Recent years have seen a lot of discussion on the blogosphere on gender bias in science. There is no question that awareness is always the first step in heading for a solution. Do I have an unconscious bias against women … Continue reading →

Posted in arts, conscious bias, education, female, feminism, gender bias, gender equality, identity, liberal arts, male, minorities, Ph.D., PI, Research, science, scientist, scientists, Unconscious bias, Women in science | Comments Off on Unconscious gender bias? What do I picture when I think of a scientist?

I sense a problem with undergraduate education

Posted on 24 August 2014 by Steve Caplan

A lot has been said about job prospects of biomedical graduate students and the ever-declining percentage of Ph.D. graduates who are ultimately able to find academic faculty positions. Indeed, the importance of exposing graduate students to a variety of scientific … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, biomedical researcher, career, critical thinking, education, grades, graduate education, graduate program, GRE, IDP, individual development plan, Occam's underwear, Ph.D., PhD, Research, researcher, science, science career, science careers, science jobs, student, students, undergraduate, undergraduate education, undergraduate students | Comments Off on I sense a problem with undergraduate education

The week in review

Posted on 26 May 2013 by Steve Caplan

I just returned home from a 2 h walk, using my new pedometer app on the iPhone: in all 1:55 minutes with an average pace of 4.7 mph and a total of about 8.7 miles. What I forgot to do … Continue reading →

Posted in dehydration, dissertation, excercise, graduation, papers, Ph.D., Research, science, walk | Comments Off on The week in review

My best Ph.D. prank [19]

Posted on 2 January 2012 by Steve Caplan

Looking back at 2011, my first year as a blogger and my new affiliation with OT, I find that I have written 96 blogs. That’s probably 96 more than most of you would care to read, so I may try … Continue reading →

Posted in covers, humor, novels, Ph.D., pranks, Research, science, students, voice | Comments Off on My best Ph.D. prank [19]

A pinch of salt in the lab

Posted on 29 July 2011 by Steve Caplan

Ever see those amazing deaf-defying (thank you, Grant!) death-defying feats and the announcer at the end says: “Do not attempt to do this at home?” Well, do not attempt to do this in your lab.

Posted in beyond a shadow of a doubt, brilliant strategist, darkroom, ECL, education, Film, gel electrophoresis, graduate, humor, mentor, Ph.D., Research, science, stealing, student, worth your weight in salt, you taka-me-buffer? | Comments Off on A pinch of salt in the lab

Ph.D. survival: is a jack of all trades a master of none?

Posted on 6 May 2011 by Steve Caplan

Over the years science has changed a great deal. In just the last 50 years or so we’ve seen a major revolution in scientific research, due primarily to our understanding of DNA and ultimately how it codes for protein. But … Continue reading →

Posted in biochemistry, cell biology, coffe bean (just checking if you are awake), detergent, DNA, education, gel electrophoresis, graduate students, immunoprecipitation, jack of all trades, kits, lysate, mentor, Ph.D., PI, postdoc, protein, Research, science, students | Comments Off on Ph.D. survival: is a jack of all trades a master of none?