Author Archives: Jennifer Rohn

About Jennifer Rohn

Scientist, novelist, rock chick

In which we endure

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Jennifer Rohn

Baby, it’s cold outside. And inside too, as it happens. Over the past month or two, London has been in the grip of some of the coldest weather I ever remember having experienced here. For most London workers, the chill … Continue reading →

Posted in Health and safety gone mad, Students, The profession of science | 8 Comments

In which we make a mess of things

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Jennifer Rohn

As a rule, when I’m trying to be creative, I have a hard time focusing if my workspace is not pristine and well-ordered. This holds true whether I’m working on a novel at my desk or performing an experiment on … Continue reading →

Posted in Nostalgia, Scientific method, Silliness | 6 Comments

In which science writer wanna-bes are given a chance at fame and glory

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Jennifer Rohn

Are you a early-career cell biologist (PhD student or post-doc) in the UK with a flair for the pen? Do you like to communicate about your science using everyday words and sentences structures other than the passive voice? Or maybe … Continue reading →

Posted in science funding, The profession of science, Writing | Comments Off on In which science writer wanna-bes are given a chance at fame and glory

In which we feel the estrogen love

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Jennifer Rohn

Yesterday was a mixed day for women in science. Bright and early in the morning, I sat plugged into Skype waiting for the BBC World Service to interview me about subconscious bias against female scientists. The news hook was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Careers, The profession of science, Women in science | 1 Comment

In which I get my mojo back

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Jennifer Rohn

So 2012 has drawn to a close, a new year is upon us and London’s seemingly endless broodiness gave way to brilliant sunshine today. Out in our local park this morning, strewn with spent fireworks and empty Champagne bottles, unusually … Continue reading →

Posted in LabLit, Nostalgia, Writing | 5 Comments

In which a classic tale of DNA and discovery is recast

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Jennifer Rohn

As for many people in the molecular biology profession, my first reading of The Double Helix by James Watson was a revelation. I can’t recall how old I was – probably in my late teens. I had already decided I … Continue reading →

Posted in LabLit, Nostalgia, The profession of science, Women in science, Writing | 6 Comments

In which lab lit storms New York

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Jennifer Rohn

Last night my publisher emailed me in high excitement to tell me that I, and my magazine LabLit.com, had received some positive coverage in The New York Times. Do have a read of this (freely available) piece by Katherine Bouton … Continue reading →

Posted in LabLit, Writing | 8 Comments

In which I am not a science cheerleader

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Jennifer Rohn

There is something seductive about the scientific profession: it exerts a gravity so powerful that it can hoover all of the surrounding universe into its warped perspective. If you have your heart set on being a scientist, you set off … Continue reading →

Posted in Careers, LabLit, Scientific thinking, Staring into the abyss, The profession of science, Writing | 28 Comments

In which I prepare to be terminated – again

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Jennifer Rohn

The afternoons are darkening, the leaves are scattering to the ground — and the usual seasonal missive from HR has arrived in my inbox. Actually, although I’m on rolling 3-monthly contracts, I haven’t received this kind of notice in writing … Continue reading →

Posted in Careers, Staring into the abyss | 16 Comments

In which I powder my nose

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Jennifer Rohn

It’s rather disconcerting to enter a stall in a public lavatory, sit down – and see your own name staring back at you on the inner door advertising. Does this mean I’ve really hit the big-time? /Ducks in preparation for … Continue reading →

Posted in LabLit, Silliness, Writing | 5 Comments