Category Archives: science

Poor choice of words

Posted on April 30, 2010 by Cath@VWXYNot?

I’ve been working with molecular pathologists for more than two years now, and one piece of their terminology still throws me every time I hear it. When told that a protein has been found to be a “poor prognostic marker”, … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer research, science, things I'm not really qualified to write about | 5 Comments

Science Idol

Posted on April 27, 2010 by Cath@VWXYNot?

The BBC’s “Science and Environment” RSS feed included a real gem today: news of a competition in which members of the public were asked to submit ideas for research projects. The four winners will be mentored by experts in their … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer research, genomics, science, Things I read on the BBC website, things I'm not really qualified to write about | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Over-thinkers anonymous

Posted on April 16, 2010 by Cath@VWXYNot?

I over-think EVERYTHING. It drives Mr E Man crazy. I put it down to my scientific training: you have to consider alternative hypotheses! And state the Potential Pitfalls and Alternative Approaches! But apparently, this kind of rigour is not necessarily … Continue reading →

Posted in personal, science, silliness | 18 Comments

Principal Investigators Association

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Does anyone have any experience with this organisation? Their website front page states that they are a not-for-profit organisation that is “helping leading researchers in all fields with their non-science duties and responsibilities” (emphasis theirs). I’ve somehow ended up on … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, science | 9 Comments

My definition of a bombastic project management style, Part III: Metrics

Posted on January 8, 2010 by Cath@VWXYNot?

In the first post of this series, I explained how my funding source (and therefore my job description) has changed in the last couple of months, specifically to include more project management. Still undecided about pursuing formal PM training and … Continue reading →

Posted in career, science | 9 Comments

My definition of a bombastic project management style, Part II: Meetings

Posted on January 8, 2010 by Cath@VWXYNot?

In my last post, I explained how my funding source (and therefore my job description) has changed in the last couple of months, specifically to include more project management. Still undecided about pursuing formal PM training and qualifications, I’m currently … Continue reading →

Posted in career, science | 7 Comments

My definition of a bombastic project management style, Part I: Background

Posted on January 7, 2010 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Salary support sources and their impact on my job description As I mentioned in an earlier post, my job (originally a two year position ending in November 2009) has been extended “indefinitely” (i.e. for as long as funding is available). My … Continue reading →

Posted in career, grant wrangling, science | 14 Comments

LOLs from my father

Posted on December 21, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

My Dad’s always a good source of entertainment, but he’s really outdone himself this week. I don’t know if it’s the Christmas spirit or some other kind of spirit, but his emails and phone calls have been full of gems … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, family, politics, science, silliness, sport | 13 Comments

So, who wants to work with me?

Posted on October 21, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

My boss told me last night that he’s recruiting, and asked me if I know anyone who might be interested. He’s looking for two postdocs to start next summer, as well as a grad student “or maybe two”. Our new … Continue reading →

Posted in career, science, Vancouver | 7 Comments

I’d like to thank the International Academy

Posted on October 16, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

I’m coming up to the second anniversary of my return to academia, and I’m still loving it. I like to say that I learned a lot from my time in industry, the most important lesson being that industry doesn’t suit … Continue reading →

Posted in career, rants, science | 26 Comments