Panelists
AnnaLynn Williams, PhD (academia): Dr. Williams is an assistant professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Daphnee Villoing, PhD (industry): Dr. Villoing is a senior project manager of radiopharmaceutical clinical trials and dosimetry specialist for Medpace.
Preetha Rajaraman, PhD (government): Dr. Rajaraman is the executive director, vice chair, and chief of research for the Radiation Effects Research Foundation.
Q & A summary
Question 1: What are some considerations you weighed when selecting your research setting?
• Take time to think about your current setting: How do you feel that you are or are not supported? What do you like or dislike in your current setting? Use this insight to guide you in terms of the most important factors to consider when selecting a setting.
• Allow flexibility for your needs and preferences to change over time. Even within government, academia, and industry, the settings can be highly variable. There are opportunities for change as your needs and goals evolve.
• Are there opportunities for collaboration (on grants, papers, etc…)?
• Are there opportunities to continue to publish research?
• Are there opportunities to grow scientifically?
• Are there opportunities to take on new challenges and grow in leadership?
• What is the culture of the setting?
Question 2: What are some of the experiences and challenges you’ve had in your current work setting?
• The importance of being discerning in selecting projects. Learning to say “no” or “not right now” and not commit to too many projects at once!
• Finding a colleague who can act as a good sounding board is key!
• The importance of understanding your role in anything you’re asked to collaborate on and understand how it will contribute to your professional goals.
• Start with “not right now” vs “no” to give yourself time to think.
• Create a vision and find partners to help shape and implement it. Great advisors can come from both within and outside your institution.
Question 3: What is some advice you would give to younger versions of yourself?
• Stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone has their own path.
• Choose a path that you want. Do not choose a path to make others happy.
• Trust yourself in making big decisions. And remember that there is always room to change course.
• You are capable of more than you think you are.
• There are many ways to have a great career – start by asking yourself what you value most at this time and let that be your guide.