Expert Insights for the Research Training Community

Welcome to Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) webinar series turned podcast, where the biomedical research community can connect with and explore the insights and expertise of fellow scientists.

NIGMS, a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports basic research that increases our understanding of biological processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The Institute provides leadership in training the next generation of scientists, in enhancing the diversity of the scientific workforce, and in developing research capacity throughout the country. As part of this mission, and in response to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, NIGMS created a 15-part webinar series that began in May 2020. This podcast was developed to expand access to the advice, experiences, and discussions captured in these webinars in the hope that they continue to enhance learning experiences for scientists at all levels.

Developing a Culture of Safety in Biomedical Research Training

Recorded on November 5, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, Dr. Jyllian N. Kemsley, manager of C&E News’ Safety Zone, and Dr. Craig A. Merlic, executive director of the University of California Center for Laboratory Safety, discuss common underlying factors in lab accidents and the roles of multiple stakeholders in improving safety in lab settings. They also recommend relevant resources and tools for developing a culture of safety.

Observations on Writing Grant Applications

Recorded on July 23, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, Dr. Desirée Salazar, NIGMS’ program director in the Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity, and Dr. Maqsood Wani, chief of the Cell Biology Integrative Review group from the NIH Center for Scientific Review, describe the NIH grant application and review process and explain summary statements and review scores. They also discuss how to get advice from NIH program staff.

Developing the Right Skills for Your Scientific Career

Recorded on July 15, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, Dr. Cynthia Fuhrmann, assistant dean of career and professional development in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and Dr. Ann M. Stock, co-director of the Rutgers Biotechnology Training Program, explain how to apply the individual development plan process and identify relevant technical, professional, and career-specific skills. They also discuss leveraging resources—including advisors, mentors, and external materials—to support skills development.

How I Got Here: Following Your Own Career Path

Recorded on July 8, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, two longtime NIGMS grantees, Dr. Enrique M. De La Cruz, a professor at Yale University, and Dr. Tracy Johnson, a professor at University of California, Los Angeles, chat about managing pivotal career decision points, weighing short- and long-term goals, and planning a career path in science.

Research and Teaching at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions

Recorded on June 30, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, Dr. Kathleen Howard, a professor in physical chemistry at Swarthmore College; and Dr. Mark Bardgett, a professor of psychological science at Northern Kentucky University, share the day-to-day life of a professor at a primarily undergraduate institution, or PUI. They also discuss the joys and challenges of doing research in a PUI setting, and how to be a competitive applicant for a PUI faculty position.

Leadership and Management as a Scientist

Recorded on June 25, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, senior scientists Dr. Shirley Tilghman, president of Princeton University, and Dr. Guy Padbury, senior vice president of preclinical development at Merck, discuss making the transition from peer to supervisor, creating an organizational culture, and evolving as a leader. They also compare and contrast aspects of leadership within academic and industrial settings.

Starting Your Own Lab

Recorded on June 18, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, Dr. Prachee Avasthi, an associate professor from Dartmouth College, and Dr. Olivia Rissland, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, reveal strategies for searching for a faculty position, best practices for getting a research program up and running, and the joys and challenges of managing a lab. You’ll also hear them discuss applying for funding as an early career investigator.

Culturally Aware Mentorship

Recorded on May 27, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, Dr. Angela Byars-Winston, a professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Public Health and Medicine, and Dr. Sherilynn Black, associate vice provost for faculty advancement at Duke University, describe the value of cultural awareness in mentorship. They review highlights from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report on effective mentorship, and discuss resources on culturally aware mentorship for mentors and mentees.

Behavioral Research in Biomedicine

Recorded on May 19, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, Dr. William T. Riley, director of the NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, shares the advantages and challenges of integrating the social/behavioral sciences and biomedical sciences. He also provides examples of this integration in recent trans-NIH initiatives.

Cryo-EM Present and Future

Recorded on May 14, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, Dr. Bridget Carragher, co-director of the Simons Electron Microscopy Center, discusses the current and future applications of cryo-electron microscopy, or cryo-EM, and training opportunities for researchers involving cryo-EM.

Computational Biology and Biomedical Data Science

Recorded on May 13, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, Dr. Susan Gregurick, computational biologist and director of the Office of Data Science Strategy, discusses the development of computers, the internet, networking, and analysis platforms, weaving in her personal journey. She then describes the role of data and computation sciences in combating COVID-19.

Virtual Teaching and Learning

Recorded on May 12, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, Dr. Erin Dolan, editor-in-chief at Cell Biology Education: Life Sciences Education journal, explores the similarities and differences between in-person and online instruction. She also discusses ensuring equity and inclusion in online instruction.

Infectious Disease Modeling Research and the MIDAS Network

Recorded on May 11, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, Dr. Wilbert van Panhuis, director of the Coordination Center of the Models of Infectious Disease Agents Study, or MIDAS, explains how to become an infectious disease modeler and describes the types of questions that modelers study. Hear him talk about training opportunities provided by the MIDAS Network.

Moving Away From the Scientific Pack in Your Research

Recorded on May 5, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, Dr. Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, director of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, discusses how to move into uncharted territory in research and study nontraditional research organisms.

Entrepreneurship and Careers in the Biotechnology Industry

Recorded on May 4, 2020

In this episode of Expert Insights for the Research Training Community, Dr. John Younger, co-founder and chief technology officer for Akadeum Life Sciences, explains transitioning from academia to industry and startups, and assessing new technologies. He also describes the similarities and differences between grant funding and early investment funding.