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General resources

Open academic resources (Click here)

  • How to craft an elevator pitch

  • How to write a personal statement (for an application)

  • How to write a cover letter

  • How to write a scientific paper (broken down by section)

  • How to write a peer review

  • How to write a letter of recommendation

  • How to write a grant

  • How to write a proposal

  • and more!

Recommended books

 

Job ads and other things

Resources fo identifying you interests/values relevant to employment:

 

Other career exploration tools

NSF funding for undergraduates

  • If you are a US citizen or resident you can apply for this grant: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2020/nsf20587/nsf20587.htm

  • For non-US citizens or non-permanent residents it is still possible to apply, but someone else has to be the PI (PI means primary investigator). The way that works is, for example, you can write a project proposal to one of NSF clusters (see below) but Dominic (the PI) would be listed as the author. Within the proposal we would budget to fund a graduate student and we would make clear that you are the graduate student that is being funded, and that the proposal was coauthored by you. In the event that it is funded, the money would be given to Adelphi and would be used to fund your graduate studies and research. You would also put it on your CV (super important) even though you weren't the official PI for the grant.
    Here are some of the clusters that are relevant to my research:
    https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503666
    https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503559

Non-NSF funding opportunities for undergrads and graduate students. Note: Although the smaller grants listed here will not give a lot of money it is a great place to get started. Not many people will apply for these grants (in some cases, no one will apply) because few people know about them.

The keys to success in science

In March 2021 I moderated a panel discussion for the New England Entomological Society's biannual meeting. During that discussion the panelists (Tea Kesting-Handley, Sallqa-Tuwa Bondocgawa Mafla-Mills, Sebastian Echeverri, Megan Wilson and Margarita Lopez-Uribe) each spoke about their key to being successful in entomology. It is important to note that this panel was a diverse group of people, from various cultures and various stages in their academic careers. I have summarized their insightful comments in the narrative below.

(1) Have the motivation to go against all nay-sayers. Even if everyone around you is extremely supportive, science/grad school/the world will defeat you time and time again. Only go into academics if there is an undying flame inside you that says you need to do that. (2) Find a mentor that you identify with, if they haven't found you. The best mentors will see potential in your and work to help you flourish. (3) Take opportunities to participate in meaningful real-world experiences. These can advance your academic horizons, inspire you, and provide new opportunities. (4) Be in the right place at the right time, and be lucky. Luck is a huge factor. This doesn't mean it's out of your control, it just means you need to keep trying until you get a lucky break. (5) When you get lucky, take credit for your success. Being proud does NOT make you conceited. Don't succumb to imposter syndrome and think that you don't deserve your successes. (6) Go where there is funding (for how to get funding, see point 4). (7) Say yes to new opportunities. Every new thing you do will open a new door for you. (8) Make the path that is right for you, which often will not be the path your peers are being driven down. (9) Connect to your community. There are people who you can work with and be friends with in your field. Find them and connect.

In November 2022 the opening plenary session of the Joint Annual Meeting in Entomology had a conversation between three scientists (Maydianne Andrade, Cassandra Extavour Swanne Gordon) about their perspectives on diversity in science. In some of their answers, they discussed many of the points above, but some additional ones as well.

(8) Spread your network widely. Identify the niches you are interested in filling in your career and make contacts who have those jobs, and can connect you to those opportunities. It may be additionally beneficial to connect yourself to people with name recognition. (9) Be aware of your mental health. This is a serious problem among graduate students and ranges from issues with imposter syndrome to depression. Take advantage of university resources, talk to your peers and mentors and prioritize your well-being. You will not be successful if you are not taking care of your health. (10) Advocate for yourself. If you need something that is lacking, tell your mentor. If your mentor isn't doing something they should be doing, talk to them about it. (11) Make a plan. Coming into graduate school  you may assume your advisor/the department/your committee will have a plan for you. This is WRONG. They have expectations for you but your are largely on your own. Your advisor will help guide you only. It is up to you to make those decisions for yourself.

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