Do Female Academics Have to Be Role Models?

We talk a lot about the importance of women and minority academics mentoring students and new faculty. But are we expecting too much of them?

On Claiming Your PhD

I didn’t attend my PhD convocation. I barely finished the degree itself, as I was struck by a deep depression in my last year of research. This was exacerbated by my family doctor prescribing an antidepressant that had seriously unpleasant side effects, which she then suggested I stop taking immediately. The withdrawal symptoms lasted for…

Coming to Terms with the Past

Since I had my knee injury I’ve been sitting around pretty much doing nothing. I regularly ice my knee, and do loops around the house on my crutches to keep the blood flowing. I look out the windows at my garden (which I should be out planting!), and enjoy feeling the spring sun come through…

Improve Your Productivity By Making Time for Rest

If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know that, because of my illness, I have limited time in the day to do things and have to be careful not to overdo it. Recently I’ve been reading a book that suggests that I might be reaping a few benefits from my disability instead of…

Your Job Isn’t Who You Are

*Updated 1 Nov to add thanks to @jryancs. It’s fall. The big leaf maples are shedding their leaves—a profusion of yellow, orange, and red covers the trail on our forest walk. I stay alert to the possibility of crossing paths with the bear that’s been wandering around our neighbourhood, but my ears are full of…