And we’re off! The semester is in full swing and there are grants, lectures, and students GALORE! Let’s dive into it.
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by a total vibe – Fujii Kaze’s “Workin’ Hard”
FALL 2023
This semester is off to an ankle breaking start! I’m teaching my first upper-level volcanology course. I spent all summer preparing lectures, activities, reading assignments, and a term project. I’ve completed two weeks of class and I’m loving it. My students are super engaged – we have great Q&A and discussion. I’m loving all of the excitement surrounding volcanoes and the interest in planetary science. On the other hand, I’ve been filling out several applications for tenure track positions at a number of institutions (more on that later).
The 2023-2024 academic year will also be my first year of advising students on research projects. As a result, I’ve also started grant writing. This is a part of the job I haven’t had much experience with until my current postdoc. Thinking about money is both thrilling and anxiety inducing. On the one hand, it’s an opportunity to answer exciting questions and collaborate with students and on the other hand making budgets and waiting for a response is nerve-wrecking.
In addition to classes and applications, I have a few invited talks. As an early career scientist, it’s critical I foster connections and communicate the importance of my work not the least of which because I’m looking for a permanent position and future collaborators. More importantly, I’m excited to meet new people, explore new places, and generate new ideas. This is the part of science I truly enjoy! Of course, all of this activity means I need to prioritize self-care and avoid burnout. After all, I’m in a two-month sprint to Thanksgiving. Given the number of deadlines, panels, applications, and projects, I need to make damn sure I don’t sacrifice my mental and physical well-being.
GSA 2023
This fall will be my second time attending the Geological Society of America annual conference. I attended this conference for the first time four years ago and forged a professional relationship that resulted in a transformative experience this past summer. GSA, with ~7500 attendees, is a more manageable conference than AGU. I’m giving two talks and possibly sitting on a panel. My goals are to give excellent talks, reconnect with colleagues and friends, and (hopefully) garner the attention of prospective employers. Of course, I’m equally excited to try great restaurants in Pittsburgh. After a stellar experience at LPSC last spring, I’m anxious to tap into my professional mojo again.
JOB APPS
Job applications are in full swing. Positions for the 2024-2025 academic year are posted daily. I’ve managed to find a number of relevant positions (Assistant Professor) seeking my expertise (solid earth/volcanology/planetary science). I will likely double or triple my number of applications by the end of the academic year. This will depend on the number of open positions related to my area of expertise. If I don’t score a position during this job cycle (which is possible – many people apply thru 2 or 3 cycles), then 2025-2026 will begin next fall. Thankfully, I’ve already participated in 2 job cycles so I have a general idea of what institutions expect in applications and, just as important, what I want in a prospective institution. Either way, it’s partly a numbers game. I need to publish more papers, apply to more grants, and submit a ton of applications.
CURRENT SHOWS AND BOOKS
Recently finished watching: Great British Bake Off: The Professionals (s7); Our Universe; Shadow and Bone (s1); The Venture Bros. (s6-7)
Currently watching: Bob’s Burgers (s12); Shadow and Bone (s2); The Amazing World of Gumball (s1); Wheel of Time (s2)
Recently finished reading: Dune; What We Owe the Future
Currently reading: A Modern History of Japan; Astrotopia: the Dangerous Religion of the Corporate Space Race
Thank you so much for reading! My next blog is scheduled for Thursday, October 19th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 