Perspectives

The perverse legacy of participation in human genomic research

The story of how one person became the majority source of DNA for the Human Genome Project encapsulates 20th-century researchers’ attitudes toward donor consent, the author says.

The fourth third of my career: Living the dream

After a few decades of being a professor, Jonathan Monroe thought it would be fun to return to the life of a postdoc after retiring. Here’s how he did it.

Advice for first-year grad students

A second-year and a fourth-year grad student share their tips on choosing the right lab, getting through tough courses, keeping up with your non-research interests and more.

The 2.5 points of no return in my scientific career

An industry toxicologist shares several crossroad experiences that have changed her approach to research.

Immigrants in the sandwich generation

Three scientists talk about what it’s like to be wedged between their children and their far-away parents.

Following my own path

Changing research fields and moving to a new country can offer challenges, adventures — and tarantulas.

A scammer almost derailed my studies in America

Ishita Ghosh’s family sacrificed so she could earn a Ph.D. in the U.S., but her first year in Louisiana was a roller-coaster ride.

Being on the outside of the inside

“I’m somewhere between South American, American, Middle Eastern, and Sephardic–Spanish … This made it challenging for me to fully melt into the American melting pot.”

Standing out and fitting in

“When I picture myself as anything other than a scientist, I feel an overwhelming sense of loss. I have never identified with anything else so strongly.”