Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD David Mendes, PhD

In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD I bring you a treasure from the vault from season 1 of the podcast – my conversation with Joe Makkerh, who shares remarkable journey from the rigours of academic research to the pharmaceutical industry, and ultimately to becoming a business owner. Joe shares invaluable insights on the importance of being approachable, of selflessly helping others, and on the courage to seek help when you need it.In it we delve into the romanticized perception of academia often portrayed in the media versus the actual resilience needed to overcome the failures that are part and parcel of the scientific process. During our conversation we discussed the solitary nature of academic research projects and the blurred lines between personal life and work, exacerbated by the guilt associated with taking time off work—something many graduate students grapple with.We touch upon critical skills acquired during graduate studies, such as problem-solving, rapid research, and data simulation, and their lasting impact on professional life. Joe opens up about his transition from academia to industry, the value of maintaining a strong network, and the importance of continual learning and personal growth.Stay tuned as Joe recounts fascinating anecdotes illustrating the important balance between competition and cooperation in academia. This episode is packed with advice for young graduates, emphasising employability, understanding finance, and the crucial role of relationships in career success.Don’t miss this touching conversation filled with wisdom and practical tips on navigating both academic and professional landscapes. Be sure to subscribe to "Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD" for more inspiring stories and insightful discussions about life after the PhD.



Joe Makkerh is a former scientist, now an entrepreneur working in high-end audio. Since finishing his PhD in cellular and molecular zoology, Joe transitioned from researcher to academic administrator to MBA student to business owner. His academic career has taken him from London to Heidelberg, to Montreal, where he now develops his business.

What we covered in the interview:

The Power of Asking for Help: Many graduate students struggle with seeking assistance beyond their academic work. It's crucial to realise that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Building a supportive network can make a significant difference.Transitioning from Academia to Industry: Moving from the world of academic research to the pharmaceutical industry offered Joe Makkerh valuable lessons in resilience and dealing with failure. Embracing these challenges head-on is key to personal and professional growth.Maintaining Work-Life Balance: The blurred lines between personal life and work can take a toll on health and relationships. Prioritising self-care and setting boundaries is essential for long-term success and wellbeing.

This episode’s resources:

Website: baetisaudio.com

Thank you, Joe Makkerh!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Joe, let him know by clicking the link below and leaving him a message on Linkedin:Send Joe Makkerh a thank you message on Linkedin!Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!



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You might also like the following episodes:

Vikie Pedneault – Engaging Through ComedyAndy Churchill –Presenting for ImpactAmani Said – How to Make impact with Your CareerInes Thomas Almeida – A Winding Journey From Biology to MusicologyAs always, if you find value in Papa PhD and in the content I bring you every week, click on one of the buttons below and send some of that value back to me by becoming a supporter on Patreon or by buying me a coffee :)

Dans ce nouvel épisode d'Au-delà de la thèse avec Papa PhD, je plonge au cœur du congrès ComSciCon 2024 pour explorer les évolutions marquantes de l'événement au cours des cinq dernières années et pour avoir le témoignage des jeunes scientifiques qui y participent cette année. Découvre c'est quoi ComSciCon Québec, l'importance grandissante de la communication scientifique pour les jeunes scientifiques et les ateliers innovants proposés durant les trois jours du congrès pour enrichir tes compétences. Mes invité·e·s partagent leurs expériences, l'impact de la communication scientifique sur leur carrière, et l'influence positive de la diversité et de la collaboration dans une communauté dynamique et fleurissante. Ne manque pas cette immersion inspirante dans l'univers de ComSciCon QC, ton tube à essai pour apprendre à vulgariser !



Dans cet épisode, j'ai discuté avec Marion Cossin, Gaële Lajeunesse, Berthié Gouin-Ferland et Billie Maubois de l'évolution de ComSciCon au cours des cinq dernières années. On a parlé du concept de ComSciCon Québec et des activités marquantes de cet événement. Tu découvriras comment Marion a su marier ses talents artistiques et scientifiques, comment Berthié trouve de la sérénité dans la communication, et comment Billie a redécouvert sa voix de vulgarisatrice et tu entendras aussi les témoignages de personnes de la cohorte 2024 sur leur expérience dans cette édition 2024 du congrès. Ensemble, ils ont parlé de l'importance pour eux de la culture de respect et d'inclusivité au sein de l'équipe organisatrice, et de l'impact positif de l'événement sur leur parcours professionnel et personnel.Installez-toi confortablement et préparez-toi à être inspiré·e par ces parcours riches et variés, tous réunis par une même passion : rendre la science accessible et fascinante pour tous. Bonne écoute !

On a parlé, entre autres :

De l'importance de la communication scientifique : Marion Cossin et Berthié Gouin-Ferland soulignent comment la communication scientifique aide les jeunes scientifiques à relier des intérêts variés, leur apporte de la sérénité, et leur facilite l'accessibilité et la confiance.De diversité et inclusion au cœur de ComSciCon QC : L'événement favorise une ambiance collaborative et sécuritaire, mettant en avant l'accessibilité aux experts et la reconnaissance du congrès. L'équipe  crée une culture de respect, de communication et d'inclusivité au sein de l'équipe et de la cohorte.De l'évolution et de l'impact de ComSciCon QC : Les anciens participants publient dans des grands journaux et réalisent diverses initiatives de vulgarisation et représentent ainsi l'impact durable de l'événement sur les carrières dans la communication scientifique.Tu aimes Papa PhD ? Laisse-moi un commentaire > ici - une courte phrase suffit ! Et inclus ton identifiant Twitter – comme ça je pourrai te remercier personnellement !Si cet épisode spécial ComSciCon QC t'a plu, fais-leur en part en cliquant sur le lien ci-dessous et en leur laissant un message sur LinkedIn :Clique ici pour remercier l'équipe ComSciCon QC sur Linkedin !Clique ici pour partager avec David le principal message que tu retiens de cet épisode !Si tu trouves de la valeur dans le contenu que je t'apporte chaque semaine, clique sur l'un des boutons ci-dessous et renvoie-moi l'ascenceur :)





















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Thèsez-vous ! – Écrire sa thèse une tomate à la fois : PapaPhD.com/thesez-vous-adtCarine Monat - Bâtir un trajet qui nous ressemble : PapaPhD.com/Carine-MonatRémi Quirion – Projeter les jeunes chercheur.e.s dans des carrières d'avenir : PapaPhD.

In this new episode titled "Building a Career Out of Making Science Fun", I sit down with the ever-enthusiastic Elodie Chabrol to dive into the world of science communication. During our conversation, Elodie shares her inspiring journey from a traditional research career to becoming a full-time freelance science communicator.Throughout our conversation, Elodie talks about the challenges and rewards of her career shift and about her overarching goal of countering misinformation through effective science communication. Join us for this energetic conversation and discover how science can be both enlightening and entertaining while bridging the gap between scientific communities and the general public.



Elodie Chabrol has a PhD in Neurogenetics and is the international director for the Pint of Science festival. She is also a freelance science communicator involved in different freelance projects like training, moderations and podcasts.Elodie's mission is to make science accessible to everyone, everywhere show the human side of it.

What we covered in the interview:

Transforming Science Communication: Discover how Elodie has contributed to making science fun and relatable for non-specialist audiences.Pint of Science Festival: Learn about the international festival that brings science to local pubs, offering a relaxed, interactive environment for exchanges with the people behind the research.Inspiring Young Researchers: Elodie discusses how taking part in science communication events helps budding scientists communicate their research effectively and think outside their academic box.Personal Insights: Hear anecdotes from Elodie's journey, including how science communication helped her redefine her identity and broaden her professional horizons.🔗See the resources section below for links!

This episode’s resources:

Website: www.elodiechabrol.com/Twitter: @eloscicomm 

Thank you, Elodie Chabrol!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Elodie, let her know by clicking the link below and leaving her a message on Linkedin:Send Elodie Chabrol a thank you message on Linkedin!Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!



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You might also like the following episodes:

Vikie Pedneault – Engaging Through ComedyAndy Churchill –Presenting for ImpactAmani Said – How to Make impact with Your CareerInes Thomas Almeida – A Winding Journey From Biology to MusicologyAs always, if you find value in Papa PhD and in the content I bring you every week, click on one of the buttons below and send some of that value back to me by becoming a supporter on Patreon or by buying me a coffee :)



Support the show on Patreon !





Or buy me a coffee :)

Bienvenue dans ce nouvel épisode d'Au-delà de la thèse avec Papa PhD intitulé "Vulgarisation : de la recherche à l’entreprenariat" ! Dans cette entrevue avec Manon Fantino-Lalonde je discute de la vulgarisation scientifique et de son lien avec l'entrepreneuriat scientifique.Au fil de notre conversation, Manon partage son parcours, de son passage par la compétition sportive en France à sa passion pour la nutrition. Ensemble, nous avons a tracé des liens entre la diversité des pratiques et des routines nécessaires à la performance de haut niveau en ski alpin et son approche multidisciplinaire en recherche et en entrepernariat.Une conversation inspirante à ne pas manquer !



Après avoir terminé un premier diplôme en diététique en France, Manon a poursuivi ses études à la Faculté de médecine de lUniversité de Montréal en obtenant un baccalauréat, puis une maîtrise en nutrition. Elle est nutritionniste et membre de l'Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec (ODNQ) depuis 2019. Actuellement en deuxième année de doctorat à l'Université McGill, ses recherches visent à mieux comprendre le rôle des facteurs génétiques et environnementaux sur les comportements alimentaires et le risque de maladies cardiométaboliques. Elle a eu l'occasion de présenter une partie de ses recherches lors de la finale de "Ma thèse en 180 secondes" de McGill, où elle a remporté le premier prix dans la catégorie francophone.

Avec Manon, on a parlé, entre autres :

De l'importance de profiter de tous les services que vous offre votre université pour enrichir votre parcours académique.De la complémentarité entre la recherche académique et l'entrepreneuriat.De de l'effet de levier qu'apporte la vulgarisation à différents plans de votre vie de jeune scientifique.De la vision de Manon pour les années à venir, au plan de la recherche et au plan entreprenarial.Tu aimes Papa PhD ? Laisse-moi un commentaire > ici - une courte phrase suffit ! Et inclus ton identifiant Twitter – comme ça je pourrai te remercier personnellement !

Merci Manon !

Si cet entretien avec Manon Fantino-Lalonde t'a plu, fais-lui en part en cliquant sur le lien ci-dessous et en lui laissant un message sur LinkedIn :Clique ici pour la remercier sur Linkedin !Clique ici pour partager avec David le principal message que tu retiens de cet épisode !Si tu trouves de la valeur dans le contenu que je t'apporte chaque semaine, clique sur l'un des boutons ci-dessous et renvoie-moi l'ascenceur :)





















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Olivier Hernandez – Du génie à l'industrie à l'astrophysique : PapaPhD.com/Olivier-Hernandez-Pt1Carine Monat - Bâtir un trajet qui nous ressemble : PapaPhD.com/Carine-MonatRémi Quirion – Projeter les jeunes chercheur.e.s dans des carrières d'avenir : PapaPhD.com/203Jean-Sébastien Provost – Accéder au domaine de la science des données : PapaPhD.com/Jean-Sebastien-Provost

Storytelling is not just a tool for entertainment; it is a powerful medium for communicating complex ideas in a relatable and impactful manner. In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, Dr. Leslie Berntsen highlights why leveraging science communication is important, as a PhD, and how embedding your results within personal stories makes science more accessible and engaging to the general public. Adding this human touch to how we talk about science allows us to bridge the gap between the scientific community and non-academic audiences.



Dr. Leslie Berntsen is a social scientist, once-and-former college professor, and the current Director of Education and Research at The Story Collider. She specializes in inclusive pedagogy, teaching social issues, and popular science communication and is the recipient of four national teaching awards from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology and the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues over a seven year period. (She tries to remain as chill about this as a person possibly can.) Leslie’s writing has been featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Science, and The Huffington Post, and you can also find the earliest drafts of her forthcoming op-eds on Twitter – which she will stubbornly continue to use until the very last server crashes. Her high school debate team once named her “Most Likely to Color-Code Her Plans to Grassroots Resistance” and she has – with no effort required – been living up to it ever since.

What we covered in the interview:

The Human Side of Science: Through her work with Story Collider, Leslie aims to highlight the human side of science by tying it to personal experiences and real-life scenarios.Career Development through Storytelling: Leslie sheds light on the value of introspection and self-awareness in developing character and career skills. Whether it is for job interviews, academic presentations, or grant applications, storytelling can be a powerful arrow in a young researcher's quiver.Story Fellows Programs: Story Collider fosters initiatives that encourage university students to use storytelling for public scholarship and science communication. These programs involve workshops where participants craft and present their science-related stories on stage.🔗See the resources section below for links!

This episode’s resources:

3 Story Collider storiesNina Christie (harm reduction researcher with a very personal connection to the work)Jaclyn Siegel (anorexia researcher dealing with her own anorexia)Rebecca Brachman (accidentally injected herself with diptheria toxin)Papers on the effects of jargon in science papersThe negative effects of jargon on readers' interest for science and scientific fluency – Shulman et al., 2020 ; Bullock et al., 2019The negative effect of jargon in paper titles on citation – Martinez et al., 2021Leslie's socialsWebsite: leslie-bern.com/contactTwitter: @leslie_bern Carrier pigeon sent to her home 🕊️The Story ColliderListen to the podcastAttend a live show in any of the Home Stage citiesLearn more about their educational programming + plot with them to help bring a STEM storytelling fellowship program to your university: workshops@storycollider.org 

Thank you, Leslie Berntsen!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Leslie, let her know by clicking the link below and leaving her a message on Linkedin:Send Leslie Berntsen a thank you message on Linkedin!Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!



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You might also like the following episodes:

Sue Ashford – Preparing for life as a PhDJessica Schleider  –Dealing With Mental Unrest in Graduate SchoolJonathan Adler – Avoiding Career Narrative PitfallsGloria Mark – Optimizing Focus and AttentionAs alw...

This week on Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD, I am bringing you a listener favorite about the imposter phenomenon in academia and beyond – my Season 4 conversation with Marc Reid, PhD, author of You Are Not a Fraud - A Scientist's Guide to the Imposter Phenomenon.Imposter feelings are ubiquitous in graduate school and throughout your career, especially after pivots into a new position or a new space.Marc has put a lot of thought into this question and I am super grateful he could come on the show and share his experience dealing with imposter feelings in his own life as a young researcher and what drove him to write a book on the subject.Also, I'd love to get to know you better! If you have 2 minutes, please fill out the Papa PhD listener survey by clicking on this link.  Donate to the show and Support this podcast.Marc was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland.He completed his Masters and Carnegie Trust-sponsored PhD in Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde. Marc was then a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Edinburgh. During that time, he was inducted into the SciFinder Future Leaders in Chemistry programme.Marc’s independent academic career has been fuelled by prestigious Leverhulme Trust and UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships. He has held lecturing positions at the University of Bristol and the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship. In 2021, Marc completed the altMBA.His research interests include physical organic chemistry, computer vision, virtual reality, process safety, and the Imposter Phenomenon.He lives with his wife, two kids, and border terrier in 'sunny' Glasgow.

Thank you, Marc Reid!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Marc, let him know by clicking the link below and leaving him a message on LinkedIn:Send Marc Reid a thank you message on Twitter!Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!

This episode’s resources:

Marc Reid | LinkedinMarc Reid | FacebookYou Are Not a Fraud | Get Marc's bookMarc’s list of failures wouldn’t fit on a short biography (see: https://www.dr-marc-reid.com/cv-of-failures).



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You might also like the following episodes:

Martha Boeglin – Unlocking Your Thesis Writing Super Powers

Anushka Khasnobish – The Power of Mentorship During a Career Pivot

Terence Milstead – A Roadmap to Pivoting Into the Private Sector

Natalia Bielczyk – Figuring Out Where You Fit in the Job Market as a PhDAs always, if you find value in Papa PhD and in the content I bring you every week and if you're not a nerd like me and don't want to delve into Podcast 2.0, click on one of the buttons below and send some of that value back to me by becoming a supporter on Patreon or by buying me a coffee :)



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