Science on Trial [and Error‪]‬ scienceontrialanderror

What does a Human Factors Engineer do? What can lead to a decision to exit academia, and what can drive someone to share their transition publicly? What are the do's & don'ts of job hunting?

Our guest is Ashley Ruba - an American researcher, currently working as a Human Factors Engineer at Arthrex. Ashley is also a founder of After Academia, a coach and a career strategist advising fellow PhDs seeking to transition out of academia and supporting them in launching fulfilling non-academic careers.

In this episode, Ashley provides a glimpse into her daily life and work experiences. She demystifies the world of UX Research and shares the true story behind the origins of Human Factors Engineering. Ashley and Kasia discuss the often-ignored toll of academic careers on mental health. From the pressures and toxic culture of academia to the self-rediscovery found in leaving, Ashley shares the challenges she faced for speaking out during her transition and navigating the subsequent backlash.

But this conversation isn't just about career choices - keep listening till the end where it gets even more personal and insightful. In a candid moment, Ashley reveals her recent autism diagnosis and the impact it had on her perception of self and interactions with others. Together, Kasia and Ashley engage in a heartfelt dialogue about destigmatizing health issues and advocating for workplace accommodations, emphasizing that no job is worth sacrificing mental health. As the conversation unfolds, Ashley reflects on her aspiration to write a memoir, tracing her path of growth, self-discovery, and the embrace of a growth mindset.

Tune in as Ashley offers invaluable resources, identifies common pitfalls to avoid, and imparts strategies for navigating career transitions. As Ashley said: You have all the answers that you’re looking for. Get out of your own way! Enjoy and welcome Ashley Ruba!
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If you would like to support the Podcast, you can buy me a coffee ⁠here⁠ - Thanks :)

Find Ashley and sign up for her newsletter through her website, but also on LinkedIn⁠, Twitter (X) and ⁠Instagram⁠.⁠

Ashley earned her MS and PhD in Developmental Psychology at the University of Washington in Seattle, followed by a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She decided to leave her academic career a little bit over 2 years ago. Frustrated by the job insecurity and political nature of academia, she decided to speak out rather than quietly fade away like so many others. Ashley’s candid posts detailing her career transition went viral, sparking conversations and requests for advice from hundreds of individuals in similar situations. She then briefly worked in Consulting before starting as UX Researcher at Meta.

Today, Ashley not only navigates her own career path but also extends a guiding hand to fellow PhDs. She is the founder of After Academia, a platform dedicated to offering coaching, strategic advice, and support to those seeking to transition out of academia and into fulfilling non-academic careers.

Ashley’s book recommendations: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao; $100M Offers: How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No by Alex Hormozi
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If you would like to support the Podcast, you can buy me a coffee ⁠here⁠ - Thanks :)

Look for Kasia's BookTube channel Reading In-Between ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Music and Sound Engineering: Lukasz Kowalski

What does the position of Product Manager entail? What makes someone who has a good chance of becoming a PI leave academia? How to deal with imposter syndrome during big career transitions?

Our guest is Rose De Guzman - a Filipino-American scientist, currently working as a Product Manager at Evident Scientific. Rose is a passionate advocate for making science more accessible. In her current role, she is dedicated to improving the lives of researchers. Through her mentoring initiatives, she seeks to empower women scientists and help students from historically marginalized backgrounds find their paths.

Rose and Kasia delve into the challenges of exploring diverse career paths, refining academic resumes for non-academic roles, and recount surprising experiences that can help in getting a job. They offer advice on seeking assistance, navigating potential pitfalls, and strategizing the transition process. Rose discusses her own career redirection, revealing what she discovered about herself in the journey beyond academia. In the latter part of the interview, Rose and Kasia bond over their shared experiences as first-generation Ph.D. holders. Finally, Rose shares her deep-seated motivations for giving back - to her family, her community, and society as a whole - while also sharing her big dream aspirations.

Expect laughter, honesty but also tears. Oh and books recommendations (of course). As Rose said: Sometimes it only really takes one person to change your path. Enjoy and welcome Rose de Guzman!
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Find Rose on Instagram and LinkedIn

Rose's journey began in the Philippines, where she witnessed first-hand how poverty stifled educational opportunities. Moving to the US at a young age, her family became her bedrock of strength and motivation as she pursued her scientific endeavors. She proudly stands as a first-generation PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University at Albany NY. She also pursued a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Mass General Hospital - Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Rose is the founder of two impactful mentoring initiatives: Women in Neuroscience (IG), dedicated to advancing women in the field through focus groups, webinars, and workshops, and Pathways to Science and Medicine (web), fostering connections between MGH/HMS professionals and Bunker Hill Community College students from underrepresented communities. Furthermore, she actively contributes as a Board Member for Families for Depression Awareness (IG, web)—an organization dedicated to helping families recognize and cope with depression and bipolar disorder, aiming to promote well-being and prevent suicides. She is committed to destigmatizing mental health needs, especially for students.

Rose’s book recommendations: Mommy Brain by Dr. Jodi Pawluski and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

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Follow Science on Trial [and Error] on Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

If you would like to support the Podcast, you can buy me a coffee here - Thanks :)

Look for Kasia's BookTube channel Reading In-Between ⁠here⁠.

Music and Sound Engineering: Lukasz Kowalski

Why was Science on Trial [and Error] on a long break? What is coming in the new season?

In this special Prequel episode, Kasia Kuzmicz-Kowalska opens up in a candid self-interview, addressing the reasons behind the extended break of the show. She reflects on her personal journey, navigating the challenges of completing her PhD while prioritizing her mental and physical well-being. The driving force behind the upcoming season's theme, Beyond Academia, is unveiled as Kasia shares her motivations and aspirations for the show's future direction.

Additionally, be ready to have your curiosity piqued with a sneak peek of the diverse lineup of guests scheduled for upcoming episodes and to hear about Kasia’s latest project inspired by her love for books.





Follow Science on Trial [and Error] on ⁠@Instagram⁠ and ⁠@LinkedIn
If you would like to support the Podcast, you can buy me a coffee ⁠here⁠ - Thanks :)

Look for Kasia's BookTube channel Reading In-Between here.

Music and Sound Engineering: Lukasz Kowalski

In this new introduction get to know the host of Science on Trial [and Error], Kasia Kuzmicz-Kowalska, and find out more about the podcast.
What's the idea behind the podcast? What can you expect from the new season that looks Beyond Academia?
Our new lineup spans a broad spectrum of scientific careers, ensuring there's something for everyone. Allow yourself to be inspired and stay connected with Science on Trial [and Error]!
New episodes will drop every third Monday.

Follow Science on Trial [and Error] on @Instagram and @LinkedIn.
If you would like to support the Podcast, you can buy me a coffee ⁠here⁠ - Thanks :)

Music and Sound Engineering: Lukasz Kowalski

Episode 014: Prof. Katarzyna Siuzdak is a group leader of the Laboratory of Functional Materials at IMP PAN in Gdańsk (Poland). The group researches Nanomaterials for their use in conversion of solar energy into chemical or electrical energy.
Kasia explains the differences between doing basic research and developing applicable prototypes for the market. We discuss the underrepresentation of female researchers in Technical Sciences and the need for more opportunities for early career researchers to shine. Kasia shares her views on conscious mentoring and healthy time management. She also gives tips for a successful interview and finding balance between the Popular and the Science. PLUS we cover nanotubes forests, biocompatible glucose sensors, basement science, solar cells and many more…

Enjoy listening! 

Find Kasia through her website: science-mission.pl
on Instagram: @science_mission
Facebook: @science_mission
& Twitter: @kasiasiuzdak

We are wrapping up our SPECIAL episode: I’ve been interrogating my guests for long enough and it seems only fair to give them and YOU a chance to ask me some questions. Episode015 will be featuring me spilling the truth on my scientific adventure, my future plans and many, many other things. If you’d like your question to be answered, please contact me via email: scienceontrialanderror@gmail.com or through our social media channels!

Follow Science on Trial [and Error] on Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 

#scienceontrialanderror

Episode 013: Vivien Ionasz is a biologist from Austria and a PhD student in German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg. She is currently investigating the interplay between transcription and DNA damage in neural progenitor cells in the the lab of Dr. Wei.

We talk about challenges of moving abroad for studying, fast pace of scientific research and alternatives to staying in academia after graduation. Vivien shares details of her PhD application process and admits being obsessed with CRISPR. We discuss how to keep your mental health balance in check and how endometriosis research is terribly underfunded. We also cover connection between rest and productivity, communication issues, DNA breaks, self-care books, SCREWS, German science TV shows for kids, open online courses platforms…

Check it out for yourselves and enjoy listening! 

Find Vivien on Instagram: @science.viv and Twitter: @VivienIonasz

We are planning a SPECIAL episode: I’ve been interrogating my guest for long enough and it seems only fair to give them and YOU a chance to ask ME some questions. Episode015 will be featuring me spilling the truth on my scientific adventure, my future plans and many, many other things. If you’d like your question to be answered, please contact me via email: scienceontrialanderror@gmail.com or through our social media channels!