Don't miss this important panel, featuring @Notmadscientist, @acorbe2, @s_wilkinson88, + more! I'll do my best to #livetweet some highlights throughout.

http://zoom.us/j/867631774 

#doubledocs #phdchat #phdpandemic #sciencetwitter
@A_P_S_A @WinshipAtEmory @EmoryMedicine @EmoryMSTP https://twitter.com/Notmadscientist/status/1245710220292128771

Panelists include: @Notmadscientist, @BeAScientist, @acorbe2, Laura White, Derrick Morton, and @s_wilkinson88

Q1: I have a paper under review. What do I do if comments require more experiments?
A1 ( @acorbe2): some editors have increased flexibility, also up to reviewers to provide rigorous review as well as a potential path to pub w/o additional lab work, if possible

Q1 contd.
A1 ( @BeAScientist): challenging b/c reviewers can propose experiments that would improve the paper. some editors are flexible re: timelines for completing experiments, but impt for us to flexible too. Lab returning to work healthy when this is over is #priority.

Q2: tips for reading papers
A2 ( @BeAScientist + LW): set goals, keep notes. summarize authors' claims, but go one level further to ask whether you agree with claims & why, discuss w/ others. there's no amt of papers you 'should' be reading! don't put too much pressure on yourself

Q3: how will this affect trainee grants, e.g. @NIH NRSA
A3 ( @acorbe2): NIH has given guidance where you can request extensions if research has been impacted due to #COVID19. April deadlines for NRSA extended to May, K99 eligibility waivers also happening.

A3 contd ( @s_wilkinson88): @NIH seems to be doing a good job of supporting extramural researchers with flexibility in this time
A3 contd (DM): Funders ( @NIHFunding, @BWFUND) seem to be flexible, have agreed to transfer funds as I transition btw institutions to join faculty

Q4: what about postdocs looking for faculty jobs?
A4 ( @Notmadscientist): Keep doing whatever you can virtually, interviews and visits are still happening virtually as much as possible.

A4 ( @BeAScientist): there might be fewer offers available in upcoming cycles, but how depts/institutions react right now can tell you a lot about how you'd be supported there in general. also remember that where you begin as faculty does not have to be where you stay forever!

A4 ( @acorbe2): "dating" pool for faculty job search might be smaller for the next few years, but find somewhere that you can be supported and successful even if it may not be your long term/"forever" faculty home

Q5: What do I do if I had a conference presentation canceled or postponed? Can I still put it on my CV?
A5 ( @acorbe2): Include it on your CV! Just note *canceled due to #COVID19
A5 ( @Notmadscientist): You earned it! Put it on there and just note the cancellation.

A5 contd ( @BeAScientist): If you are missing out on critical #networking due to cancelled conferences, reach out to people you were hoping to meet to video or phone chat. Most people are very flexible and sympathetic right now, esp to trainees who are experiencing hardship.

Q6: for new PhD students, should #COVID19 change anything about how we choose a lab?
A6 (LW): some institutions shifting to allow delaying this decision, but similar to faculty job search, it is a great time to get a sense of PIs. How are they supporting trainees right now?

A6 contd ( @acorbe2): Attending lab mtgs and journal clubs can be a great way to get a sense of the lab -- this can still be done via @zoom_us and might even be easier logistics wise while we're all #online

A6 contd ( @BeAScientist): impt to be interested in the science, but think about how the lab will help you when things aren't going well. "is this lab going to help me be my best when things are the hardest?" this stressful, #COVID19 environment is a window into that question

A6 contd ( @Notmadscientist): problems in labs are almost never about the science, but more about communication or other issues. asking PIs and other lab members about communication is key, especially right now!

Q7: what are some strategies for maintaining mental health/coping right now?
A7 ( @BeAScientist): lessons learned from #ultramarathonrunning. take care of yourself! develop a routine, a pace that is sustainable in the long run so you don't feel depleted at the end of the day.

A7 (DM + LW): stay connected to your network, to your peers. we're going through this together! also check in with lab members, friends about things other than lab/work/productivity.

A7 ( @acorbe2): productivity is good, but the main priority is to take care of yourself, stay safe, stay healthy. sometimes that means you need a break--don't be afraid to take one.

A7 ( @s_wilkinson88): "sanity summit" check in with @sowalsky lab -- 30 minutes to check in and chat about anything other than science. can also still 'commute' to work -- go outside and take a walk = in time to normal commute. helps maintain aspects of normalcy in work day

Q8: how do I keep my personal "research program" going outside of lab?
A8 ( @acorbe2): ask PI if you can write a short commentary, review article. no pressure to do this, but a good way to continue to feel productive, work on writing, have something to appear on CV in 2020.

A8 (LW): make a list of things you could do at home, experiments you've completed and could look at in a different way, experiments you want to do when you go back. you can use this time to prepare for when you return to lab

Q9: strategies for productivity when you have childcare or other caregiving responsibilities right now?
A9 ( @acorbe2): give yourself a break, but also give others a break. faculty and trainees alike may have additional home responsibilities now, e.g. childcare, eldercare, etc.

A9 ( @Notmadscientist): it is challenging, but maintain priorities. taking care of family is always #1.

Closing thoughts from the panel: stay safe & well, we'll be back in the labs soon enough. This has shown us how incredible the scientific community can be, and seeing how this has brought out the best in many people can be a source of hope. Hang in there & take care of yourself!