75. Andrew Akbashev, a Scientist and Creator for Academia, on navigating academia and its challenges as a grad student, postdoc, and group lead

Once a Scientist

Episode 75. Andrew Akbashev is a Scientist and Principal Investigator at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland. He holds a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Drexel University and completed a postdoc at Stanford University. If you're not already, follow him on LinkedIn, X or YouTube for insights into navigating academia and science careers
Timestamps:
00:15:14 How to pick a thesis advisor
00:28:06 Evaluating student-advisor compatibility
00:36:31 When doing a postdoc makes sense
00:52:15 How to offer more career opportunities to PhDs
01:12:01 How to incentivize higher risk research
01:20:27 Increasing communication skills among scientists
01:25:21 Role of social media in science
01:26:32 The pressures many group leaders face
01:34:00 Importance of mentorship and the need for strong mentors in public forums
01:41:31 Fostering a collaborative (rather than competitive) mindset

Chapters

1. 75. Andrew Akbashev, a Scientist and Creator for Academia, on navigating academia and its challenges as a grad student, postdoc, and group lead (00:00:00)

2. How to pick a thesis advisor (00:15:14)

3. Evaluating student-advisor compatibility (00:28:06)

4. When doing a postdoc makes sense (00:36:31)

5. How to offer more career opportunities to PhDs (00:52:15)

6. How to incentivize higher risk research (01:12:01)

7. Increasing communication skills among scientists (01:20:27)

8. Role of social media in science (01:25:21)

9. The pressures many group leaders face (01:26:32)

10. Importance of mentorship and the need for strong mentors in public forums (01:34:00)

11. Fostering a collaborative (rather than competitive) mindset (01:41:31)