New 'Ph.D. Pathways' Videos Feature Early-Career Scientists

By Madeline McCurry-Schmidt

Early-career scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) are getting in front of the camera to share their research and career advice in the new “Ph.D. Pathways” video series. 

“We thought it would be a great way to showcase some of the graduate students and postdocs in interesting leadership roles,” said Jean Branan, a program coordinator for TSRI’s Career and Postdoctoral Services. Branan films and edits the video series, which is hosted on the TSRI YouTube channel.

Since starting the project in June, Branan and her colleagues have produced four videos with career development tips for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and others interested in working in science.

Arryn Craney, a postdoctoral researcher in the Romesberg lab, was featured in a recent “Ph.D. Pathways” video. In the video, Craney explains the basics of her research (how bacteria evolve a certain form of resistance) and talks about her role as president of TSRI’s Society of Fellows.

Craney hopes the video series will inspire young people, especially women, to consider earning a Ph.D. “It’s important to humanize research so people are interested in doing their Ph.D. or academic research in general,” she said.

Speaking on camera has also been a good learning experience for the scientists involved. Jessica Sheu-Gruttadauria, a graduate student studying structural biology and biochemistry in the MacRae lab, was featured in the latest “Ph.D. Pathways” video. In the video, Sheu-Gruttadauria talks about the opportunities she’s had as a project leader for the employee volunteer group ScrippsAssists.

Sheu-Gruttadauria said the video interview helped her practice explaining her research to the public. “Outreach like this helps with communication skills, interpersonal skills and other skills you don’t often practice in the lab,” said Sheu-Gruttadauria.

Upcoming videos in the series will focus on junior scientists at Scripps Florida and TSRI alumni working in the biomedical industry.

Send comments to: press[at]scripps.edu