Roundtable on Speaking Up in Academia - Part Two

September 2, 2021·32 min·3 clips

How does virtual engagement with scientists worldwide transform PhD education and responsibilities?

This episode continues a roundtable discussion on navigating advocacy and public engagement within academic careers. Hosts from Boston University's Vitamin PhD podcast are joined by Dr. Adrienne Hollis, Dr. Astrid Kaldas of the Union of Concerned Scientists, and UCLA PhD student Rob Ulrich. The conversation builds on part one, focusing on practical strategies for scientists and graduate students. The panel examines the logistical challenges of starting advocacy organizations or active groups, including securing necessary funding. Rob Ulrich suggests that for student organizations, initial funding may not be a strict prerequisite and depends on the group's specific intentions. Dr. Hollis and Dr. Kaldas contribute perspectives from their professional work in climate justice and health science. The discussion explores how virtual connections allow engagement with global scientific networks. A recognized responsibility in higher education is to equip PhD students with broader skill sets beyond traditional research. One insight is that new platforms can provide access to information and networks that might otherwise remain unknown. The balance between securing funds to support a group's activities and its founding members is presented as a key consideration. The act of creating a space for advocacy is framed as being fundamentally tied to its intended purpose. The virtual world is highlighted as a tool for expanding collaborative possibilities across geographical boundaries. The episode positions skill-building as an integral component of modern doctoral education. The tone is conversational and advisory, blending professional experience with student perspectives. The style is practical, offering guidance for actionable steps within academic and advocacy contexts. Listeners interested in science communication, academic activism, and career development for PhDs would find this relevant. Those seeking a highly structured debate or narrative story might find the discussion too open-ended.

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