From Postdoc to PI
The ALBA Diversity Podcast interviews neuroscientists from underrepresented groups to better understand their hurdles and victories, and what keeps them going in today’s brain research community. In season 2, with IBROs' support, we focus on the transition from postdoc to PI, highlighting the unique challenges faced by postdocs and early-career PIs worldwide. By sharing their experiences and strategies for overcoming obstacles, the podcast aims to provide valuable insights for scientists navigating this critical career stage.
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Episode 1: Facing fears by building communities
Making the leap from postdoc to group leader is both exciting and terrifying. Episode 1 offers the postdoc perspective on this journey. Renaud and Jonathan talk with Florencia, Mayank and Ashley about the fears, anxieties, and uncertainties that come with this transition. They share their personal experiences, discuss common challenges, and offer insights on how to navigate this crucial career step with confidence.
The ALBA-IBRO Diversity Podcast 'From Postdoc to PI' is organized with the support of the International Brain Research Organization, a founding partner of the ALBA Network.
Download the episode transcript.
Guests
Dr Ashley Bourke is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Erin Schuman’s lab at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt. With a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Colorado Anschutz, their research focuses on how proteins are precisely delivered within neurons to support learning and memory. Passionate about mentoring, they advocate for personalized guidance and diversity in STEM, founding the WiSTEM group to support women in science. 
Dr Mayank Chugh is a Visiting Assistant Professor in Biology and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies at William & Mary. A first-generation college graduate from India, his work explores developmental biology while integrating science, art, and social change. He is the founder of the ReForm Lab, promoting equity and inclusion in academia. 
Dr Florencia Fernandez-Chiappe is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Younger Lab at Boston University, where she studies mosquito olfactory circuits using electrophysiology. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Buenos Aires, researching how GABAergic circuits regulate sleep in Drosophila. She is a Pew Latin American Fellow and a BU Distinguished Fellow and is actively involved in science outreach and advocacy for early-career researchers.
Audio transcriptions are available under the description of each episode.
The Lonely Pipette
Our hosts this season are Renaud Pourpre and Jonathan Weitzman from the Lonely Pipette.
The Lonely Pipette is a podcast where scientists share tips to help you do better science. The episodes include conversations with researchers around the world. Renaud Pourpre and Jonathan Weitzman talk to inspiring people to learn about their habits and recommendations for all scientists.
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The ALBA-IBRO Diversity Podcast season 2 is organized with the support of the International Brain Research Organization, a founding partner of the ALBA Network.
