Reflections and Intended Career

Reflections and My career 
I pondered when I started reading the paper “The importance of Stupidity at Scientific research” and started questioning myself about how the science proven by scientific investigation is stupid.  However, I was totally agreed with him after I finished reading the whole article. The statement stupidity is an existential fact, inherent in our efforts to push our way into the unknown” (Schwartz, 2008) clarifies the importance of stupidity at research. He cited the example of his friend who drop out from graduate school and choose lawyer as his profession to elucidate its importance. The new scientific discoveries are almost impossible without being stupid. That’s why he clarified that student’ who scores good grades doesn’t mean that they can accomplish research successfully.  It’s true that science is looking for smart people but he clarified that “fascination with understanding the physical world and an emotion need to discover new things has to enter into too (Schwartz, 2008)” is important rather than grades to accomplish research as career. Similarly, as he said we are expert on our own strengthen my enthusiasm to continue research as future career.

Similarly, I pondered and started questioning on my own when I started reading the latter two articles “How to succeed in science: a concise guide for young biomedical scientists. Part I and part II I and I am  kind of lost thinking about my career. Some questions like will I be happy choosing research as career, where I will see me after 25yrs from now and so on. This article made me think at minute level. Of course I have passion towards research and I also know that research is my field but his writing made me more prepared for future.  Research needs overwhelming interest to accomplish project. In fact, his information is overwhelming to junior scientists and undergraduates willing to continue research as their profession.  The information he has given may discourage smart and dedicated students. It’s never bad to provide useful tips to get success such as choosing mentor, self-esteem yourself, choosing the program and getting advice from advisors to accomplish goal. It’s even positive to give details on these subject matters. However, he talked in-depth about PI, Postdoctoral, getting faculty position and research grants. His writing is more to frustrate iluustrating the difficulty level at concrete level which might be discouraging.  I do support his ideas that life of researcher depends on serendipity; however, it’s our responsibility to shape our serendipity. This article clicks my mind on how to place on the top of others to at this field.  On part II he suggests that teachers are responsible for introducing the techniques being involved in research. Well, this is true that beginner junior scientists need assistance from teachers. This is proved by J-term class I am currently taking where Dr. Moser help is really appreciable   to accomplish our project.  Well, I am always pessimistic about my future. These three articles has prepared me physical, mentally and emotionally. Though, I found Yewdell paper overwhelming for beginners like us but in reality it energized me.  It gave me the opportunity to get prepared from now so that I can put on top of others.  

References

http://cartoons.spuriousmonkey.com/life-of-lab-animals-cartoon-biology-or-medicine/

Schartz, Martin A. “The Importance of Stupidity in Science”. Journal of Cell Science121, 1771 2008

Yewdell, Jonathan W. "How to Succeed in Science: a Concise Guide for Young Biomedical Scientists. Part I: Taking the Plunge." Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 9.5 (2008): 413-16. Print.

Yewdell, Jonathan W. "Access : How to Succeed in Science: a Concise Guide for Young Biomedical Scientists. Part II: Making Discoveries : Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology."