The next several posts will be SfN-centric, as it is my first year of both attending and presenting and I am teeming with fledgling excitement. So that I am not undone by the insidious and unrealistic lure to see and do everything, I have been following the guidance of a few Neurobloggers and of my boss.
After going through the almost innumerable legions of posters and symposia in the Meeting Planner by session, then doing separate name and keyword searches, I realized that getting the most out of every one of the many hundreds of titles I had ear marked was just not realistic. Though I have not slimmed down my itinerary, I have taken the sage advice of The Neuro Dilettante, and acknowledged that even if I visit all the posters on my itinerary, I will have only seen a minute fraction of what this mass international gathering has to offer, and that is fine.
I am told that many first-timers (mostly grad students) burn out within the first two days attempting to see and learn about everything. In the interest of surviving the entire week, I will not be rushing about with my laptop or busily scratching volumes of notes. Instead, the most key research conclusions or methodology along with contact information will be incorporated into my notepad. And if I happen to spend a little extra time at the posters presented by the PI's with whom I'm interested in doing my PhD work (in two years, universe willing)... so be it.
And I intend to exploit the free give-aways of the vendors who have taken the time to email me with specific requests for demonstration and face time. Can one have too many key chain laser pointers or letter openers?
I will also be equipped with thumb tacks, mini-poster hand-outs, sharpies, bottled water, a sweater (yes, though San Diego will be between 70-80 degrees the convention center is kept at a chill), and convention center floor plans.
Following the high of seeing Glen Close, heroine of my childhood, on Saturday afternoon, the Navigating the Meeting seminar may be just the thing to settle me into conference mode -- I highly recommend this tool, especially for those who do not yet have plans of attack. I intend to be a SfN Ninja by the end of this.
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
On Choosing a Publishing Name
I decided in high school, after finally getting my signature to a state of calligraphic excellence, that it was a sign this name was truly mine and I would never lose my last name.
However, as a huge fan of historical record keeping and genealogical efficiency, and out of solidarity with my very-soon-to-be husband, I would like to have his last name as well.
I am now faced with imminent marriage and the simultaneous publishing of my first science journal article, and must decide how I will define myself professionally. This decision has seen weeks of emotional turmoil though the obvious solution, simple and logical, took a while to sit right.
As a research scientist, I want to be identifiable and easily associated with my work. My maiden name is so Ellis Island-unique that there is not another soul on earth who has it to whom I am not related. I would like to continue being affiliated with my clan (read: my clan is notoriously and hazardously crazy, and it is not so much the affiliation to them as to my father, and to honor my parents, that is a strong need). My fiance's last name is strong, but ever-so-common.
This is the obvious and logical decision:
Legally: Maiden HisLast
Socially: HisLast
Professionally: Maiden
My point of contention has been whether or not to use both of our names in publications. If my pen name is solely my maiden name, I am ignoring his profound role in my accomplishments (read: without such support and enthusiasm for my own ambition and ardor, my productivity would certainly be less colorful). However, if I use both of our names professionally, the uniqueness of my maiden name is countered by the addition of his common one.
Does it make a name less strong to have two parts? In terms of identity, I don't think so. But in terms of a pen name, it does help them to compliment one another: our last names do not compliment one another. This clash is the caveat. Perhaps it is mostly because I am new to the idea, or perhaps it is because (as an amateur script editor for a film maker) I know that a character's name is strongest and most memorable when it does not trail on being degraded by mumbling as a telomere by replication.
Ultimately, the name is mine and if at least part of it is memorable in publication, then I am satisfied. And if we have children along the line, they will take his name, because history has enough obstacles to accuracy without having to negotiate when names were anagramed, traded or ultra-hyphenated. Therefore:
Legally: Maiden HisLast
Socially: HisLast
Professionally: Maiden HisLast
However!
At this point in the rationale, the fiance himself finally feels it appropriate to chime in again. His original wish was that I take his name. However, his evolved stance is that anyone who knows me well enough on a social/personal level for me to care will know me as Mrs HisLast or Dr Maiden. Therefore, rather than have my pen name be Maiden HisLast, he votes for the original scenario of a solitary, solid last professional name. Therefore, the final consensus is:
Legally: Maiden HisLast
Socially: HisLast
Professionally: Maiden
However, as a huge fan of historical record keeping and genealogical efficiency, and out of solidarity with my very-soon-to-be husband, I would like to have his last name as well.
I am now faced with imminent marriage and the simultaneous publishing of my first science journal article, and must decide how I will define myself professionally. This decision has seen weeks of emotional turmoil though the obvious solution, simple and logical, took a while to sit right.
As a research scientist, I want to be identifiable and easily associated with my work. My maiden name is so Ellis Island-unique that there is not another soul on earth who has it to whom I am not related. I would like to continue being affiliated with my clan (read: my clan is notoriously and hazardously crazy, and it is not so much the affiliation to them as to my father, and to honor my parents, that is a strong need). My fiance's last name is strong, but ever-so-common.
This is the obvious and logical decision:
Legally: Maiden HisLast
Socially: HisLast
Professionally: Maiden
My point of contention has been whether or not to use both of our names in publications. If my pen name is solely my maiden name, I am ignoring his profound role in my accomplishments (read: without such support and enthusiasm for my own ambition and ardor, my productivity would certainly be less colorful). However, if I use both of our names professionally, the uniqueness of my maiden name is countered by the addition of his common one.
Does it make a name less strong to have two parts? In terms of identity, I don't think so. But in terms of a pen name, it does help them to compliment one another: our last names do not compliment one another. This clash is the caveat. Perhaps it is mostly because I am new to the idea, or perhaps it is because (as an amateur script editor for a film maker) I know that a character's name is strongest and most memorable when it does not trail on being degraded by mumbling as a telomere by replication.
Ultimately, the name is mine and if at least part of it is memorable in publication, then I am satisfied. And if we have children along the line, they will take his name, because history has enough obstacles to accuracy without having to negotiate when names were anagramed, traded or ultra-hyphenated. Therefore:
Legally: Maiden HisLast
Socially: HisLast
Professionally: Maiden HisLast
However!
At this point in the rationale, the fiance himself finally feels it appropriate to chime in again. His original wish was that I take his name. However, his evolved stance is that anyone who knows me well enough on a social/personal level for me to care will know me as Mrs HisLast or Dr Maiden. Therefore, rather than have my pen name be Maiden HisLast, he votes for the original scenario of a solitary, solid last professional name. Therefore, the final consensus is:
Legally: Maiden HisLast
Socially: HisLast
Professionally: Maiden
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Limitation is a creation of the mind.
Explain the meaning of the statement above. Describe a specific situation in which limitation may, in fact, be quite realistic. Discuss what you think determines when limitation is real and when it is an illusion created by ones psyche.
There is a sturdy platform bridged between the concept of motivation and the achievements it fosters. In the spirit of optimism, there is a school of thought where the only obstacles between oneself and said achievements are the illusions self-created out of doubt and fear. Painting achievement in this light, it is certain that once confidence reigns anything is possible. Unfortunately, there are circumstances in which limitation is quite real, and emerges in a physical form independent of human confidence.
We will examine the case of a young prospective medical student determined to embark on the ravaging adventure of an MSTP dual degree. Wide eyed, and naive of the particular tolls this endeavor will take on her body and mind, she allows herself to be swept into a realm of fantasy in which all the agonizing training is over. She is the proud and excited principle investigator of a neurodegenerative diseases laboratory where multiple studies are undertaken based on the peculiarities she sees in her diagnostically impossible patients. It was all very well worth it, she thinks - now being in her mid-thirties and about to spring a small family into operation, Boxer puppy and all. The limitations were nowhere to be seen; simple incorrigible self-motivation drove her through eight years of MSTP and three more of residency with but a few bouts of fatigue and scratches to her otherwise-intact ego. She got through it all believing that her only limitations were those she imposed on herself through doubt, self-degradation and fear of incompetence. All of these were easily over-ridden by stepping aside to remind herself of her dreams and her ability to see their fruition. ...right?
Well, sadly there are several real limitations to ones ability to succeed in such endeavors. It is not always the case that young prospectives like our optimistic case study can nullify the limitations of their minds with pep-talks and meditation. There are cases where limitation is not illusion, but reality. Our young prospective MSTP student neglected to inform you that she suffers from Crohn's disease and IBS, two conditions which render her indisposed for up to two days at a time at unpredictable frequency. She did not mention that the numbers by which she was to be assessed in qualification for the MSTP dual degree were unformidable, and by no means set her application aglow. She refused to admit to herself that her intelligence was an obstacle, and she refused to resign to her health as a legitimate hole in her stairway to paradise. These, however, were real limitations. It was, in fact, their neglect that was the self-imposed illusion. And so, the young prospective MSTP student was forced to re-enter the present time and condition in order to assess on a more grounded level whether her limitations were real or surmountable.
She remains in limbo, ruminating over and over the possible outcomes of strength of spirit versus strength of body and intellect. It is here where limitation becomes real and must be faced with the understanding that a different stairway may need to be built in order to ascend to that golden future amongst glowing MD-PhDs and their radiating achievements.
Writing Sample #1
00:28:32
There is a sturdy platform bridged between the concept of motivation and the achievements it fosters. In the spirit of optimism, there is a school of thought where the only obstacles between oneself and said achievements are the illusions self-created out of doubt and fear. Painting achievement in this light, it is certain that once confidence reigns anything is possible. Unfortunately, there are circumstances in which limitation is quite real, and emerges in a physical form independent of human confidence.
We will examine the case of a young prospective medical student determined to embark on the ravaging adventure of an MSTP dual degree. Wide eyed, and naive of the particular tolls this endeavor will take on her body and mind, she allows herself to be swept into a realm of fantasy in which all the agonizing training is over. She is the proud and excited principle investigator of a neurodegenerative diseases laboratory where multiple studies are undertaken based on the peculiarities she sees in her diagnostically impossible patients. It was all very well worth it, she thinks - now being in her mid-thirties and about to spring a small family into operation, Boxer puppy and all. The limitations were nowhere to be seen; simple incorrigible self-motivation drove her through eight years of MSTP and three more of residency with but a few bouts of fatigue and scratches to her otherwise-intact ego. She got through it all believing that her only limitations were those she imposed on herself through doubt, self-degradation and fear of incompetence. All of these were easily over-ridden by stepping aside to remind herself of her dreams and her ability to see their fruition. ...right?
Well, sadly there are several real limitations to ones ability to succeed in such endeavors. It is not always the case that young prospectives like our optimistic case study can nullify the limitations of their minds with pep-talks and meditation. There are cases where limitation is not illusion, but reality. Our young prospective MSTP student neglected to inform you that she suffers from Crohn's disease and IBS, two conditions which render her indisposed for up to two days at a time at unpredictable frequency. She did not mention that the numbers by which she was to be assessed in qualification for the MSTP dual degree were unformidable, and by no means set her application aglow. She refused to admit to herself that her intelligence was an obstacle, and she refused to resign to her health as a legitimate hole in her stairway to paradise. These, however, were real limitations. It was, in fact, their neglect that was the self-imposed illusion. And so, the young prospective MSTP student was forced to re-enter the present time and condition in order to assess on a more grounded level whether her limitations were real or surmountable.
She remains in limbo, ruminating over and over the possible outcomes of strength of spirit versus strength of body and intellect. It is here where limitation becomes real and must be faced with the understanding that a different stairway may need to be built in order to ascend to that golden future amongst glowing MD-PhDs and their radiating achievements.
Writing Sample #1
00:28:32
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