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A little competitiveness can be an excellent thing, but too much can produce an environment that's unhealthy for science--and scientists.

Your best weapon is focused, methodical, patient effort.

Starting the conference well-prepared and maintaining a proper balance between presentations and coffee breaks can make your conference experience a source of inspiration.

Your writing should reflect the same clarity and concision as your research.

It's worthwhile to throw a party every now and then. Apart from the fun involved, it is a great way to celebrate your success and acknowledge your co-workers.

“Used properly, this tool will encourage you, and your lab mates, to operate outside your normal mode of thinking.”

It's a safe bet that some people in your lab are a lot different from you. A first step in getting along with your lab mates (or anyone, for that matter) is acknowledging that they may be hard-wired to approach problems in a certain way.

"A mentor has many characteristics but must first and foremost care about your professional development and have an interest in guiding younger scientists as they move through their careers."

Value these moments of interaction with your supervisor. … If you are well-prepared, progress-review meetings will make a magnificent contribution to achieving your main goal, the completion of your research projects.

You may discover that lab technicians or the person ordering supplies can profoundly affect the course of your research and the quality of your experience, so be sure to give everyone the respect that they deserve.

The last year of your Ph.D. is distinctly different from the ones that have come before it, because you'll focus primarily on transforming your hard work into thesis chapters.

Like any big undertaking, writing a thesis is easier if you break it down into smaller steps.

Whatever your working style, planning and time management have a definite place in your daily life in the lab.

An honest evaluation will help you identify the work patterns and obstacles that are slowing you down.

With the spotlight on you, it's tempting to try to impress your audience with an avalanche of data and plenty of bells and whistles.

If you learn how to cope with contrary colleagues early in your career, particularly in the competitive atmosphere of a lab, you will develop valuable coping and people-management skills that will serve you time and again, wherever your career path takes you.

"Learning to survive and thrive once you are pulled out of your comfort zone is an experience that will benefit you for the rest of your life."

For those making the transition from academia, the values and culture inherent in the nonprofit world may offer an exciting and rewarding career choice.

Solving a corporate problem is not much different from solving a scientific problem.

A thesis defense is a cross between an exam and a ceremony.