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A key indicator of your ‘lab cred’ is whether people you’ve never met know who you are when you first meet them.

We'd only been given a few weeks to respond with our amended ms. If we missed the window, we'd have to start the submission process all over again.

In the game of science, we need to be calculated risk takers, consciously trying to get into scoring positions.

"Admit that sooner or later you need to be yourself when you're at work--and that's when you'll start to enjoy it."

Part of becoming a successful scientist is building up your own portfolio of ideas: experiments you'd love to do if you ever get the time (and money).

You are asked a particularly awkward question after your conference presentation. Do you: a) Blurt out 'I was afraid someone would ask that question.'

"Start to negotiate with your boss about your project aims, your workload, anything."

If you read things at face value and don't wise up to the hidden meanings in paper-speak, you might get left behind.

"You want your student to be able to turn the handle and watch at least some decent results slowly emerge."

"Scientists might be portrayed as geeks, but a successful one certainly has to be a people person."

"There is always a local wave to catch (often with some money floating in it), and you need to get yourself and your surfboard right in there."

It’s amazing how often I’ve sat next to a famous face on the way to a conference.

You want things to run smoothly and students to get the message, not to stick to your schedule at all costs.

"Teachers everywhere are gagging for enthusiastic support."

Most other scientists will be far more interested in what
they think your results mean than in what you think they mean.

So I asked myself, "What is an undergraduate practical meant to achieve, and how do you prepare a successful one?"