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"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?"

I successfully figured out an incomprehensible map of the underground while wondering who would be in the audience and if they would subject me to a tough interrogation.

"I've decided to break all the rules. I'm tackling the whole thing in one go."

"My reputation in the eyes of the very people who could determine my future may be at stake, but we postdocs would be very foolish indeed if we only pursued one opportunity at a time."

My euphoria at being a scientist raises the disturbing question of how I might cope with, well, not being a scientist anymore.

"Expressing a willingness to learn more or admitting a small weakness will make you appear honest."

"Even if the tune in your head is 'You can keep your hat on', never, ever succumb to the temptation to strip, even just a little bit."

"Push on to complete individual tasks rather than spinning plates, because task completion equals your stress level coming down a notch or two."

Temporary unemployment presents an unparalleled chance for change and for wiping your slate clean.

Remind yourself constantly that the reason you get up in the morning is to write scientific papers.