How important is it to be productive to succeed in academia? And what about being creative?

In this episode, we once again have the pleasure talking to Prof. Fredrik Höök, Professor of Nano and Biophysics, at the Department of Physics at Chalmers University of technology. Prof. Hook was our guest in episode 29. Then we had an interesting conversation around several aspects related to research and life in science. At the end of the session, there were still lots of questions that I was curious to ask, and fortunately, Prof. Hook kindly agreed to continue the discussion in an additional episode. This time, we talk about some of the challenges of an academic career path and how to strategically relate to these.

We pick up the conversation essentially where we left it - Prof. Hook had just mentioned that he decided to go for a career in science despite all the risks and uncertainties involved. We talk about what those uncertainties are, and how they can be addressed and related to. We also discuss the potential need for a backup plan, the role productivity, inspiration, and if it is important to be creative to succeed with an academic career. Prof. Hook shares his best advice to those of you that dream about pursuing a career in science but who hesitate, or think it seems too risky. He also shares his view on what personal qualities that are needed to be successful in academia.

Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

What is an initial value problem? And why do many of us find mathematical modelling so challenging?

In this episode, we again have the honor of talking to Prof. Marina Axelson-Fisk, Professor in Mathematical Statistics at Chalmers University of Technology.

This is the third time Prof. Axelson-Fisk is a guest in Science on Surfaces – tips, tricks and tools, and this time she shares some of her vast knowledge on mathematical modelling and how this is used in science.

As always, we started with the basics and Prof. Axelson-Fisk explained what mathematical modelling is, when it is typically used, and what is important to consider when doing this type of analysis. Prof. Axelson-Fisk also described a few examples of common models and their characteristics, how to improve a model and how to find the set of parameter values that best fit the data. We also talked about assumptions, limitations, and validation, as well as challenges encountered when modelling, and pitfalls to avoid. She also shared her thoughts are on why so many of us find modelling so challenging and how this limiting barrier can be addressed. This episode really is packed with information.

Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

What is life in research like? How ambitious and performance-oriented do you have to be to do a PhD? And - what is the difference between Food science and Food engineering?

I this episode, we talk to Dr. Holly Huellemeier, Graduate Research Assistant at the Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering at the Ohio State University, to learn more about what it is like to spend years in research to earn a doctoral degree.

At the time of the recording, Dr. Huellemeier had just graduated and was preparing to take on a postdoc overseas. With the experience fresh in mind, she generously shared some of her insights and perspectives on her years as a PhD student. We talked about why she decided to go for a career in science, what a typical day looked like, what aspects she enjoyed the most and what she found challenging. We also talked about her research project which was on the mechanisms of fouling and cleaning during thermal milk processing, and she also explained what the difference between food science and food engineering is. Finally, Dr. Huellemeier shared some advice to those of you who are considering doing a Ph.D.

Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog