science.org SCIENCEILLUSTRATION: DAVIDE BONAZZI/SALZMANARTBack in person, back to the races
NEXTGEN VOICES: ASK A PEER MENTOR
After months of remote work, many scientists have recently returned
to their labs and classrooms. We asked young scientists to act as
peer mentors by providing advice to this researcher, who feels left
behind after a diffi cult pandemic experience. In response, young
scientists ask questions to help this scientist refl ect, share their own
experiences, and o er advice about how to move forward. Read a
selection of their thoughts below. Follow NextGen Voices on Twitter
with hashtag #NextGenSci. —Jennifer Sills
Dear NextGen Voices peer mentors,
I am so excited that my university is finally allowing us to come back to work in a
semi-normal way. However, I know that some of my labmates have been exception-
ally productive during our time working remotely, publishing papers and finding
new grants. Meanwhile, I have been overwhelmed by the stress of being away from
my family, who live in a poorer country that has been hit especially hard, while also
trying to care for my young children. I haven’t published anything, and applying
for grants feels impossible. As we move forward, how can I get my already sparse
early-career CV back on track and compete with all the people who have been so
productive during this difficult time?
Sincerely, Playing Catchup
Look back with pride
What happened over these past 20
months to make you feel proud? When
the pandemic began, I worried constantly
about my students’ health; whether we
could keep their projects going as they
took on more responsibility in tighter
quarters at home; and whether my career
could survive the slowdown that would
come from setting humane expectations. I
still don’t know the answer, but I’m alive.
My family is healthy. And though my
productivity did take a serious hit, I kept
my group going and mentored a master’s
student to graduation! These were real
successes, and I’m sure you’ve had some,
too. Cherish them, and try not to dwell on
the comparisons.
Shervin Fatehi
Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas
Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA.
Email: [email protected]Have you considered that your productivity
shouldn’t be judged against your labmates
with different circumstances? I’ve also
felt like my research progress has been
stagnant at times during the pandemic.
However, I bet you made more progressLETTERS
INSIGHTS
20 7 JANUARY 2022 • VOL 375 ISSUE 6576