Category Archives: Daily routines

How many hours a week can you work on research?

Posted on February 19, 2017 by Joan E. Strassmann

What are my colleagues around the world doing on this Sunday, a brilliantly sunny February day too warm for a jacket in St. Louis? Are they out hiking, bird watching, or cooking a delicious meal? Are they playing with their … Continue reading →

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Mindfulness of the day: what are you getting done?

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Joan E. Strassmann

In preschool, it is much more effective to offer a new toy to tussling children than to try to reason them out of the competition. Maybe our careers need some new toys too. At least we might need frequent moments … Continue reading →

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Why are deadlines so important?

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Joan E. Strassmann

I know I would have finished the paper I’m currently writing if I had a firmer deadline. I know I’ll finish the next one on time that does have a deadline. I’m not a procrastinator, so why do I need … Continue reading →

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Great irresponsibility, or great organization?

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Joan E. Strassmann

Sometimes it is easier to just do whatever tasks stream at you through the incessant flow of email than to work on the conceptually difficult, important, long term research papers. At other times you want to scream and throw things … Continue reading →

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Why you shouldn’t live in your office

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Joan E. Strassmann

Imagine a rent-free abode with heating, cooling, internet, and perhaps even a telephone. There’s somewhere to buy food nearby and a microwave for cooking. This place is right by your place of work. In fact, it is your place of … Continue reading →

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Organizing your research life

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Joan E. Strassmann

Melanie said she was always working, though she wasn’t always at the lab. How, if you are a scientist, can you just stop thinking about ideas? Of course you can’t. Some of the best ideas get written in those little … Continue reading →

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Where can I fill my water bottle?

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Joan E. Strassmann

The solutions to simple problems are often best solved by asking around. This was the case today as I hunted for a place to refill my water bottle after a hot bike ride in. Yes, they drink the tap water … Continue reading →

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