PhD Innovation Beyond the Bench

I still get an adrenaline rush from memories of those fleeting moments as a researcher when I discovered some new bit of knowledge no one else yet knew. I loved the scientific discovery process and everything that went with that: innovation, critical thinking and experimenting to test a novel hypothesis to an important problem not-yet-solved.

But during the course of my post-doc fellowship I realized I had interests beyond the bench and that my passion for research discovery wouldn't be enough to sustain me on the traditional research path that I was classically trained to do. I discovered my many interests were more of the "mile wide, inch deep" variety, whereas a career in research seemed to demand the opposite.

My realization was both liberating and depressing - I was free to set my own path but mourned what I believed to be the loss (or waste!) of the skills I'd developed over years in the laboratory. Much like the Golden Temple picture above, I was initially focused on the tangible structure I'd built through hard technical skills and knowledge. But eventually I realized that it was actually the reflection of the Golden Temple that made the picture truly beautiful to me. And in a similar fashion, the knowledge and experiences gained as a researcher were transferrable to a career away from the bench. For example:

• Critical thinking to generate and solve hypotheses
• Resilience and persistence in the face of setbacks
• A willingness to experiment and make new mistakes
• Thoughtful analysis of complex problems and data
• Ability to give and receive critical feedback

After exploring and interviewing for several non-research opportunities, I started my career away from the bench 11 years ago this month with the American Heart Association as a Senior Science Manager. Over the ensuing years, I have had nearly endless opportunities to learn and grow as a professional while working with smart, dedicated staff and an amazing network of global volunteers who are all committed to a shared goal of increasing survival from cardiac arrest and first aid emergencies.

I am proud that the AHA funds over $130M per year in cardiovascular disease and stroke research as we desperately need additional discoveries to accomplish our mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. And I am proud of all of the researchers that we are able to support in pursuit of that mission.

I am sharing, and will continue to share, my thoughts and updates on my experiences away from the bench to spur discussion and dialogue for those that have, or are contemplating, similar career decisions. And to the extent I can be a resource to help you have a similar impact away from the bench I am happy to help as there are so many opportunities and challenges awaiting creative and innovative solutions, both inside and outside of the research laboratory!