Learning with Llamas

Behind most stories of successful individuals in science there is a mind-blowing amount of random kicks and coincidences that had to happen to keep them on track. An initial inspiration can set us in this track, but it must be followed by a constant renewal of passion and purpose along the way. Set-backs and road blocks occur, and we all need a support system that can help us navigate through them. Daunting thoughts and experiences can make us feel unwelcomed, unappreciated, as impostors, as those who don't belong. Cracks in core knowledge that form during undergraduate education can grow and create ripples that can knock us down from our graduate education, or later during early career stages. As a diverse group of individuals, we don't share the same experiences either, in such a way that what works for some will not help others.

During this talk we will explore several approaches that we are taking to address this multi-faceted problem, including the creation and maintainance of online resources and platforms, courses to bring graduate students up to speed, informal talks series by professors and staff to highlight the various professional paths in science, open discussions to normalize the conversation about disprutive behaviors, and other efforts to support academic and community developments. The main objective of the talk will be to inspire the expansion and adaptation of these approaches by other institutions, such that together we can reduce the amount of random luck needed for everyone to succeed in science.