Reflections on the Scientific Journey

Science is often portrayed as a linear path of discovery, but the reality is far messier—and far more interesting.

The Non-Linear Path

When I started my PhD, I thought I knew exactly where I was headed. Five years later, my research had taken turns I never anticipated:

• Failed experiments that led to unexpected discoveries
• Collaborations that opened new doors
• Setbacks that taught me resilience

Finding Community

One of the most valuable aspects of my journey has been finding community:

“Science is not a solo endeavor. It’s a conversation across time and space with everyone who has asked similar questions.”

Building Networks

For me, community has come from:

• Graduate student associations
• Conference connections
• Online science communities
• Advocacy work in STEM equity

Lessons Learned

Some things I wish I’d known earlier:

1. Imposter syndrome is almost universal — Even successful scientists struggle with self-doubt
2. Failure is data — Every failed experiment teaches you something
3. Work-life balance matters — Burnout doesn’t produce good science
4. Your voice matters — Diverse perspectives strengthen research

Looking Forward

As I continue in my career, I’m focused on:

• Mentoring the next generation
• Advocating for inclusive science
• Communicating research to broader audiences
• Staying curious

---

This post is part of my Reflections series where I share thoughts on the human side of science.