What does it actually look like to build a research career in academia while also building a life? Join AWIS Houston for an open, honest conversation with Dr. Nicole Scheff, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Principal Investigator at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Dr. Scheff’s path to independence is one worth hearing. After earning her PhD from Pitt’s Center for Neuroscience and completing a postdoctoral fellowship in oral cancer pain research at NYU College of Dentistry, she was awarded a prestigious NIH K99/R00 career development award, launching her independent lab in 2020. Her lab is uncovering something that might surprise you: nerves and cancer are more connected than we ever realized.

In this virtual fireside chat, AWIS Houston President Dr. Liz Hileman will sit down with Dr. Scheff to explore the real story behind her journey including the pivots, pressures, and practices that have helped her thrive. Topics will include:
• Navigating the transition from trainee to independent investigator
• What work-life balance actually looks like in an academic lab setting
• Lessons learned from postdoctoral training and the K99 experience
• Advice for women building careers in research and STEMM 

Whether you are a graduate student, postdoc, early-career faculty member or simply someone figuring out how to pursue ambitious work without losing yourself along the way, this conversation is for you!

Register here.