New Faculty Institute 2016 | Rema N. Hanna, Andrew Ho, Rebecca Lemov | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Harvard faculty members offer advice on managing workload, setting priorities, and finding resources and mentorship as a scholar.

Transcript

welcome back everybody the second part of our program is going to be focusing on navigating your professional path as a scholar and we have three faculty members here to talk about some specific topics within that overall theme Rebecca Lomov is a professor of the history of science and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences looking at the history of beha... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛟 Work-life balance is a concept gaining recognition, although it may be difficult to achieve. Sacrifices may still need to be made, but it is crucial to prioritize things you love and find joy in your career and personal life.
• 👶 Engaging in academic dalliances or exploring areas beyond your department can broaden your exposure, create new research opportunities, and foster a better understanding of the university as a whole.
• 🧑‍🏫 Teaching matters in promotion and tenure but also contributes to a vibrant conversation about teaching at Harvard. Joining these conversations and sharing teaching practices can be rewarding and contribute to professional growth.
• 👩‍🔬 Utilizing resources such as small grants for research and seeking guidance from mentors are essential for junior faculty. It is particularly important for women to find mentors who can provide support and understanding in male-dominated fields.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can junior faculty at Harvard access small grants for their research?

Harvard offers a plethora of small grants targeted at junior faculty across different departments. It is important to network with senior colleagues in your department and ask them to forward grant opportunities to you. Additionally, actively seek out calls for proposals from various centers on campus.

Q: How can junior faculty find mentors at Harvard?

It is crucial for junior faculty to seek out mentors, both within their department and outside. Senior colleagues can provide valuable guidance and support, especially when facing challenges unique to your field or personal circumstances. If a mentor is not readily available, it is helpful to reach out to female faculty members or others who can offer similar support.

Q: How can junior faculty effectively manage their workload and set priorities?

Junior faculty should strive for a balance between focusing on their work and participating in visible events in their field. It is essential to prioritize publishing and completing research projects while also creating visibility through conferences, seminars, and networking opportunities. Seeking advice from senior colleagues on event selection and time management is recommended.

Q: What resources does Harvard provide for junior faculty in terms of childcare and dependent care?

Harvard's Office of Faculty Development Diversity sponsors a dependent care fund, which supports faculty members in bringing children or caregivers to conferences by subsidizing airfare. If junior faculty have questions or need guidance on childcare options or other resources, they can reach out to their department chair, academic dean, or the Office of Faculty Development Diversity.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Rebecca Lomov discusses managing workload, work-life balance, and the importance of making sacrifices for things you love in your career and personal life.

• Andrew Howe emphasizes the value of academic dalliances and exploring areas beyond your department, as well as the importance of teaching and engaging in conversations about teaching practices.

• Reema Hannah highlights the availability of small grants for junior faculty, the significance of finding mentors and seeking guidance, and the need to balance work and visibility in the field.