The Purpose of Your Unique Career Path

Andia Chaves Fonnegra, PH.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Wilkes Honors College/Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, FAU

What do you do when you feel defeated, frustrated and afraid? how to you find the strength to keep moving forward?

I take some minutes to breathe, meditate, and find the big picture in each situation. If I am really frustrated, I go for a swim or a run (I usually try to swim or run 3 times a week). One hour in the swimming usually allows me to see situations with clarity. During the pandemic, I have been doing yoga, meditation, and running.

What are the key indicators one should work on during PhD to make it to dream Posdoc research group? Is it GPA, good publication or anything else?

Besides having a good publication record and being a good student, it is important to network during conferences and talk to other researchers and professors during meetings, social events, and seminars. Meet people in your field, outside your research group.

How much important a Posdoc from good research group for a job in academia in desired institution?

I think it does not matter where you did your postdoc, what matters is who you are as a researcher and person, and what you are capable of doing. It is about what you can learn and apply and how do you use your learning experience as a postdoc in your future job.

Is there a central location to find available postdoc positions or do you have to go to each university website?

I found useful some lists on my specific research area (I use the CoraList and PoriferList). But recently the Indeed platform is good to find many jobs. Also, some colleagues mentioned twitter is a good place to find job postings. Check also Nature and Science journals, they have a Career section where they post jobs.

Are you allowed to take any FAU courses (may be online) during you work as a Postdoctoal fellow at FAU?

I am not sure, I think that is something you can ask the registrar office or the Postdoctoral Affairs Office.