The author decided to leave his scientific career during a final invited lecture, the keynote address to a small scientific society. He realized that 40 years was quite enough. He needed to step aside for the next generation. After his lecture entitled, “Paradigm Shifts In Biology,” several young scientists in the audience came up to ask him, “What would you do if you were just starting your career in the biological sciences?”
He replied without hesitation:
“I would choose a trade that is needed in scientific research that could earn me a living outside of research, master it, then study mathematics and multiple branches of engineering, as cells are exquisite engineers. It's what they do!”
Academia aka The Ivory Tower is not the only road to a successful scientific career. In fact, this can be a risky endeavor given the challenges of obtaining reliable grant funding. The approach taken by the author, as detailed in this autobiography, followed a different and possibly more interesting path.
He was fortunate to find his element, pathology or the study of the nature of disease. Finding your element is a critical aspect of enjoying a life in scientific research.
This small book provides dozens of useful tips for surviving and enjoying a life in scientific research, presented as a series of stories from the author's life as a happy scientist, and Jack of all trades, master of one.
