Research culture encompasses the behaviors, values, expectations, attitudes and norms of our research communities. It influences researchers’ career paths and determines the way that research is conducted and communicated.
Thriving in the Training Environment (THRIVE)
What are the skills and values that trainees need, not only to succeed in research, but to thrive and become the next generation of leading researchers in their fields? The goal of THRIVE is to develop sustainable resources and training at YSM to equip scientists with communication skills and self-advocacy tools to successfully navigate the daily challenges of working in a highly competitive and complex research environment.
THRIVE provides opportunities for pre- and postdoctoral trainees to explore and discuss the personal challenges of navigating academic and research culture. These include discussions with peers to examine and learn about interpersonal relationships, emotional intelligence, and to develop skills that promote self-efficacy through case-based examples that are unique to the research laboratory setting.
Workshops
The THRIVE series will have four 90-minute workshops at noon (lunch will be served) below which combine didactic and case-based discussions on the following topics:
| Date | Location | Title | Webinar Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, April 1, 2022 12:00-1:30 pm | TBD | COMMUNICATION: A foundation for leadership & success | Communicating well is at the core of success in your professional and personal life. This workshop will explore how different communication and personality styles affect how you convey your message and how your message is received. Especially in a hierarchical environment like the lab, having a clear and coherent voice is essential to advocating for oneself, having difficult conversations without anxiety, or setting expectations and boundaries. |
| Friday, April 8, 2022 12:00-1:30 pm | TBD | Feedback Resilience | Receiving negative feedback can be difficult, painful, and even debilitating. In this workshop you will learn how to get the most out of feedback no matter how well or poorly it is delivered. At the same time, you will understand better how to deliver effective feedback to others. |
| Friday, April 22, 2022 12:00-1:30 pm | TBD | Managing Expectations | Attendees at this workshop will learn tools for approaching the high expectations of being a student or postdoc in a research lab at Yale as well managing the sometimes unrealistic and unreasonable expectations others have of us. |
| Friday, April 29, 2022 12:00-1:30 pm | TBD | Navigating Wellness | This workshop will provide skills development exploring an interactive model supporting well-being, diving into cognitive distortions and imposter fears, navigating negative self-talk and the connections between our thoughts, emotions and behaviors using the concept of growth mindset, and discovering Acceptance Compassion Theory utilizing mindfulness practices |
Drop-In Journaling and Chat
Journaling is a powerful tool to reflect upon your thoughts, experiences and emotions and get you on your way to healthy habits! Journaling can be a prive, self-directed activity, but it is often helpful to do it together as a group project. All you need to start is a pen or pencil and some paper--we'll even give you a journal, a pen and some prompts to get started! Victoria Rai, a 2nd-year PhD student in the Cellular & Molecular Physiology Department and Milind Sing, a 5th- year PhD student in Cell Biology are our Peer Ambassadors who will share their journaling time, experiences, and tips with other students and postdocs who struggle to make the time for this important activity.
About Us
The content of these workshops is based upon the “Becoming a Resilient Scientist” webinar series developed by Dr. Sharon Milgram, Director of the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education (NIH OITE). The 2022 pilot series is funded by an NIH supplement to MSTP T32 GM136651, and supported through the collaborative efforts of the MD-PhD Program, the BBS Program, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the YSM Medical Student Health and Wellness Program.
Thrive Workshop Facilitators
Associate Dean for the Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Director of Postdoctoral Affairs; Administrative Director of Biological & Biomedical Sciences Program; BBS Administrative Director
Questions?
Please contact Reiko Fitzsimonds