Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Ok, I'm in...


Alright, I'm jumping on the bandwagon. After greats such as Ryanne, Sandy, and Tim, I am inspired. And why not? It seems like an appropriate time to start something like this. I am getting married in two months and my career prospects as a neuroscientist are beginning to disappear before my eyes like water through a sieve. Can I make money as a simile writer??
I do feel I'm on the verge of something. I don't know if it's poverty or just a change. We'll have to see. For those of you confused by this uncertainty I speak of, let me expound. Our current president has done wonders for scientific funding. And by wonders, I mean has taken a dump on and smeared it in real good. I'll explain...
Labs, much like mine, depend on federal funding to buy supplies and equipment and to pay the salaries of graduate students. Our lab in particular applies to NINDS (National institute of neural disorders and stroke). Before Bush came around, 30% of all grants were funded. This number has dropped to just 3%. This means that if 100 labratories ask for money, 3 will receive it. My lab is not one of the lucky 3.
Through this all, I must admit, I can't help but feel extremely lucky. Yes, I could be bitter, which is so much fun, but I can't seem to get there. Besides a wedding that looms near, I have taken this funding crunch as a possible oportunity. Maybe the lab will dissolve and maybe it won't. If it does, I feel like I'm in the very lucky position of saying "I'll be OK anyway." I'm not one of those die-hard scientists.
I can be happy if I don't do science. Hell, sometimes just the prospect of not doing science makes me smile. I could be happy doing lots of things. I could sing on broadway or be happy serving hot-dogs in one of those carts outside the theater. I have great friends and family and I won't let my job (or lack thereof) dictate my happiness. In your face like a shoe, Bush.

1 comment:

  1. Welcome to the blogging world! I must say, it is a difficult URL for anyone who struggles with the word nuero... neuroscientist... :o) I can't wait to keep up to date on your life!!!
    Yeah, Bush took a fat dump on education as well. Can you imagine what could be done if we took all of the money we dump into Iraq and put it into education and science. Let's start a movement!

    ReplyDelete