Q&A

Policy and Communications Manager Genetics Society of America ASHG: How can trainees gain experience in your field while doing research? What steps are necessary for trainees to get involved in your field? Dr. Poston: Trainees can get experience in communication through community outreach and blogging. A key component of outreach is translating scientific concepts to non-scientists.... Read More

Associate Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, P.C. ASHG: What non-scientific skills (communication, artistry, athleticism, etc.) are important for your job? Were any of these skills unexpected assets for you? Dr. Johnstone: Communication skills are very important for a career as a patent attorney. In our daily job, we frequently need to get up to speed quickly on a... Read More

Director, MS in Patent Law and Certificate in Patent Prosecution University of Notre Dame ASHG: What non-scientific skills (communication, artistry, athleticism, etc.) are important for your job? Were any of these skills unexpected assets for you? Dr. Deak: Written communication is HUGE in the field of patent law — you are emailing with attorneys and clients;... Read More

Assistant Professor University of New Mexico, Center for Global Health, Division of Translational Informatics, Department of Internal Medicine ASHG: What are the biggest challenges you encountered when acclimating to the pace and demands of industry? What skills do you wish you had worked on in advance? Dr. Lambert: I founded and ran a company for almost... Read More

Director of Research 23andMe, Inc. ASHG: If you could go back to when you were a trainee, what is one piece of advice you would give yourself for your current career? Dr. Tung: Get involved in activities outside of the lab. I was co-president of the Graduate Students’ Association at UCSF for a few years,... Read More