MR074: Theory for the Masses with Dr. Tess Grainger

Jon and Jeff explore the utility of the "hot take." Should or can scientists be more provocative in how they frame their science or how they interact with the public? What are the advantages? Disadvantages? Who can even do this--hint, hint it's clearly a privilege issue.

Jon and Jeff are joined by Drs. Cristy Portales and Lauren Hallett to talk about the nebulous concept of the "early career" scientist. When does "early career" start? When does it end? We discuss whether it is purely a concept based on time since degree, achievement of certain milestones, or just how one defines themselves.

Jon, Jeff, and guest co-host Tess Grainger talk about bridging the gap between ecological theorists and empiricists. Where are the challenges? What are the ways forward? What do we gain? Paper for discussion: Grainger et al. 2022 (https://tessgrainger.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/grainger-et-al.-2022-amnat.pdf) .

Jon and Jeff address the absurdity of reviewing two articles a day, Jeff offers up a revolutionary idea for review papers, and both address whether they would or would not change any of the advice they have given out on the podcast over the years.

Jon and Jeff are back and talking future directions and making plans--with a big announcement and a fair amount of navel-gazing

Grace, Jon, and Jeff discuss the potential occurrences and frequency of data fabrication and scientific fraud in ecology. Just how rare is rare? What is scientific fraud? How do we detect it and how do we prevent it?

Grace, Jon, and Jeff reconvene still during the pandemic and talk about career changes, switching universities, what pandemic-induced changes they hope stick around, and whether giraffes are believable as animals.

Grace, Jon, and Jeff talk about the beginnings of quarantine and then jump into the murky waters that are applied vs. basic ecology. Is there really a difference? Does it matter?

Grace, Jon, and Jeff are talking the phosphorous cycle in part one of a multipart radio play about the often forgotten element cycle. The gang also revisit five questions, debate Chacos, and delve into a fascinating hypothetical scenario regarding publishing. What if you could only write a specific number of papers? How would that change the science you do?

How does one prepare for their first major science conference? We brought along a ton of friends including Drs. Susan Cheng, Ben Bond-Lamberty, Alexey Shiklomanov, and other conference veterans Lisa Haber, Amy Hudson, and Bill Hammond to offer their tips. Jon and Jeff jump in too.