The Periodic Bagel

We talk with Scott about Motorcycles, Milkshakes, and Molecules. We hear about his career in drug discovery, the lessons he's learned along the way, and shares his advice for the next generation of industrial chemists. None of the opinions expressed in this episode reflect the views of Pfizer Inc.

We talk with LC Campeau, Executive Director of Merck Process Chemistry, about how to develop skills to be a good leader and manager, and how to build a healthy team culture. He also shares with us some insights passed down to him by his PhD advisor, Prof. Keith Fagnou. But first, we start with a quiz about LC's favourite football team, the New England Patriots.

We talk today with Paulette Vincent-Ruz about Chemical Education, and the ways in which her field is redefining how the next generation of students will learn Chemistry. With Canada, USA and Mexico represented on today's show, CJ also quizzes Alex and Paulette on NAFTA! Tune in for some trilateral edutainment!

The tables have turned! Meagan and Anika subject CJ and Alex to a quiz this time. We talk about Canada and about Meagan and Anika's research. Finally, we talk about the upcoming "Leaders Overcoming Gender Inequality in Chemistry" (LOGIC) retreat, which happens immediately before the CCCE conference in Winnipeg, MB. At the CCCE conference, Meagan and Anika are also hosting a special session on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Key dates: EDI Abstract Submission Deadline: February 10, 2020. LOGIC Abstract Submission Deadline: May 1, 2020. LOGIC Retreat: May 23-24 CCCE: May 24-28

We talk with Derek Lowe, Medicinal Chemist and author of the blog, "In The Pipeline". He shares his predictions for the next decade in Pharma and Drug Discovery, his job search experience as a postdoc in Germany and his thoughts on the job market now, and we delve into public perceptions of the pharmaceutical industry. True to periodic bagel form, we also had a little fun at the end. Stay tuned!

We talk with Nessa about how she uses robots as a chemist, and how she'll use them to take over the world. We also hear about London vs Not-London England, and the true meaning of Boxing Day. Finally, we weren't planning on it, but we talk about the infamous "Dear Guido" letter and grad school culture. Listener discretion advised for this part, as some strong language was used.

Challenge Accepted, Patrick (larsonp248). In honour of famed Christmas flick "The Hunt For Red October," listen as CJ expertly nails an American's impression of a Scot's impression of a Russian Submarine Captain. We hope you enjoy, see you next week for our last full episode of 2019! 

This week's episode features Prof. Feier Hou. We talk about cats, crystals, and her academic journey from China to the USA. Prof. Hou is now in her second year at Western Oregon University, a Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUI) - it wasn't an easy road to get there. Tune in to hear about her personal experiences and insights! And also cats. Follow Prof. Hou on Twitter at @happykitten62!

CJ laughs at everything. Well... almost everything.  Alex didn't get validating laughter once, and this episode is short and sweet revenge.

Our Thanksgiving Episode features Sarah Cady of Iowa State University, who shares her love of magnets, civic duty, and talks to us about her favorite Thanksgiving foods. Who among us can best explain NMR after a glass of whiskey? How can we make a difference while surviving the chaos of America in 2019? The answers to these questions and so much more in this week's edition of the Periodic Bagel! Follow Sarah on Twitter at @sarahdcady