From Classroom to Bench: A Lab Educator’s Perspective

Interview Skills

Kimberly Whiter — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 03:16:00 GMT

As the years go on, I have noticed a steady decline in the ability of candidate students to conduct a successful interview. The ability to confidently sell yourself and provide a potential employer or professor a well-rounded view of your personality...(read more)

Branching Out

Kimberly Whiter — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:24:00 GMT

Those of us in the laboratory profession know our scene all too well. Closed off from much of the world, listening to the hum of our instruments and running analysis after analysis, and loving every minute of it! I feel comfortable in this environment...(read more)

Oldies But Goodies

Hassan Aziz — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:42:00 GMT

As the semester (and the year) comes to an end, it is an ideal time to go through old documents and files. While sifting through piles of filed papers, I came across a few articles about the history of science and I thought I would share a few with you....(read more)

Do We Offer a Fair Evaluation to Students?

Hassan Aziz — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:33:00 GMT

In the last few weeks and months, most of us followed the news of three trials or events that captured the attention of national media. Casey Anthony was tried for a first degree murder of her daughter, Caylee, but was acquitted. The trial lasted 6 weeks....(read more)

Give 'em a Chance

Kimberly Whiter — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:52:00 GMT

Anyone who has children knows the great parallel between teaching strategies and child rearing. Often times, the same techniques we use to raise our children are directly applicable in the classroom. One such technique is the discipline of standing back...(read more)

Questioning Faculty Salary

Hassan Aziz — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:51:00 GMT

I love college sports! I believe academic athletic departments bring huge benefits (and funds) to the universities and to the communities they serve. However, when I read a recent editorial in USA Today about the rise of the salaries of the athletic directors...(read more)

Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?

Hassan Aziz — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:57:00 GMT

I admit that every once in a while, I find myself dealing with a student that is struggling to learn the basic and essential principles of the material we are teaching while the rest of the class has moved on and ready for new material. By no means, are...(read more)

Thank you, Steve Jobs

Hassan Aziz — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:13:00 GMT

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 56. The innovative pioneer transformed the use of personal computer technology in all aspects of our lives, including our classrooms. Steve, the heart and soul of the...(read more)

Can You Say No?

Hassan Aziz — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:42:00 GMT

We are known to be hard working people, dedicated to our jobs, and committed to excellence in everything we do. When things need to be done, they get done. We may not be quick on volunteering on doing this and that, but once asked, we cannot say no. The...(read more)

Criticism – Part II

Hassan Aziz — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:05:00 GMT

Last blog, we talked about receiving criticism and offered a few practical suggestions on how to take it. In this blog, I want to discuss how to give a negative feedback. In your role as a supervisor or a teacher, it becomes your responsibility to be...(read more)

Criticism

Hassan Aziz — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:23:00 GMT

Admit it; no one likes to be criticized. In a typical work day, I receive many comments from supervisors, co-workers, and students that are uplifting and encouraging. Occasionally, I receive a negative comment criticizing something I have done or an action...(read more)

Welcome New Teachers

Hassan Aziz — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:15:00 GMT

My last blog was addressed to students entering our profession. This one is dedicated to new teachers joining the academic field. As a student, I experienced a typical mixture of teachers and different teaching styles. When I became one, I learned many...(read more)

Ready or Not, School Is Back!

Hassan Aziz — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:01:00 GMT

August is here and most schools are opening their doors for new and returning students. For those entering our beloved profession, I am pleased to welcome you to an exciting and dynamic profession. It is critically important for you to realize that health...(read more)

ASCLS Keynote Speakers: Are We Up to the Challenge?

Hassan Aziz — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 02:35:00 GMT

I attended the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) annual meeting in Atlanta. The meeting was a great opportunity to meet members of the laboratory community. The keynote speakers demonstrated, in a debate format, the challenges faced...(read more)

No One Likes to Be Rejected

Hassan Aziz — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:53:00 GMT

No one likes to be rejected whether in a personal relationship or for a professional employment opportunity. While I am not an expert in providing advice for broken personal relationships, I can shed some light on handling professional rejection. Let’s...(read more)