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So You Want to Be a Neuroscientist?
The pursuit to understand the human brain in all its intricacy is a fascinatingly complex challenge and neuroscience is one of the fastest-growing scientific fields worldwide. There is a wide range of career options open to those who wish to pursue a career in neuroscience, yet there are few resources that provide students with inside advice on how to go about it.
So You Want to Be a Neuroscientist? is a contemporary and engaging guide for aspiring neuroscientists of diverse backgrounds and interests. Fresh with the experience of having recently launched her own career, Ashley Juavinett provides a candid look at the field, offering practical guidance that explores everything from programming to personal stories.
Juavinett begins with a look at the field and its history, exploring our evolving understanding of how the brain works. She then tackles the how to apply to a PhD program, the daily life of a graduate student, the art of finding mentors and collaborators, and what to expect when working in a lab. Finally, she introduces readers to diverse young scientists whose career paths illustrate what you can do with a neuroscience degree. For anyone intrigued by the brain or seeking advice on how to further their ambitions of studying it, So You Want to Be a Neuroscientist? is a practical and timely overview of how to learn and thrive in this exciting field.
So You Want to Be a Neuroscientist? is a contemporary and engaging guide for aspiring neuroscientists of diverse backgrounds and interests. Fresh with the experience of having recently launched her own career, Ashley Juavinett provides a candid look at the field, offering practical guidance that explores everything from programming to personal stories.
Juavinett begins with a look at the field and its history, exploring our evolving understanding of how the brain works. She then tackles the how to apply to a PhD program, the daily life of a graduate student, the art of finding mentors and collaborators, and what to expect when working in a lab. Finally, she introduces readers to diverse young scientists whose career paths illustrate what you can do with a neuroscience degree. For anyone intrigued by the brain or seeking advice on how to further their ambitions of studying it, So You Want to Be a Neuroscientist? is a practical and timely overview of how to learn and thrive in this exciting field.
328 pages, Paperback
Published December 8, 2020
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329 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 1, 2022
Worthwhile reading to any STEM-curious young person.
Still published in 2020, many of the resources and links are from the early 2010s or older. This can feel really dated for job search and career related topics.
Parts of the first half were quite dry, and seemed targeted to people who did not come with pre-loaded knowledge of what generic academic careers are like, perhaps as a nod to encouraging diversity and inclusion. Section on what is a PhD in a dissertation could’ve been much more specific to neuroscience.
The cast of characters at the end was the most satisfying piece because each was tangible and relatable.
Still published in 2020, many of the resources and links are from the early 2010s or older. This can feel really dated for job search and career related topics.
Parts of the first half were quite dry, and seemed targeted to people who did not come with pre-loaded knowledge of what generic academic careers are like, perhaps as a nod to encouraging diversity and inclusion. Section on what is a PhD in a dissertation could’ve been much more specific to neuroscience.
The cast of characters at the end was the most satisfying piece because each was tangible and relatable.
May 27, 2023
I have the worst anxiety about my future. I don't know why two years into my degree I feel so shaky but I decided to pick up a book about my career, and it turned out to be the best decision for me. I know so much more of where to focus my attention and how to get where i'm gonna be the most successful. This book isn't God because there's so many questions running through my mind, but it gave me my legs again. I know what questions to ask myself and advisor because so many of my thoughts have been cleared. I still have so much that needs to be assessed throughout the next year about graduate school and whatever else is next for me. I will continue to comeback to this book and maybe it'll continue to help me swallow the nerves and be excited for the future. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a neuroscience major, in a PhD program for neuroscience, or is lost in anyway. Life is hard but yk books do help!
March 31, 2021
Really fun, accessible and informative book for undergraduates considering neuroscience research careers.
I appreciated the point that neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field of study if ever there was one and that neuroscience often gets done in psychology and other departments without the word neuroscience in their name.
This book has a strong emphasis on the US system of graduate schools. Occasionally, a brief mention gets made of practices outside of the US such as the fact that in Europe students usually apply to openings on specific research projects. It will still be very useful also for students outside of the US.
My favorite part was probably the “Cast of neuroscience characters“ chapter, which made things wonderfully concrete. I do have a point of criticism there though. Of the 11 interviewed early career PhDs, only 1 had a non-industry academic job, at a private research institute (Janelia Research Campus). I missed an example or two of traditional faculty jobs that involve (undergraduate) teaching such as at large state universities or at smaller schools such as private liberal arts colleges. The latter would provide an example of an academic research career with perhaps less of an abundance of resources but also less or no need for grant writing. The current list of examples might discourage those students who still have their mind set on a professor career.
I appreciated the point that neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field of study if ever there was one and that neuroscience often gets done in psychology and other departments without the word neuroscience in their name.
This book has a strong emphasis on the US system of graduate schools. Occasionally, a brief mention gets made of practices outside of the US such as the fact that in Europe students usually apply to openings on specific research projects. It will still be very useful also for students outside of the US.
My favorite part was probably the “Cast of neuroscience characters“ chapter, which made things wonderfully concrete. I do have a point of criticism there though. Of the 11 interviewed early career PhDs, only 1 had a non-industry academic job, at a private research institute (Janelia Research Campus). I missed an example or two of traditional faculty jobs that involve (undergraduate) teaching such as at large state universities or at smaller schools such as private liberal arts colleges. The latter would provide an example of an academic research career with perhaps less of an abundance of resources but also less or no need for grant writing. The current list of examples might discourage those students who still have their mind set on a professor career.
December 31, 2020
I purchased “So You Want to Be a Neuroscientist?” for my teen who is majoring in neuroscience but read it before passing it along. Since the teen has been home taking coursework remotely, we’ve had a lot more time to discuss her next steps. I’m a first-generation undergrad who jumped into the corporate world upon graduation in the 90s, so I don’t have much experience or knowledge about graduate studies, especially in today’s academic landscape. I learned so much from this book. Not only does the author answer some of the most basic questions about things like choosing a graduate school, finding the right advisors and mentors, engaging in the research process, and writing a dissertation, she also offers a variety of options for career paths. She takes readers from the abstract to the concrete by ending the book with 11 profiles of Neuroscientists who each took a different career path based on their strengths, interests, and opportunities. There’s so much valuable information packed into this short, easy-to-read paperback. It should be on every aspiring neuroscientist’s reading list.
November 26, 2020
As an aspiring neuroscientist applying to graduate school, this tome is indespensible. Offers a refreshingly honest look at what to expect in graduate school, how to get in, and career options for people with advanced degrees in neuroscience.
November 4, 2024
10/10 guide, definition of right book right time
June 19, 2024
A very well-written and approachable summary of what it takes to work in neuroscience. If anything it showed me that maybe I don’t want to be a neuroscientist exactly so that was helpful. I appreciate when scientists and professionals are helpful and transparent!!!!
January 20, 2021
There is something in this book for every neuroscience trainee out there, no matter what stage they are in. Each section could be an entire book in itself, however, the author does a great job going into sufficient depth for each topic, and often provides resources for the reader to go further in depth. My only complaint is that the end is relatively abrupt, but it’s not make or break for this type of book!
August 25, 2021
If you ever asked yourself the question the title poses, it would serve you well to pick up this book. Ashley covers all questions you might have about this potential career path and answers some you haven't even thought to ask. Great book for someone with any degree of interest in this field. Only caveat being that it's mostly written for an American audience given the writer's background but international readers should be able to find some useful nuggets of information as well.
December 10, 2021
4.5
I highly highly recommend this to anyone pursuing science in college. Although it’s aimed at neuroscience students, it has an abundant amount of tips and information on how to pursue what your passionate about, why you should or should not get a PhD, and how to do so if you decide on it. This book is great for any stem student with any interest in the brain to have on hand!
I highly highly recommend this to anyone pursuing science in college. Although it’s aimed at neuroscience students, it has an abundant amount of tips and information on how to pursue what your passionate about, why you should or should not get a PhD, and how to do so if you decide on it. This book is great for any stem student with any interest in the brain to have on hand!
February 16, 2023
This is an amazing book to learn about the career in neuroscience research. It is though mostly written for American audiences, or those interested in pursuing a career in US. As for the PhD admission, those of us who do not hold an American citizenship or a green card need to understand that we are playing the game a little differently - we are competing for much fewer seats.
January 28, 2024
This book was so helpful for me to read during my preparations for interviews for neuroscience graduate programs. A good overview of what the PhD entails and what are all of the career opportunities available to PhD graduates afterwards
January 24, 2021
This is a must read for anyone considering going into neuroscience but not sure where to start. Filled with useful advice and a solid overview of the growing, multi-faceted field
April 11, 2021
Great book for those considering a career in neuroscience. Will definitely refer back to this.
January 5, 2024
good advice, lots to think about
January 10, 2024
mid career imo
April 20, 2024
i learned a lot from this book and it was super informative. She covered everything and every possible question someone might have about the field of Neuroscience
July 28, 2024
Best book I’ve ever read.
November 15, 2020
Rich, detailed book chock full of helpful advice for college students considering a major in neuroscience. Quick, but immediately helpful read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews