Being a foreign scientist in Trump’s America

How is the Trump administration affecting foreign scientists working in the US?

A Spanish bioscience postdoc on a non-immigrant J1 visa, based in California, who wishes to remain anonymous, shares her perspective as a foreigner in the US in the current political climate with science writer Louisa Cockbill.

We’re now three months into Trump’s presidency.  What effect has it had on you?

On election night I was very disappointed and upset. It was frustrating not to have the right to vote as the political decisions made in this country affect my life. The uncertainty of what happens now is kind of scary. In general I still feel welcomed and still love living here. However, as an immigrant, a woman and a scientist it’s not surprising that I’m a little worried – these aren’t positions that seem to be supported by the administration. I check nearly every day to see if they have decided to change something with my visa or green card applications that may affect me personally.

The inauguration of President Trump

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Tracking down the holy grail of academia

Connections and research proposal that complements a department are essential in obtaining a tenure-track faculty position, Louisa Cockbill learns from Kate Smith.

Having been awarded a faculty position at the University of Colorado, newly minted assistant professor Kate Smith is preparing to move from to the US from the UK. Here, she describes her experience of tenure interviews, how to maintain a passion for research and, crucially, how to find the elusive off-switch from science.

running a Growth

Having done a PhD, I know the pressures of academic research and how crucial it is for early career researchers to gain advice and encouragement from the success stories of others, like Kate. I caught up with her to see what advice she would give to others curious about the tenure track.

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