PhD Deep Dive #5: One Lab, Two Paths: Academia vs. Industry with Marta and Diana
In this episode of PhD Deep Dive, host Lan Vi sits down with Diana and Marta, two neuroscientists who began their academic journey together in the same lab in Madrid—but chose very different paths after completing their PhDs.Marta is currently pursuing her PhD in Switzerland, continuing her path in academia, while Diana made the leap into industry and now works as a Data Analyst. Together, they break down the key differences between these two worlds: from application processes, day-to-day responsibilities to how PhD-acquired skills transfer into each career.Whether you're navigating your final year of a PhD or wrestling with your next move, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal reflections, and insider tips—including how hiring decisions are made in industry, what life looks like in academia, and why it's important not to compare your path to others.Tune in for an honest, empowering conversation that will help you choose your next step with confidence!
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PhD Deep Dive with Knowing Neurons #4
In this episode, we meet Troy, a second-year PhD student at the Donders Institute in the Netherlands. We talk about his research on inhibitory bouton removal using two-photon microscopy, and what everyday life in academia looks like — the challenges, the joys, and the things in between. Troy also shares how he found his way into his PhD program, what the application and interview process was like, and offers advice for anyone thinking about pursuing a PhD.Produced by: Greta Sandow, LanVi Nguyen, Johanna Popp, Larissa Weyler, Lisa-Sophie WüstnerGraphics: Maria Vogel
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Knowing Neurons at the British Neuroscience Association conference with Dr. Michal Milczarek
Knowing Neurons interviews Dr. Michal Milczarek, Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol. In this episode we discuss Dr. Milczarek's upcoming talk at the British Neuroscience Association's Festival of Neuroscience, the challenges of modeling schizophrenia, and his career path as a postdoctoral researcher.Produced by: Ashley Adamson & Teel WaltersIllustration: Maria Vogel
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Knowing Neurons at the British Neuroscience Association conference with Dr. Kirsty McMillan
Knowing Neurons interviews Dr. Kirsty McMillan, Tenure-Track Fellow at the University of Liverpool. In this episode we discuss Dr. McMillan's upcoming talk at the British Neuroscience Association's Festival of Neuroscience, the importance of science communication, and her path recently establishing her independent lab.Produced by Ashley Adamson and Teel WaltersIllustration - Maria VogelVisit the BNA websiteMcMillan lab webiste
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PhD Deep Dive with Knowing Neurons #3
In this episode we get to know Jana, who is currently working on her PhD in the field of biomedical engineering at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. She shares insights into her fascinating research on creating tiny hearts using human stem cells (organ-on-a-chip), which can be used for disease modeling and have the potential to reduce the need for animal testing. We also explore how her work connects to neuroscience and discuss career opportunities for PhD candidates beyond academia.Produced by: Greta Sandow, Lisa-Sophie Wüstner, Larissa Weyler, Johanna Popp, and LanVi NguyenGraphics: Maria Vogel
Knowing Neurons is a podcast in which neuroscientists take you on a guided tour of the brain. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or a scientist yourself: if you’re interested in the brain, we’ve got something for you.
Netherlands