Shows
Saturday Morning LabSummer Book Club: Labwork to Leadership by Dr. Jen HeemstraHey friends, in this special episode, I review the book "Labwork to Leadership: a concise guide to thriving in the science job you weren't trained for". Scientists receive sufficient training to develop lines of investigation, but little to no training on leading the very people who make this effort possible. In this easy read, Jen offers first-hand insight into self-development, leading others, and creating future leaders.
Find "Labwork to Leadership" here or at your independent book seller:
2025-09-0506 min
My Favorite Mistake: Learning Without Blame in Business and LeadershipFrom Lab Work to Leadership: Dr. Jen Heemstra’s Guide to Thriving in Science Careers🎙️ In this bonus episode of My Favorite Mistake, Mark Graban welcomes back Dr. Jen Heemstra, Charles Allen Thomas Professor and Chair of Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis. Jen joins us to talk about her new book, Lab Work to Leadership: A Concise Guide to Thriving in the Science Job You Weren’t Trained For.
She shares how the book was inspired by her favorite mistake—realizing that a research career in science unexpectedly came with a leadership role she wasn’t trained for. What began as a personal challenge turned into a passion for mentorship and a pract...
2025-08-0711 min
Working ScientistShould I use AI to help draft my science job application?In the penultimate episode of this six-part podcast series about hiring and getting hired in science, Julie Gould investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used by recruiters to draft job ads, process applications and shortlist candidates. She also asks how recruiters feel about jobseekers using it in their applications, and whether or not they can even tell.Jen Heemstra, a chemistry researcher and lab leader at Washington University in St. Louis, warns of a mismatch when a candidate submits a thoughtful and reflective application, but these qualities aren’t evident at interview. Fatimah Williams, an exe...
2025-06-0714 minWorking ScientistSalary negotiations: a guide for scientistsThree researchers and a career coach discuss if there as much scope to negotiate salaries in academia as there is in industry.In either setting, they say, negotiation should not be a battleground. Hiring managers should not take advantage of a beloved future colleague who may have zero experience of negotiating anything, says David Perlmutter, a communications researcher at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, who writes about hiring and salary negotiations. Nor is it like a car sale, adds Jen Heemstra, a chemistry researcher at Washington University in St. Louis, after which the tw...
2025-05-3019 minWorking ScientistSeeking a job in science? How hiring practices across industry and academia compareJulie Gould compares hiring practices across industry and academia by seeking perspectives from Tina Persson, an organic chemist-turned-careers coach based in Malmö, Sweden, and Lauren Celano, a recruitment consultant who founded Propel Careers, based in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2009.Persson, whose coaching business is called passage2pro, tells Gould why it typically takes longer to hire scientists in academia. Margot Smit, a plant molecular biologist who now recruits scientists for her lab at Tübingen University in Germany, reflects on her own experiences as an academic jobseeker in 2022. It involved panel interviews, lab tours, team dinners, and, in...
2025-05-1518 min
R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; & Striving Towards HappinessFrom ‘Not Good Enough’ to Chair: Jen Heemstra on Redefining Leadership in ScienceProfessor Jen Heemstra, Chair of the Chemistry Department at Washington University, shares her remarkable journey from being told she wasn’t “good enough” for science to leading in academia. This conversation explores navigating failure, building inclusive and psychologically safe academic spaces, and why leadership roles in academia are often misunderstood. Insights from her upcoming book, Lab Work to Leadership, offer actionable strategies for thriving as a leader in science. This discussion provides valuable lessons on mentorship, resilience, and creating positive change in academic culture.
2025-05-031h 07
My Favorite Mistake: Learning Without Blame in Business and LeadershipEmbracing Failure — Jen HeemstraMy guest for Episode #262 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jennifer Heemstra. She is Chair and Professor of Chemistry, the Charles Allen Thomas Professor of Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Her research makes use of the ability of nucleic acids to self-assemble and recognize other molecules. Alongside her research, Heemstra is a science communicator and writes a regular column for Chemical & Engineering News. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
In this episode, Jen discusses the iterative process of failu...
2024-06-1049 min
the agile academicJen Heemstra on Choices, Mentoring, and FailureOn season 4 episode 4 of the agile academic, I chat with Dr. Jen Heemstra, chair and professor of chemistry at Washington University of St. Louis. Jen and I cover culture, leadership, failure, and what it means to be a mentor.
2023-08-0846 min
Dementia Researcher BlogsDr Yvonne Couch - PrioritisingDr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
OK so that title was really boring. Apologies. But on the upside, it’s super obvious what we’re going to talk about today. For this one, Yvonne was inspired by two things. A chat with a junior colleague (who will know who she is if she’s listening) and the amazing Lonely Pipette podcast episode with Jen Heemstra.
Yvonne approaches this topic in stages because it’s important to note is that what you prioritize and how you prioritize will change throughout your car...
2022-12-1609 min
The Lonely Pipette : helping scientists do better scienceTLP #14 : How to get good at failing - Jen HeemstraIn this episode, we step beyond the life sciences to talk with Jen Heemstra, a professor of chemistry who brings much energy to thinking about mentoring and improving academic cultureJen tells us how early failures drove her to strive for success in scienceShe shares how she overcame early doubts about an academic careerShe talks about how different students need different mentoring styles and how important it is to adjust each timeShe admits that she is so excited about all her roles that she struggles with focusing and setting prioritiesGreat teams are made up of people...
2022-10-251h 10Working ScientistBurnout and breakdowns: how mid-career scientists can protect themselvesTrying to achieve balance in your personal and professional lives is misguided, four researchers tell Julie Gould in the third episode of Muddle of the Middle, a six-part podcast series about the mid-career stage in science.Jen Heemstra, a chemistry professor at Washington University in St. Louis, says that the aim should instead be to avoid allowing periods of imbalance to last longer than necessary.Cara Tannenbaum, a physician and a director at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, agrees, saying that the key is to focus on personal fulfilment, and that some a...
2022-10-0513 min
Careering PodcastFeedback vs Criticism | Careering Podcast Ep.5Send us a textJoin us this week for a big ole discussion on the differences between feedback and criticism. We cover everything from car jams, multi-verse Kelsies, our experiences with criticism, how gender bias plays into it and top tips for giving and receiving feedback. Episode linksSTAR Feedback model - Silver Deltasilverdelta.co.nz/blog/simple-model-for-constructive-feedbackJen Heemstra Tweet - @jenheemstratwitter.com/jenheemstra/status/1534509645821267968Gabby Villasenor TikTok - @fuelledbyfeeling tiktok.com/@fuelledbyfeeling/video/7086622694636031238Learn more at careering9.com or follow us @careering9Theme music : Summ...
2022-06-3037 min
Your Digital Mentor PodcastHow to Choose a Research SupervisorIf you are looking to start a PhD, you may consider choosing a supervisor based on the type of research that you find most interesting. While this should certainly be a component of your decision, it is also important to look beyond the research. In fact, your supervisor and the culture of their research group will have significantly more impact on your happiness and success in graduate school than the research itself. Here, Jen Heemstra talks us through what should be considered when choosing the right supervisor, and how to spot red flags.ResourcesMore than...
2022-02-2306 min
Genius: Sciencing Our Human PotentialDr. Jen Heemstra: Uncommon Scientist, Academic and LeaderRegardless of your career path, or lack thereof, you will enjoy this. Scientists aren’t taught how to be leaders. Dr. Jen Heemstra is a chemist, professor, and uncommon leader. Anyone in academia, as well as in business, could learn a great deal from her and her career path. Unpretentious, candid, and passionate about making the world a better place. A human for our times. Join me, Genius Podcast Host and peak performance coach Diane Wilson for this last interview of 2021. Yes, our 2022 Reflections Planner is done and ready!
Biography:
Jen Heemstra rece...
2021-12-1651 min
Voices of Academia21. Person-centred Mentoring | Dr. Kartik AiyerCW: Academic bullying and abuseEmily chats with Dr. Kartik Aiyer, who opens up about the benefits of a good academic mentor and support network on mental health and productivity.Kartik opened up previously, in episode 20, about the impact a poor Faculty relationship had on his mental health during his PhD.This episode covers: Kartik’s music obsession and the positive relationship with his family The benefits of supportive research group culture on mental health but also productivity The need to train and empower junior researchers to value their own contributions whilst al...
2021-12-1556 min
Mentoring MattersKeeping the Curiosity: A Conversation with Dr. Jen HeemstraSend us a textEmory University Professor Jen Heemstra joined us for a conversation about strategies for success as graduate student mentors. We also chatted about ideas for faculty development and ways we can foster strong mentors. A few things we talked about:Fear of failure, why we as mentors should bring the same level of curiosity to our mentoring as we do to our science.Individualized development plans for students that have nothing to do with their research and everything to do with their career goals.Avoidable vs. unavoidable struggles and how to e...
2021-11-1653 minWorking ScientistHow to keep the scientific-mentoring magic aliveSome researchers never lose touch with group leaders or committee members who mentored them as graduate students.As Jen Heemstra, a chemistry professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, says of one early-career mentor: “I was absolutely terrified of them. They couldn't even understand why because they’re a very kind and wonderful person."We’ll see each other now at conferences, we’ll be in the same town to be reviewing grants together, or whatever it is, and, and we’ll spend time together as friends. But they’re also someone I know I can g...
2021-10-1410 minWorking ScientistHow COVID-19 changed scientific mentoringMany mentoring relationships were disrupted by the pandemic, particularly ones that relied on regular face-to-face contact.How did these established mentoring relationships survive the switch to virtual meetings?In the third episode of this seven-part Working Scientist podcast series, Julie Gould also explores the challenges of being a mentor beyond those presented by the pandemic.Alongside the emotional investment and the absence of much formal training in mentoring techniques, there are also logistical and time management pressures.Jen Heemstra, a chemistry professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia...
2021-09-2211 min
Goggles OffOvercoming Adversity and Harnessing the Power of Nature with Professor Jen HeemstraIn this episode, I interview Professor of Chemistry at Emory University Jen Heemstra. Join us as we discuss how to handle failure and adversity in your day-to-day life as well as how Jen's lab is building molecules to address the challenges of the 21st century.
2021-09-1352 min
Let's Talk Chemistry- a science podcast by ChemTalkEpisode 5: Dr. Jen Heemstra on Nucleic Acids and Coping with Failure in STEMCan't decide between chemistry and psychology? This interviewee shows that you can do research on both! On this week's episode of the ChemTalk podcast, hosts Nafeesa Mahmood and Scott Gietler interview Dr. Jen Heemstra, Professor of Chemistry at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. The Heemstra Group studies nucleic acids and their applications, specifically how they may differ from their traditional roles (such as acting as antibodies). Dr. Heemstra speaks of her research group, how she got to where she is in academia, coping with failure in the STEM world, and much more. Since speaking with her, Dr. Heemstra has m...
2021-07-131h 28
The Dire Ed PodcastWhy Mentoring is the Key to Academic SuccessIn this episode, I sit down with Prof. Jen Heemstra from Emory University to talk about the importance of high quality mentorship for PhD students and Early Career Researchers.
2021-06-0931 minMentoring MattersDeveloping Team CultureSend us a textIn this episode we discuss one of our favorite subjects, how to build community within your graduate student team. Things we talk about include:Setting expectations from day one to help students understand the importance of teamworkCreating group challenges with fun rewards to drive productivity and team buildingPraising teamwork when it happensMy Life in a Paper Bag team learning exerciseOne resource Mary talks about is a chemistry professor she follows on Twitter who often has great mentoring advice. She's Jen Heemstra. https://twitter.com/jenheemstraFor a...
2021-04-1825 min
ChemConvos2. Embracing Failure with Prof. Jen HeemstraIn our second episode we’re chatting with Prof. Jen Heemstra (@jenheemstra) about her passion of advocating for DEI, Women in STEM and combating the stigma around mental health issues in academia. Jen shares her personal story about dealing with failure and how this changed her approach to creating a more welcoming lab culture and enabled growth as an individual in all aspects of her life.
If you have ideas for new podcast topics or would like to be a guest on a future episode, then please reach out to us!
On Twitter: @ChemConvosPod
Or email us: @chemconvospod@gmail.com
2021-03-1632 min
Soft Robotics PodcastJen Heemstra On Solving Academia Challenges and How We Can Make it A Better PlaceIt was a pleasure to have Jen Heemstra on the Soft Robotics podcast to share her passion for advocating a healthy environment in academia, how academia Challenges. How would the pandemic shape the academic job market? Mitigating the inherent continuous pressure in academia. How to select your life mentor, and fighting the mental health stigma. I hope you enjoy listening to it.
2020-12-2958 min
Vitamin PhD PodcastNavigating the Mentor/Mentee Relationship with Dr. Jen Heemstra, PhDSend us a textIn this episode, Maria and Jenna chat with Dr. Jen Heemstra about the mentor/mentee relationship. They discuss tips on choosing the right mentor, navigating difficult conversations and “managing up”, and maintaining professional relationships long-term.
2020-12-0436 min
Chemistry Cayk Online Podcast61. Cayk Debates: Dr. Jen Heemstra vs. Phoenix WilliamsToday airs the sixth episode in the Cayk Debates where scientists go head-to-head to debate whether certain cake-like pastries are actually cake. Today, Dr. Jen Heemstra and Phoenix Williams discuss whether Boston cream pie should be classified as cake. You can follow Jen on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/jenheemstra and Phoenix here: https://twitter.com/PhoenixNiaimani. Let the Cake Debates COMMENCE!
2020-11-1325 min
The Scientistt PodcastJen Heemstra: A Woman in Chemistry (Part 2)This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr Jen Heemstra!
In this episode, we discuss equality in the sciences, medical ethics, and the potential upsides of adversity. We also cover the need for breaks in academia and even chat rock-climbing! Female, scientist, professor, and now supervisor - Jen leads the way as a woman in her field. But, it wasn't easy to get there.
2020-10-2100 min
The Scientistt PodcastJen Heemstra: How to be a PI (Part 1)What should a leader look like in academia?
Jen Heemstra, as the name alludes, is the lead supervisor at the Heemstra Lab and Associate Professor at Emory University.
In this episode, Jen offers her unique insights into a range of subjects that often go unspoken in academic circles; failure, imposter syndrome and why tenure changes things for a professor. Jen covers everything from the exciting implications of DNA modification to the mindset required for idea generation, and we delve deeper in to the landmarks of her remarkable career.
You...
2020-10-1400 min
Women Don't Do That (WDDT)What it’s like to be a woman in science with Associate Professor Jennifer M. Heemstra Ep.49This week we interviewed Jennifer M. Heemstra, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Emory University; a private research university in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States.We discuss the reality of being a woman in science, what the barriers are, and what needs to change. We talk about social media - Jen is someone with a HUGE following - how does she handle the online hate, and what advice does she have for the rest of us? We talk about her #COVID19 survival strategies, and what opportunities for change exist. Jen is smart, witty and engaging. Not only will...
2020-07-2250 min
Teaching in Higher EdInspiration, Failures, and Everything in Between, with David White and Jose BowenDavid White and Jose Bowen share about inspiration, failures and everything in between on episode 305 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast.
Quotes from the episode
The current situation has really brought people together.
-David White
Whilst it is difficult times, it has also been exhilarating.
-David White
I’m really hopeful that we are forming working relationships that we can carry on with through this.
-David White
This is ultimately the time to rethink what we do.
-Jose Bowen
...
2020-04-1638 min
Behind the MicroscopeJen Heemstra, PhD - Finding Your WinDr. Jen Heemstra is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Emory University. She received her Bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine and her PhD from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne. After her post-doctoral training, she took a position at the University of Utah before ultimately moving to Emory University in 2017. In this episode, Dr. Heemstra shares with us her journey and defining her “win:” helping those around her achieve their full potential.
Credits:
Our thanks to Dr. Heemstra for taking the time to talk with us and share her story.
Host...
2020-01-2159 minChemistry Cayk Online Podcast12. The F-Word: Fear of Failure with Dr. Jen HeemstraThe second episode of "The F-word" mini-series. Chatting about the fear of failure and what we should do about it with Dr. Jen Heemstra! Follow her on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/jenheemstra.
2019-09-0634 min
CurioscityThe Trials and Tribulations of Graduate Education (w/ Jen Heemstra!)If one completes a college degree but doesn’t have a fully solidified next step, it can look to the casual observer that the logical place to go is a research or professional degree. How are these degrees dissimilar from a bachelor’s degree? What are some common complaints and issues for graduate students today? Let’s learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.
2019-08-011h 16
Stereo ChemistryIt's all of these things that none of us get trained forBeing a chemistry professor is Jen Heemstra's dream job. How she got there was a bit of a nightmare. But now she's running her own team at Emory University and has become a social media celebrity by sharing her experiences and leadership advice on Twitter. She credits her personal tragedy and professional setbacks for making her who she is today. In the latest episode of C&EN's Stereo Chemistry podcast, we spent two days with Heemstra and her team to learn more about her and her approach to graduate education. Heemstra's adversity has not only shaped her attitude but...
2019-03-1727 min
Biomechanics on our MindsEpisode 13: Mindsets to Grow from Failure | Jen Heemstra and Meredith HenryHow do we stay resilient against unexpected outcomes of science research? On this episode, we talk with Professor Jen Heemstra and Dr. Meredith Henry from Emory University on having a mindset to grow from failure.
2019-02-2139 min