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As we move beyond the one-year mark of this unprecedented, stressful pandemic, BioInspired wants to send a message that attempts to spark some hope and joy while providing concrete ideas to combat the fatigue that many of us are feeling. The continued, combined stresses of hybrid teaching, managing groups virtually, lack of childcare support for many, and the uncertainty surrounding our return to “normal” make this one a particularly difficult semester.
Therefore, we have collaborated with the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) to highlight some time management strategies to preserve your limited energy. Also, we have linked to included a self-reflection exercise to help you re-spark the joy of research and teaching that motivates all of us to be here. Finally, we preview several programs that BioInspired will be hosting in the early summer to kick-start your public outreach and research efforts. There is light at the end of this tunnel!
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2. Reconnect to the energy and joy that you get from pursuing your researchwork. To do so, consider taking take a few minutes to think about the reflection prompt posted on our website.
3. The BioInspired Institute is hosting several events later this semester and early in the summer that will help you manage your trainees and get your public outreach and research efforts back up to speed:
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reconnect with who you are as a researcher and/or instructor. Get away from screens. You might go for a walk or have your favorite drink while you reflect on one of these questions.
- When did you recognize that you wanted to be a researcher or instructor? Where were you? What was happening?
- Think of a break-through moment you have had as a researcher and/or teacher? How did that feel? Describe that moment. What aspect of that moments stays with you?
- How does it feel to forge connections with colleagues and students? What connections mean a lot to you today? What connections give you energy?
- What are you curious about – in your research and/or teaching? If you had the time, what would you want to know more about? Make a list and save it for later.
Many thanks to Martha Diede and Laurel Willingham-McLain, Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, for assistance in collecting these materials. We look forward to seeing you all in upcoming events, hopefully in person!