Roel Snieder

Colorado School of Mines

The Joy of Science

Roel Snieder and Jen Schneider

We live in an age where working in science or engineering offers tremendous professional opportunities – the pace of scientific development is truly breathtaking. Yet many researchers struggle with the pressures of the fast-paced academic workplace, and struggle to harmonize their work and personal lives. The result can be burnout, exhaustion, and stress on a personal level, and difficulty in recruiting and retaining talented, diverse people to science and engineering. This book, written for graduate students and researchers at all stages of their careers, aims to help scientists by identifying and questioning the core beliefs that drive a culture of overwork, and provides real-world examples and exercises for those wishing to do things differently. Written in a lively narrative style, and including interview excerpts from practicing scientists, social scientists, and engineers, this book serves as a guide for those seeking to practice the seven traits of the joyful scientist.

 

  • Makes the reader aware of the personal and collective beliefs about what it means to be a successful scientist.
  • Offers practical suggestions and ideas for leading a balanced life while thriving in a scientific career.
  • Offers anecdotes from scientists that illustrate and deepen the material covered.
  • Exercises invite the reader to reflect and explore alternative approaches to living the life of a scientist
The Joy of Science book cover

We see many cases of colleagues who courageously take scientific and professional risks.
(One of the book’s illustrations that are made by Janwillem Snieder.)