My Tortuous Path from an Industrial Research Lab to Academia

After working in industry (General Motors Research) and academia (first Michigan State University and currently Brown University), I'd like to share some of my personal experiences, observations, and thoughts to survive and thrive in both systems. The common skill sets include creating an impactful and unique research identity, building a research network, balancing life and work with priority setting; and managing mentor/mentee relationships... While there are so many choices along the journey, each has its pros and cons. Should I reach the goal via random walk or intentional preparation? Should I do the projects that I like or my boss likes? How to balance research and teaching duties? Is it possible to "have it all" or simply to catch the falling ball? I hope the discussions on the pros and cons can help to lower the stress and anxiety junior researchers face.<br/><br/>I have been involved in volunteering and administrative roles to promote diversity and inclusion in engineering. I'd like to discuss how can we jointly create a culture in academia, that embraces different career pathways and work-life choices, to attract women and minorities.