Summary: <br> In March 2020, the world shut down.<br> <br> <br> <br> International borders were sealed. Businesses shuttered. Schools locked their doors and students were sent home to learn ‘remotely.’<br> <br> <br> <br> At the same time, many universities and research labs also closed down for the summer of COVID-19. <a href="http://hellophd.com/2020/03/130-coronavirus-and-life-outside-the-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">While a few labs remained open as essential research continued</a>, many scientists froze down samples, trashed cell lines, and went home to spend some quality time with PubMed.<br> <br> <br> <br> But now as summer wanes, the research labs are thawing out. <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> This week on the show, we called three researchers at different universities and in different career stages to find out what it’s like to go back to lab amid a pandemic.<br> <br> <br> <br> We learn how they spent the quarantine, and whether they’re ready to return to the bench. <br> <br> <br> <br> We also find out what policies are in place for a safe return, and what extra precautions they’re taking to avoid contracting or spreading this still-dangerous disease.<br> <br> <br> <br> We talk about many serious challenges:<br> <br> <br> <br> * How do you learn a new technique when no one can sit near you?* What can first-year students learn in a rotation when the PI is never there?* Is it possible to socially-distance in the tissue culture room, or is everyone safe if they just wear a mask?* How do core-facilities process samples if the researcher is not there to guide the process?<br> <br> <br> <br> But we also find some silver linings:<br> <br> <br> <br> * Every student can attend virtual research meetings.* Every scientist, no matter where in the world, can give a departmental seminar* Taking time away from the lab can inspire more creative thinking and detailed planning.<br> <br> <br> <br> No one wants this pandemic to last a minute longer than necessary, but the scientists we interviewed show they are resilient, resourceful, and dedicated to their research – just as you would expect.<br> <br> <br> <br> <a href="https://www.promega.com/resources/student-resource-center/hellophd/?utm_source=hellophd&utm_medium=shownotes_2020&utm_campaign=student_resources%20"></a><br> <br> <br> <br> <br>
