In this second conversation with Dr. Kyle Murphy, we dive deep into the realities of academic grant writing and reflect on where we are in the tenure-track journey. We discuss strategies for developing competitive proposals, lessons learned from recent submissions, and how grant activity fits into a broader tenure progress narrative. The episode also serves as a candid tenure update—what’s going well, what’s been challenging, and how our priorities are evolving as our research programs mature.

Dr. Lamb's research operates at the intersection of physical organic, catalysis, and polymer chemistry. Her current projects focus on developing new switchable N-heterocyclic carbene organocatalysts with advanced control, designing sustainable routes to non-isocyanate polyurethanes for high-temperature applications, and combining different polymerization mechanisms into a single material.

Beyond her research, Dr. Lamb is dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and outreach. She has helped develop and implement Organic Learning Sessions for Organic Chemistry II, serves as the Vice Chair of the Midwest Chapter of Empowering Women in Organic Chemistry (EWOC), and is one of the faculty presenters for Energy and U.

Links:

Papers Mentioned

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscatal.0c03492

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2024/sc/d4sc02511c

Dr. Jessica Lamb's website

https://lamb.chem.umn.edu/

Radical Candor

https://www.radicalcandor.com/

Twitter

@TheLambLab

In this episode of Rad Lab Podcast, we are thrilled to host Dr. Amanda Carroll, an Assistant Professor in Chemistry at Tennessee Tech University. With a focus on chemical education, Dr. Carroll brings a wealth of experience in both teaching and curriculum development. She works actively with students, supporting a range of chemistry programs from general chemistry to more specialized courses. As an advocate for hands-on learning, Dr. Carroll has been instrumental in integrating practical lab experiences into the academic curriculum, making chemistry more engaging for students. Tune in to hear her insights on teaching chemistry in the digital age, the future of lab education, and her journey as an educator.