I am 3 months away from finishing my PhD in [Life Science] at a top tier research university. I'm married, with a 3 year old son, 2 dogs, and a house in the suburbs. I also have a number of values, passions, interests, and hobbies that I have no time left for. So I'm trying to revive this blog to explore the challenges of balancing a career in science, a family, and just generally being a whole person. Feel free to email me at aspiringmommyscientist at gmail dot com.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
it all depends on funding
Hubby and I have come to the semi-firm conclusion that we will start trying for a baby as soon as I get word that the lab, and my project specifically, has funding for at least 3 years (i.e., long enough to get me through the rest of my Ph.D.). So, with that in mind, I'm hoping extra hard that the T-R01 we applied for in January will come through this summer. Otherwise, I have to wait to hear back on the R01 renewal we'll be submitting for the first time on June 5. Of course, the likelihood of that going through on the first try seems slim to none, so we'll presumably resubmit it Feb 5, 2010 and maybe get it funded in fall of 2010...in fact, we better get it funded by then, as that's when the existing one runs out. I just realized the other R01 (the one that has nothing to do with my project) is going to run out even earlier, meaning we have to get it renewed on the first try...or else. WTF has Beloved PI been thinking, waiting so long to start applying?!? Note to self: end procrastinating ways now, long before becoming responsible for other people's livelihoods. Speaking of which, I'm late for work again and have grant paperwork to fill out... Joy! Just to clarify, the grants I'm currently working on are stimulus package related and thus would not meet the 3 year requirement mentioned above to allow the commencement of baby-making activities. Sadness.
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I found this post of yours so comforting. I am mommy and n aspiring scientist in the first yera of my PhD. My PI's first RP fell through. We are working on the second one. I am thinking if I should register at the university at all, since as an International student I will end up paying a huge tution fee for the time the PI is doing some thinking..:( But the deadline to formalize my candidature by paying the tution fee is fast approaching..
ReplyDeleteI have an offer at another university where PI is tryinmg for a grant too... But promises a scholarship..
I am having a hard time deciding between the two.. God please grant the funding and do that soon!