Public Health PhD Driving AI Innovation: An Unexpected Career Journey

Public Health PhD Driving AI Innovation: An Unexpected Career Journey

Michael Chen, PhD came to the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry with all intentions of being a full time teacher. After earning his PhD in Health Services Research & Policy, he landed a tenure-track faculty position and began the career he had always envisioned. Then came the pandemic, and his career trajectory changed.In this episode of The Next Step, Michael joins faculty co-host Chris Seplaki, PhD to reflect on graduate school, mentorship, teaching through COVID-19, and the difficult decision to leave academia. He shares how the research, communication, and problem-solving skills he developed during his PhD prepared him for an unexpected career in civic technology, where he now helps evaluate AI-powered tools designed to connect people with public benefits and essential services. Along the way, the conversation explores the value of mentors, the importance of transferable skills, and why a PhD can prepare you for opportunities that may not even exist when you begin graduate school. Health Services Research & Policy PhD program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/phd/health-services-research-policy Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellomchen/

From “Broken Postdoc” to Professor and RNA Researcher

John Lueck, PhD, associate professor of Pharmacology & Physiology, shares the winding path that led him from graduate school uncertainty and career setbacks to leading cutting-edge research in RNA therapeutics and genetic disease. Lueck reflects on nearly leaving academia after a difficult postdoctoral experience, applying to countless industry jobs, and ultimately finding new momentum through mentorship, collaboration, and translational science. Along the way, he discusses the realities of academic careers, persistence in research, and the importance of building supportive scientific communities. Joining the conversation as faculty co-host is Charles Thornton, MD, professor of Neurology, who brings additional perspective on physician-scientist training, translational research, and developing therapies for genetic disease. Lueck Lab: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/lueck Pharm/Phys PhD program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/phd/pharmacology-and-physiology Charles Thornton: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/112358557-charles-a-thornton

What Can You Do with a PhD? Derek Crowe on Finding the Right Fit

What can you do with a PhD beyond academia?Derek Crowe, PhD, a graduate of our biomedical genetics program, shares how he transitioned into data science and now helps cities use data to make better policy decisions at the Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence.He discusses how skills developed during graduate training, like problem-solving, data analysis, and scientific thinking, translate to new fields, and why finding the right team and environment mattered more than the job title itself.Derek also speaks candidly about navigating challenges during grad school and offers perspective for trainees figuring out their own next steps. Biomedical Genetics PhD program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/phd/biomedical-genetics-and-genomics Derek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekbcrowe/

Designing a Career That Fits: Clinical Care, Research & Teaching

In this episode of The Next Step Podcast, we sit down with Bo Hoon Lee, MD, child neurologist and associate director for the Child Neurology Residency program at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, to talk about what it really means to design a career that fits.Bo shares how she built a role that blends clinical care, clinical trials research, and teaching without forcing herself into a traditional 80/20 academic model. She reflects on the mentors who shaped her path, the importance of learning when to say no, and how writing down where her time was actually going helped her realign her work with her values.We also discuss how to intentionally insert yourself into opportunities, how to build strong mentor–mentee relationships, and why defining your own version of success is critical in academic medicine.If you have broad interests, are questioning how to narrow your focus, or are trying to imagine what a sustainable, fulfilling career in medicine can look like. Bo's story is a reminder that you don’t have to choose just one lane. You can shape medicine to fit you. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bo's Journey02:24 The Influence of Mentorship in Medicine05:08 Choosing Rochester: A Personal Journey07:41 Balancing Clinical Care, Research, and Teaching10:30 The Importance of Time Management and Prioritization12:59 Navigating Career Paths in Medicine15:33 The Role of Clinical Trials in Pediatric Neurology18:07 Building Strong Mentor-Mentee Relationships20:41 Teaching and Mentoring the Next Generation23:05 Defining Success in a Medical Career25:25 Advice for Aspiring Medical Professionals More about Dr. Lee: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/112360810-bo-hoon-leeChild Neurology Residency Program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate-medical-education/prospective-residents/child-neurology

When Your Career Path Doesn’t Go as Planned | A Nonlinear Journey in Science

In this episode of The Next Step, we sit down with Makaia Papasergi-Scott, PhD, assistant professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics, as well as Pharmacology and Physiology, to talk about what happens when a carefully imagined career path doesn’t unfold the way you expect.Makaia shares her journey through graduate school, postdoctoral training, and into a research career shaped by obstacles, difficult decisions, and moments of uncertainty. Along the way, she reflects on the personal and professional challenges she faced, the mentors and community members who helped guide her, and how she learned to stay open to new directions—including teaching, emerging research technologies, and leadership opportunities.This conversation is especially relevant for prospective and current trainees who may be questioning their next steps, rethinking long-term goals, or wondering whether it’s okay to change course. Makaia’s story is a reminder that career paths in science and academic medicine are often nonlinear—and that growth can come from the unexpected turns.Topics covered include:00:00 Introduction and Makaia’s Career Background02:23 Early Inspirations and Initial Career Goals07:44 Navigating Challenges in Graduate School11:44 Major Decisions and Personal Struggles17:44 Finding Support Through Community and Mentorship20:00 Exploring Teaching as a Career Path23:24 Postdoctoral Training and Research Focus26:09 Looking Back on Unexpected Career Turns29:50 Rediscovering Passion in Scientific Research33:10 How Cryo-EM Is Changing Modern Science40:08 What It Takes to Build a Cryo-EM Center43:10 The Growing Pains of Running a Research Lab46:00 Advice for Trainees Facing Career TransitionsMore about Makaia: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/112365117-makaia-papasergiPapasergi-Scott Lab: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/papasergi-scott