Tips

From Bench to Biotech: How Yamina Berchiche Built a Global Platform around GPCRs

What happens when a GPCR scientist steps out of the lab and into biotech leadership Dr. Yamina Berchiche’s career spans both sides of the bench — from decoding GPCR signaling in academia to launching a global platform for GPCR scientists and consultants. In this conversation, she shares how she used storytelling, networking, and scientific insight…

Read More

Mental Health, Motivation, and Meaning in the PhD Journey – With Dr. Agnieszka Piotrowska

What drives us to pursue a PhD—and what happens when that drive fades or fractures under pressure? In this candid and thought-provoking episode, David welcomes Dr. Agnieszka Piotrowska – founder of The Scholars Mentor – to talk about the invisible struggles of doctoral life, especially for international PhD students. Drawing on her background in psychoanalysis…

Read More

From NASA to Nexus – Turning Science Into Impact with Arnaud Stiepen

How do you go from studying the stars to helping others shine in their science communication? 🌟 In this inspiring conversation, astrophysicist, TV host, and TEDx speaker Arnaud Stiepen joins David Mendes to share how he built a bridge between research and the public through Nexus by Arnaud Stiepen — his platform for transforming complex…

Read More

L’avenir après les études supérieures – Table ronde J2R 2025

Enregistré en direct à l’UQAR lors des Journées de la relève en recherche (J2R) 2025 de l’ACFAS, cet épisode spécial de Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD met en lumière les voix de cinq professionnel·les aux parcours divers après les études supérieures. Au cours de cette table ronde d’ouverture des J2R, David Mendes a exploré avec…

Read More

Clarity vs Complexity – Branding for Researchersh With Michael Dargie

If your academic credentials are being met with confusion – or worse, silence – outside the ivory tower, it might be time for a branding reframe. In this episode, David Mendes speaks with Michael Dargie – international speaker, brand strategist, and author of Brandjitsu. Known for helping creative rebels go from “meh” to memorable, Michael…

Read More

Débuter en diplomatie scientifique – Sept profils de scientifiques en résidence à l’étranger

Bienvenue dans ce nouvel épisode d’Horizon PhD! Dans cet épisode spécial d’Horizon PhD, je t’emmène à la rencontre de sept PhDs qui ont choisi une voie peu connue, mais pleine de sens : devenir scientifique en résidence dans une délégation du Québec à l’étranger. À Toronto, New York, Mexico, Rabat, Paris, Rome et à Séoul,…

Read More

Bending Time, Beating Burnout, and Building a Career You Love with Michelle Niemeyer

Do you ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? For many graduate students, PhDs, and early-career professionals, time scarcity feels like the biggest obstacle to building a sustainable and fulfilling career. This week on Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, I talk with Michelle Niemeyer — speaker, coach, and former attorney…

Read More

PhD to Industry – Navigating Career Growth & Mentorship with Katerina Thomas

What happens after you land your first job post-PhD? For many researchers, the transition from academia is just the beginning. In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, Katerina Thomas joins David to explore how mentorship, self-awareness, and internal motivation shape the next stages of a PhD’s career journey. Drawing from her own…

Read More

Finish Your PhD Faster and Healthier – Time Management & Mindset Shifts with Lucia Juarez

Feeling stuck in grad school? PhD coach Lucia Juarez discusses overcoming burnout, managing time effectively, and redefining productivity. Discover how mindset shifts and sustainable habits can help you finish your PhD faster—with more confidence and less stress. A must-listen for researchers facing academic overwhelm and looking for practical tools.

Read More

Daring to Go Astray: Jillian Reilly Shares the Power of Self-Permission After Graduate School

Welcome back to Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD! In this episode, host David Mendes sits down with Jillian Rilley – founder, writer, keynote speaker, and consultant whose decades of work focus on helping people navigate change and accelerate learning, especially in disruptive times. Drawing on her experiences across Africa, Asia, and Central Europe, Jillian…

Read More