Embracing Change: Navigating Alt-Academia and Mental Health | Melissa Collini, Ph.D.

🧪 Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to "make it" in academia, or wondering if your passion for teaching and science communication could lead you somewhere more fulfilling?

Today on ⁠Science with Impact⁠, I sit down with Dr. Melissa Collini, currently a Teaching Assistant at the University of North Texas and co-host of the Chemistry For Your Life Podcast, to explore the pivotal choices and challenges of building a meaningful, alternative academic career.

🤔 Who is this for?

STEM faculty, graduate students, early-career researchers, and academic leaders interested in:

* Expanding career possibilities outside the professoriate

* Prioritizing mental health and work-life balance in academia

* Aligning personal values with professional impact

📋 What is it about?

Melissa Collini shares her journey from organic chemistry to chemistry education research, unpacking the struggles with anxiety and depression that shaped her approach to career and life. This episode highlights practical strategies for:

* Navigating alt-academic career transitions and finding your fit beyond faculty roles

* Building supportive networks and seeking mentorship

* Balancing personal well-being with professional goals

* Using science communication to broaden your impact

Melissa’s reflections offer a candid look at the realities of academic careers, the importance of empathy in teaching, and the ongoing work of honoring your identity and values, both inside and outside the lab.

💡 Key Takeaway: Lasting impact in STEM isn’t limited to the classroom; when we prioritize well-being and follow our curiosity, we can shape science and education from every seat.

⌚️ Time Stamps

00:00 Alt Academic Careers with Melissa Collini01:03 Meet Melissa02:07 What is "alt academia"?03:05 What led you to your career?09:11 The good behind career anxiety13:21 What do you love about teaching?18:36 Dogs & Tornados20:11 Annnnd we're back!21:03 Mental health and graduate school24:05 Our late diagnoses26:58 Personhood vs. career30:31 Values and career choices37:51 Academic "freedom"41:56 "What do you want to be when you grow up?"43:01 Talking about Ali Abdaal43:27 Accountability44:15 Making an impact48:51 Aligning decisions, values, and careers

📣 Guest

Melissa Collini, Ph.D.| Teaching Assistant, University of North Texas and Co-Host of the Chemistry for Your Life Podcast

🎙️ Host

I’m Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D., founder of Cuvette Collective, where we partner with scientists to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact through evidence-based, question-led, and person-centered science communication.

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