Ch-ch-ch-ch, Changes
Hmm. . .I wonder what kind of natural products that whale made.
Regular readers probably know my childhood story of growing up within sight of the Hoffmann-La Roche tower in Nutley, NJ, and planning to one day be a research scientist there.
Me. Roche. Period.
That was my world and those were the lofty expectations when I left the little Polish town of Wallington to go off to college.
Little did I know that an education course through Philadelphia, north Florida, and Denver would make an academic out of me. And even less had I anticipated falling in love with a brilliant physician-scientist and leaving my tenured position at Colorado to move blindly to the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. I wiggled my way into a wonderful position with the co-discoverers of taxol and camptothecin, Drs. Monroe Wall and Mansukh Wani, and then moved across town to North Carolina Central University. In each position, I picked up new skills – teaching, public outreach, natural products chemistry, scientific writing – that when combined have led my career GPS to recalculate my route.
Well, today marks the formal announcement of another step in my unforeseen path.
Come January, I’ll be joining the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences as Science Communications Director in their new wing, the Nature Research Center (NRC).
Led by renowned biologist and treetop ecologist, “Canopy Meg” Lowman, the NRC will build on the treasure that is the state museum in the capital city of Raleigh to be a showcase for how science is actually done – the tagline is, “How Do We Know?”
Architectural rendering of the Nature Research Center at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences looking west down West Jones Street in Raleigh.
The NRC will add to the Museum a series of visible, working laboratories from microbiology and genomics to astronomy and paleontology that will directly involve the public and citizen science projects. The centerpiece of the soon-to-be completed 80,000-square foot building is a 42-foot-high spherical theatre called The Daily Planet. While I don’t know if I’ll be expected to dress up as Clark Kent, I do know that The Daily Planet will be an immersive multimedia space with visual links to field sites around the world and allow Q&A sessions between the public and the scientists. It’ll be a mash-up between a planetarium and TED talks with a focus on increasing science literacy.
The rest of the features of the Nature Research Center – Investigate Labs, Citizen Science Center, Science Immersion Theatre, Meet the Scientist, etc. – can be found here.
The scientific method: how do we know?
Beyond Canopy Meg, I’ll have the chance to work with – and sing the praises of – several newly-recruited lab directors: Julie Horvath-Roth (Microbiology & Genomics), Roland Kays (Mammals & Biodiversity), Rachel L. Smith (Astronomy), and Lindsay Zanno (Paleontology & Geology). These folks add to an already outstanding group of scientists in the Research & Collections division of the Museum, several of which are featured in the first NRC newsletter (PDF here). Having the opportunity to engage these scientists and others with public audiences in our state capital is a truly remarkable opportunity. And museum programming will be available around the world.
It just changes – that’s all
Back in February, I wrote what turned out to be a rather prescient blogpost about how one’s career goals change – and that’s okay. I was inspired by a Science Careers piece by Kathy Weston, a former University of London researcher who closed her lab in 2009 to become a science writer. In “Falling Off the Ladder: How Not to Succeed in Academia,” Weston lamented that she never became the huge researcher she intended (she did her postdoc with Nobel laureate, J. Michael Bishop).
But what I and some of my colleagues found in Kathy’s piece was not that she had failed herself. Rather, she found other things that excited her more about life and science.
I opened the post with:
My friends: changing your career path is okay. It really is. What you wanted at 21 may no longer serve you at 41. It’s okay.
Some people always know exactly what they want. Most people don’t. It just changes – that’s all.
I’ve pretty much followed the tenure-track academic career path since becoming an assistant professor in 1992 in at the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy. I’ve been modestly successful in getting NIH grants, training students, and maintaining a reasonable publication record. But teaching and public outreach has always been my primary passion. Although much lip service is given to the latter efforts, the truth is that they are not as highly valued as grant dollars, even at teaching-intensive universities.
When I started this blog six years ago this week, my eyes were opened to the potent, worldwide reach that science writing can have via a medium that anyone with an internet connection can use. No longer was I restricted to talking to 25-150 students at a time or, at best, a public audience of 400 or so. Your readership, comments, encouragement, and constructive criticism led me to broaden my view as a teacher, work harder on my writing, and wish more strongly that science communication would become a more substantive part of my career path.
Being at this C&EN blog network gave me a firsthand, behind-the-scenes eye at how a science weekly is put together and how solid PhD scientists can apply their background to making complex science easier for technical audiences to understand. Being tutored by writers this summer from Wired magazine, The New York Times, and the Boston Globe, made me realize that perhaps my strengths may not lie in the laboratory.
But breaking into science writing these days is no easy feat. Getting a NIH grant has better odds.
Opportunity knocks – to do more
The timing and description of the NRC science communications director position couldn’t have been better. Instead of looking for a typical public information officer – the Museum already has a tremendous one in Jonathan Pishney – Meg and Museum Director Betsy Bennett wanted a PhD-level scientist with a record of broad public engagement and new media savvy. I’m totally stoked to join the outstanding External Affairs group of the Museum – they’re a remarkable team of writers, TV folks, designers, and development pros.
The beauty of the position is that I’ll still be encouraged to keep my personal online presence here at CENtral Science and elsewhere in the blogosphere. In this new position, I’m hoping to promote the often underappreciated role of chemistry in the natural sciences and expand public understanding of nature as a source of therapeutic biomolecules.
Moreover, I’m going to have an even greater impact in pushing my career-long goals of increasing the number of folks from underrepresented groups who, if they don’t pursue careers in the sciences, will at least understand that being a scientist is accessible to all. I’ll specifically continue my relationship with my current university, one of five historically-black colleges/universities (HBCUs) in the University of North Carolina system.
In addition, there are two additional private HBCUs within a mile of so of the Museum: St. Augustine’s College and Shaw University, the first university for African-American students in the American South and the alma mater of my current university’s founder, Dr. James E. Shepard. And Raleigh is even closer to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, an institution originally established to educate Native Americans of the Lumbee tribe.
And, yes, yes – there will still be room for gangly Polish kids from New Jersey. And for visiting scientists, even some graying, bespectacled, goateed white dudes.
Follow your heart – and the skills you’ve acquired down the road
Yes, I am probably ending my career as a laboratory principal investigator. I’ll still have a presence in the Microbiology & Genomics Laboratory and bring along my microscopes and thermocyclers I’ve accumulated over the years. But I have made the commitment to no longer run a lab of my own. However, I’ll still be a university professor: my position is funded in part by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at North Carolina State University. I’ll be teaching in their MS program in Technical Communication and hosting interns and grad students at the museum for their own projects.
Accepting this position marks the second time I have relinquished a tenured faculty position at a state university. But the issue is not so much that I have lost enthusiasm for my own investigator-initiated research. Instead, I have found an opportunity that gets me even more excited about science and the potential to reach young people and the public.
For those of you attending the ScienceOnline2012 conference next month, the Thursday night reception will be held at the Museum of Natural Sciences. So I look forward to showing you around (even though the NRC won’t yet be completed).
But for readers who might find themselves in Raleigh after the 20 April 2012 opening of the NRC, drop me a line. We’ll be happy to host you and your families.
You can keep following me on Twitter @davidkroll but you can also follow the Museum @naturalsciences and the new account for the @NRCGrandOpening.
Apologies to my childhood musical idol for borrowing the title of this post. (Wikipedia and YouTube for the young folks.
Leave a Reply
Dec 12th 2011 • 17:12
by Anjou
This sounds like fun! Congrats from Linda and Bill
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by David Kroll
Thanks so much, Linda! Alas, this will mark the end of my time with the NCI program project but I will continue to involved in promoting nature as a source of anticancer drugs (and all drugs, for that matter). Love to Bill as well.
Dec 12th 2011 • 17:12
by Curious Wavefunction
Congratulations David, I am sure not even the museum is fully aware of how valuable, passionate and skilled a science communicator and scientist they have snared! I wish you the very best in this sparkling and important new endeavor and look forward to the new ventures coming out of your exciting job. You will continue to serve as an inspiration for those who want to dare to think different.
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by David Kroll
No surprise here to receive such a typically elegant comment of congratulations from you, good sir. I hope that I can do justice to your expectations. If I can be half the communicator as you, I’ll be in good stead. Thanks so much!
Dec 12th 2011 • 17:12
by Zen Faulkes
Wow.
What a story.
Much success!
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by David Kroll
Thanks, Zen – hope there’s something good in here for your students.
Dec 12th 2011 • 18:12
by Ed Yong
Well isn’t that just utterly brilliant? Congrats David. You more than deserve it.
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by David Kroll
Many thanks, mate – you push me to think/agonize over the first sentence of every blogpost. I must’ve gotten some positive cosmic energy from The Hand of Yong.
Oh, and early Happy Birthday! I hope to make something of myself before I’m twice your age!
Dec 12th 2011 • 18:12
by Carin B
Congratulations David! A wonderful read, and a wonderful new direction
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by David Kroll
Thank you, my chilliwacky friend. And there are TV and radio studios! Maybe I can take some lessons from you?
Dec 12th 2011 • 18:12
by Hannah Waters
Huge congratulations to you, David! It sounds like a great opportunity, and they probably don’t know yet how lucky they are to have you
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by David Kroll
I hope I live up to the expectations – thanks so much, Hannah!
Dec 12th 2011 • 18:12
by Jason G. Goldman
w00t! congratulations – what a great change for you and for the museum!
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by David Kroll
Indeed, interesting times my friend. Thank you. Looking forward to seeing you next month!
Dec 12th 2011 • 18:12
by Roger Austin
Congratulations to both you and the museum. It sounds like a great adventure has begun. Good luck on your new gig.
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by David Kroll
Thanks so much, Roger – hope to catch up with you in person soon!
Dec 12th 2011 • 18:12
by Dirk Hanson
Even better than a forest ranger!
Congrats,
Dirk
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by David Kroll
Indeed, good sir. I may even be doing some field work out of doors. Looking forward to seeing you next month!
Dec 12th 2011 • 18:12
by mcshanahan
What wonderful news, David! Can’t imagine anyone better for the job
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by David Kroll
Honored to be congratulated by a *real* science education scholar. I think we’ll be Skyping even more – see you soon!
Dec 12th 2011 • 19:12
by Gaythia Weis
Sounds fantastic. Congratulations!
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by David Kroll
Thanks so much, Gaythia. I wonder if I’ll get free admission at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science!
Dec 12th 2011 • 23:12
by Gaythia
This will give me a great excuse to revisit the Research Triangle Park area. Once worked there.
Dec 13th 2011 • 23:12
by Gaythia Weis
And from the looks of that new building and your description of the Nature Research center, it sounds to me like it will be the Denver Museum of Natural History that will be asking for passes to come check you out!
Dec 12th 2011 • 20:12
by Bug Girl
CONGRATS!! I am so excited for you. Tours for SciOnline, right?
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by David Kroll
Thank you! Can’t wait to meet you next month.
Turns out that the NRC won’t yet be ready for occupancy for SciOnline this year but we’ll be having our Thursday reception in the main museum. The NRC will open in mid-April. Follow @NRCGrandOpening for more!
Dec 12th 2011 • 20:12
by Kevin Z
David, this is the perfect position for you! I cannot wait to see how you and the NRC rock it out in the next couple years! So happy for you. I hope you will continue to think about your audiences and how best to serve the variety of sectors you have strived to help your whole professional life. I have no doubt that you will succeed! As far NRC, well, I am sure you were a no-brainer once they saw your application!
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by David Kroll
Thanks so much, Kevin – I understand it was a highly competitive position and I’m truly fortunate to have been considered the finalist. We’ll definitely stay focused on the needs of all audiences and I’ll welcome any ideas from you and the Deep Sea News crew. You folks show us how it’s done. Thanks, bro!
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by PharmacistScott
Congrats, David!
Dec 13th 2011 • 07:12
by David Kroll
Thanks so much, Scott – really hoping to meet you someday soon!
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by Matt
David,
My most heartfelt congratulations! I’m really looking forward to seeing you at #scio12! I’m so delighted to read you being so happy!
Dec 13th 2011 • 07:12
by David Kroll
Thanks, Matt – so glad you’re coming down next month. Hope I can do for the museum what you are doing for chemistry education!
Dec 12th 2011 • 21:12
by Rebecca Guenard
David,
Sounds like a lot of fun. What a great opportunity to blend your talents. Best of luck to you!! Looking forward to seeing you next month at SciOnline.
Rebecca
Dec 13th 2011 • 08:12
by David Kroll
Rebecca, hanging out and talking with you and other scientists at the Sant Fe Science Writing Workshop helped me crystallize how much we can still have an impact on science outside the laboratory. I also wish you the best in your freelance career – totes stoked to have a reunion next month!
Dec 12th 2011 • 22:12
by Paul
Congrats on the new gig, David! I hope the position offers you new and exciting routes to interact with a wider audience, improve the public’s perception of chemistry, and communicate its importance to society.
Dec 13th 2011 • 08:12
by David Kroll
Paul, it was SO great to finally meet you at the C&EN Advisory Board meeting. I hope to follow in your footsteps and continue to be an advocate for chemistry. See you soon!
Dec 13th 2011 • 06:12
by Mary Knudson
David, you will be awesome at this! Enjoy! The museum is lucky to have you
Mary
Dec 13th 2011 • 08:12
by David Kroll
Thank you so much, Mary. But it is I who am so lucky to have had your support and friendship over the last couple of years. Your invitation to speak to your faculty writing group at Hopkins, your endorsement of my NASW application, and your general all-around encouragement have been invaluable and deeply appreciated.
Dec 13th 2011 • 06:12
by Mark Hahnel
Big Congrats, that place looks like a scientist’s playground!
Dec 14th 2011 • 06:12
by David Kroll
Thanks so much, Mark. I’m excited to watch regular folks use the place as a learning playground as well. Give a holler when you’re in Raleigh!
Dec 13th 2011 • 07:12
by Carmen
Bully for you, David! We are all super psyched to follow your new adventures. And like Paul said, spreading the good word of natural products and chemistry.
Dec 14th 2011 • 06:12
by David Kroll
Carmen, Carmen, my dear friend. I could not have gotten this far without you rescuing me after the Pepsigate diaspora and recommending me to Rachel for CENtral Science. Your advice, encouragement, and friendship have been invaluable. I hope to have some good fodder for the C&EN education section!
Dec 13th 2011 • 07:12
by Christine Herman
Congrats on your new position at the museum! It sounds like it’s the perfect fit for you, given what you’ve found you’re most passionate about. And thanks for sharing your story about the transition!
Dec 14th 2011 • 06:12
by David Kroll
Thank you, Christine – I hope that my post helps give you additional ideas about the kinds of career stuff you write on your blog. Paying attention to the skills you accumulate and staying in touch with your heart are important. I’m so glad that you regularly feature these issues here at CENtral Science.
The only problem as you get older, though, is that you are responsible for more than just yourself when making any changes. I’m extremely fortunate to have a supportive wife and daughter who are accepting of the lower pay, longer commute, and more erratic hours because of where I see my soul leading me. Not everyone has that kind of backing when you’re – gasp – middle-aged. I’m a very, very fortunate guy on many levels.
Dec 13th 2011 • 08:12
by Edward Winstead
Congratulations, David! What a happy story all around. They are lucky to have you, and I look forward to visiting the museum down the road!
Jan 7th 2012 • 21:01
by David Kroll
Ted, thank you so much! I’m grateful for the chance to have met you at AACR and, even more, for your lovely article in The Cancer Bulletin on our use of Twitter at the meeting. You did a superb job on putting together a bunch of interviews and making a nice cohesive piece out of them. I have much to learn from you as a writer.
Hope to see you down here!
Dec 13th 2011 • 08:12
by Rachel
David, I am ridiculously excited for you! You’re totally gonna rock that house.
Jan 7th 2012 • 21:01
by David Kroll
Oh, dear! How did I miss your comment??
You already know this but I want to say publicly that your bringing me on here at CENtral Science has given me tremendous opportunities to learn how C&EN works, learn to write better, and make contacts with tons of wonderful folks who have taught me a great deal. You didn’t have to listen to Carmen’s recommendation to bring me on but I’m so glad you did!
I owe you more than you know.
Dec 13th 2011 • 08:12
by DNLee
THIS IS SO exciting! I was reading this post and for a moment, a glimpse of my future flashed before my eyes! I fell in love with Canopy Meg at ScienceOnline 2011 and she told me to get some more years under my research belt, THEN come work at the NRC. Oh, to do research and outreach (informal teaching) full time would be a dream come true…
I am so excited for you. A very hearty congratulations!!!!
Dec 14th 2011 • 06:12
by David Kroll
Danielle, is this awesome or what?!? Yes! I get to work with Meg!
You’ll be happy to know that I showed pictures of you, me, and Alberto (from ScienceOnline and SACNAS) during my interview talk when stressing my commitment to diversity in early science education. Finish up that postdoc and give a holler – your energy and commitment are exactly the kinds of qualities we need in our role models.
And thank you for your support and acceptance in our mutual journey to make science open to all.
Dec 13th 2011 • 09:12
by Cindy Salo
Oh, David–this is great news! Congratulations.
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story of following your dream and not being afraid to change. It will help all of us who are changing career focus.
I must visit the Museum next time I’m in NC. I’m especially looking forward to the Daily Planet, “a mash-up between a planetarium and TED talks with a focus on increasing science literacy.” Wow; I may spend a week inside.
The Museum and the NRC are doing important work and they found just the person to make it happen.
Cindy
Dec 14th 2011 • 06:12
by David Kroll
Cindy, thank you so much! Your kindness and encouragement during and after the Santa Fe workshop have contributed greatly to my making this move. Of course, I wasn’t as adventurous as you to go all-out and become a freelancer. In talking with Maryn McKenna over the summer, she told me not to underestimate the value of a steady paycheck and health insurance.
This is the best use of my skills and passion – I can’t recall seeing a job description like the one for this job. I’m very fortunate. And I’m happy to host you anytime! #OccupyNRC perhaps?
Thank you so much for staying in touch. You’re awesome.
Dec 13th 2011 • 09:12
by Professor in Training
Yay! Super-excited for you!
Dec 14th 2011 • 06:12
by David Kroll
Thanks so much, PiT – hope to meet you someday!
Dec 13th 2011 • 09:12
by Sandra Porter
Congratulations! This is an exciting move!
Dec 14th 2011 • 17:12
by David Kroll
Can’t wait to do some science-singing with you when you’re next in town. Thank you for your long-term support and advice on jumping into this field!
Dec 13th 2011 • 09:12
by bsci
Congratulations! The museum was wise to hire you and I hope this job leads to successes for both you and the museum.
Looking forward to more blogging on education and science outreach from you.
Dec 14th 2011 • 17:12
by David Kroll
Thank you! Keep in touch and let me know what I can do to reach out to your audience, okay?
Dec 13th 2011 • 10:12
by Bethany Halford
Congratulations David! Working in that giant globe looks like great fun.
Dec 14th 2011 • 16:12
by David Kroll
Hey Bethany! Thank you so much for your tutelage and encouragement. Your pieces on George Pettit and natural products were truly inspiring and I still plan to meet you in NYC for the ICNPR meeting in the summer. Seriously, you folks at C&EN have been wonderful. Thank you!
Dec 14th 2011 • 00:12
by See Arr Oh
Dr. Abel Communicator! (You’ll have to change your moniker for sure, now!)
I’ll echo all the 99,997 comments above and tell you you’re a gem for the NC Sci Museum. As a former Heel myself, I can appreciate the potential to do good for a lot of people in this role…even if you have to dress up like Clark Kent.
Good luck!
Dec 14th 2011 • 17:12
by David Kroll
Hey, man! I forgot that you had roots in this red clay. Y’all are welcome here anytime. I’ve already put aside some of your chem ed suggestions. Rest assured that I’ll be hitting you up for your latest ideas, my fine man.
Dec 14th 2011 • 08:12
by Amy Murphy
We are certainly close enough and curious enough to visit! Congratulations on the beginning of an exciting new adventure!
Dec 14th 2011 • 16:12
by David Kroll
Amy, let me know when y’all are in town – check the Contact page of this blog.
Dec 14th 2011 • 08:12
by Brian Thomas
Awesome move David. I am very excited for you and your move. Keep in touch, and HAVE FUN!
Dec 14th 2011 • 16:12
by David Kroll
Brian, don’t worry – I’ll still be interested in the chemistry of synthetic cannabimimetics as I’ll still be here blogging. But I may wish to tap into your expertise on the analytical chemistry approaches to issues relevant to natural sciences. I hope that we have *more* interactions!
Dec 14th 2011 • 09:12
by GinnySkal
This is so exciting, David. Talk about an incredible opportunity. I wish you all the best with this new gig. Happy 2012!
Dec 14th 2011 • 17:12
by David Kroll
Hey Ginny, I guess I’ll now be a Raleigh dude. Hope to spend many times with you and the fine gentleman that is @mammalpants. #OccupyNRC tweetup?
Dec 14th 2011 • 10:12
by Kathleen lynch
Congratulations my childhood friend! We will be taking you up on your “loose” offer to host after April 2012…. Helen will love it!
Dec 14th 2011 • 16:12
by David Kroll
Hey, Kath – I’m so sorry we haven’t yet been out to W-S but life has obviously been kind of crazy for us. This place is perfect for Helen – and you and your fine gentleman. I can’t wait to see y’all!
Dec 14th 2011 • 12:12
by Maryn
Stunning news! Fantastic, though. It sounds like a marvelous opportunity and I am impressed at your reinvention.
Dec 14th 2011 • 16:12
by David Kroll
My dear Maryn, your advice and guidance has been far more valuable than you may realize. I hope I do justice to your expectations.
Dec 15th 2011 • 01:12
by Ian Musgrave
Congratulations David, that’s great news.
Dec 16th 2011 • 07:12
by David Kroll
Hallo, Ian – don’t worry, I’ll still be keeping up with my pharmacology but I’ll also be learning more about your other passion of astronomy. Still hoping to make it to Adelaide!
Dec 15th 2011 • 10:12
by KateClancy
Wow David, what cool news and what a great move for you! This position sounds like a great use of your considerable talent
.
Dec 16th 2011 • 07:12
by David Kroll
Thanks so much, Kate – you are too kind. This is tremendously exciting. Hope you come visit – see you next month!
Dec 15th 2011 • 11:12
by Kristjan Wager
First of all: congratulations. It sounds like a great opportunity, and I wish you the best of luck.
Regarding your point about changing your career path/goals, I think it is a very important one. As you start working, you’ll often find that the sort of things you thought would work for you don’t, and oportunities you had never considered arise. It’s important to be willing to evaluate earlier goals, and see if they still apply.
Dec 16th 2011 • 07:12
by David Kroll
Kris, thanks so much both for the congratulations and the affirmation of the story. We tend to talk a lot about uncertainty when we’re younger but it’s just as important to consider one’s path all though adulthood. I’m glad that I’ve at least helped others to speak more widely on the subject. Students and early-career scientists need to know that they’re not the only ones!
Dec 15th 2011 • 11:12
by melissa
Hi David! What a small world, when i sat next to you at a SciO11 break – we talked about how both you and my brother graduated from Phila. College of Pharmacy & Sci… now i find out you’re from Nutley too!
Congrats on this new opportunity, looking forward to SciO12!
Dec 16th 2011 • 07:12
by David Kroll
Ha ha! I actually just came across your business card and feel terrible that a whole year has passed and we haven’t caught up even though we’re just across town. The world is small, especially for us Jersey kids. See you soon!
Dec 15th 2011 • 14:12
by Elisa Maldonado
Congrats! It’s really inspiring to hear yours and Kathy’s stories, especially that it’s okay to change your career path when priorities and interests change.
I hope to get to talk more with you at ScienceOnline. I’m waiting to hear back about a travel award. Keep your fingers crossed!
Dec 27th 2011 • 08:12
by David Kroll
Fingers are crossed that you get your travel award. I look forward to seeing you again and still working with our students on their personal statements.
I’m glad that you found the stories useful. We have a lot of pressure on us to be exactly what our professors are – even when we’re 20 years in! Glad to see you following your path.
Dec 15th 2011 • 15:12
by Linda Wang
I am thrilled for you! Chemistry can lead to a world of possibilities. Congrats, David! Looking forward to watching you grow in your new role.
Dec 23rd 2011 • 12:12
by David Kroll
Thanks so much, Linda. The support and advice of all of my beloved C&EN folks has really helped me with this transition. So great to re-meet you at the board meeting!
Dec 16th 2011 • 07:12
by Cathy Clabby
Great news, for you and for the museum. Congratulations David!
Dec 16th 2011 • 07:12
by David Kroll
Thanks so much, Cathy! You’ve been one of my inspirations to follow my science communications heart. See you at the next Sigma Xi pizza lunch!
Dec 17th 2011 • 19:12
by Dana Hunter
So excited!!! Finally got the chance to do more than skim this, and it sounds even better than it did when I was just reading the highlights and jumping up and down squealing with glee for you. And I’ll be in Raleigh in October, can’t wait to see the new digs! Tempted to just move in there.
They couldn’t have made a better choice. I’m proud of them, proud of you, and proud of Raleigh!
Dec 27th 2011 • 09:12
by David Kroll
Thanks so much, Dana! I’ll be delighted to host you for a visit – perhaps I could even wrangle you into giving a talk.
I hope I fulfill everyone’s expectations – it’s a remarkably exciting opportunity!
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Dec 23rd 2011 • 12:12
by Science-Based Medicine » NCCAM Criticism from a Not-Quite-Opponent
[...] communications director in their new Nature Research Center (scheduled for a April 2012 opening). I’ve written more details about this move and a perspective on my research career at my main blog, Terra Sigillata. While I’ll no [...]
Dec 27th 2011 • 10:12
by Lisa R.
What a perfect match! I’m happy you’ll be able to combine all your passions this way. We’ll have to put NC on our future-travel list for sure now.
Jan 7th 2012 • 21:01
by David Kroll
Thank you ever so much, Lisa. I really hope to see you and the family here!
Dec 28th 2011 • 17:12
by danielle hatfield (@dhatfield)
Congrats to you!!
Jan 7th 2012 • 21:01
by David Kroll
Can’t wait to show you and the entire staff of Experience Farm around the new digs after we open in April!
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Dec 29th 2011 • 11:12
by Science Writing Sampler Platter | Take As Directed
[...] exciting part of my new job at the Nature Research Center of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences is that I’ll also have a [...]
Jan 5th 2012 • 16:01
by Dawayne Whittington
Congrats. Stay in touch. We barely got started with our collaboration, but I’m excited for your opportunity and will visit when I’m in the neighborhood!