u/Ok-Recording-3303

I run a mid sized biology lab at an R1. we’ve been successful getting funding in the past. we have 2 doctoral candidates starting year 4, and a 1.5 year postdoc who have a bunch of data to write up, but are very slow to do so. they are all excellent researchers and seemingly into their projects.

I’ve tried writing clubs (with and without me), buying gift certificates for coffee shops, friendly competitions with prizes, deadlines & check ins, drafting outlines for them, supportive encouragement, gently pushing, less gently, etc etc.

nothing seems to get them over the hump. they report different reasons for stalling. interruptions, lack of knowing how to tell a story or seeing the story, needing “one more experiment” and so on.i want to build a culture of writing but everything i try seems to not work.

what are some ideas that have worked for your group? what motivates you to write?

I run a mid sized biology lab at an R1. we’ve been successful getting funding in the past. we have 2 doctoral candidates starting year 4, and a 1.5 year postdoc who have a bunch of data to write up, but are very slow to do so. they are all excellent researchers and seemingly into their projects.

I’ve tried writing clubs (with and without me), buying gift certificates for coffee shops, friendly competitions with prizes, deadlines & check ins, drafting outlines for them, supportive encouragement, gently pushing, less gently, etc etc.

nothing seems to get them over the hump. they report different reasons for stalling. interruptions, lack of knowing how to tell a story or seeing the story, needing “one more experiment” and so on.i want to build a culture of writing but everything i try seems to not work.

what are some ideas that have worked for your group? what motivates you to write?

Hi All,
I'm looking for recommendations for off-season sports training programs to help me improve ahead of my spring track season. I'm managing an injury as well.

I do know about the physio shop and love them but it's quite far from me. Anyone with good experiences at PT/training centers on the east side of town or even central?

Im an associate professor at an R1 where I teach and run a research lab in a STEM discipline. I’ve been fairly successful getting funding. publishing is happening but a bit slower than I’d like. I’m not super into teaching, but I’m not bad at it. Love the research side (ideas, writing, and mentoring).

I don’t like where I’m located. it’s not terrible, but also not inspiring and just sorta mid, overall. there is another place (well 2 in the same state) that I’d much much rather be. so much so that I’ve considered leaving academia.

the jobs in academia are so far & few between these days, and especially when targeting specific areas. plus my current university has tuition benefits for my soon to be college bound kids.

am I a fool for thinking of leaving the ivory tower?

I’m about a year in to what my Rheumatologist calls a psoriatic-like inflammatory arthritis diagnosis.

Story: I got a cold Feb 2025 and over the next 2 months developed enthesitis in shoulders and hips. CRP was high and GP diagnosed polymyalgia rheumatica and prescribed prednisone. Couldn’t get in to a local rheumatologist at the time and in August, ended up seeing someone at Mayo a few hours drive away. that rheumatologist said all tests were negative/normal except CRP and that given the enthesitis, it’s likely a psoriatic-like arthritis. no skin or nail issues.

Started SSA and eventually MTX while slowly tapering prednisone from 15 now to 2. I feel like ass. SSA makes me feel like a zombie and slightly depressed and MTX basically robs me of 1.5 days a week due to side effects. Disease is not controlled fully so I’m in a low moderate amount of pain too. enthesitis has progressed to hands and feet, and all the drug changes take so long to see effect that it’s super frustrating. weather changes suck, travel sucks, and I feel like a shell of myself from a year ago.

Currently bumping MTX up 2.5 mg at a time.

Is this timeline and path normal? feels so slow. I’ve got two young kids, a job that requires high mental functioning. But between the fatigue, pain and side effects I just feel terrible all the time.

all positive things welcome.

I'm looking for gym recommendations in the area for a few weeks long visit. Must have Concept2 rowers and free weights and some sort of short term membership option. Not looking for a bro gym, something laid back and family friendly would be great.

Best if located on NE side of the river, but can travel within reason if needed. Any suggestions are welcome!