Scientific Career Research Articles

JOSÉ ISRAEL VARGAS: ESSÊNCIAS DA VIDA E OBRA DE UM LÍDER DA CIÊNCIA NO BRASIL

JOSÉ ISRAEL VARGAS: ESSENCES OF THE LIFE AND WORK OF A SCIENCE LEADER IN BRAZIL. A brief overview of the long-standing and rich academic and scientific career of Professor José Israel Vargas is presented, along with some of his thoughts and notable achievements since obtaining his university degree in Chemistry from Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He received his doctorate from the Faculty of Physical Chemistry (1960, Cambridge University, UK), working with radiochemistry and hyperfine interactions. Six years after his return to Brazil, he began working as a leading researcher at the Centre d’Études Nucléaires de Grenoble, France, where he stayed until 1972. He then once more returned to Brazil and initiated a time of intense scientific activity at the Department of Chemistry, UFMG, as well as of great involvement in science and technology policy in Brazil. In 1977, he was appointed the first state secretary for Science and Technology in Minas Gerais; from 1994 to 2000, he served as the Brazilian Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The present paper will highlight his key role in fostering the scientific careers of numerous young scientists and also pay him homage to recognize his significant contributions to Brazilian and French science, particularly in chemistry and physics.

Los espacios de aprendizaje de Geografía: itinerario virtual y en territorio con estudiantes de primera generación

In education it is important to innovate the conventional classroom and build learning environments that involve student participation and teacher mediation. This study seeks to contrast the effectiveness of virtual itineraries and territorial tours for the development of geographic skills. The work follows a mixed approach, with a quasi-experimental design. With a geographical itinerary of four relevant stops, with a sample selected by means of intentional sampling, formed by students of the Fifth Semester of the Pedagogy of History and Social Sciences Career. The students of group A made tours in the territory and group B made tours in virtual environments. Observation and comparative analysis techniques were used, as well as questionnaires and pre- and post-intervention evaluations as instruments. The impact of the study lies in demonstrating the effectiveness of combining on-site and virtual tours to develop geographic skills. While the former foster practical skills such as direct observation and interaction with the environment, the latter enhance map interpretation and geospatial navigation. These findings highlight the importance of diversifying pedagogical strategies through careful planning that integrates technological tools and practical experiences, fostering innovation in the teaching of social sciences.

Implementation of the care agreements of the CACTO program for mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

to analyze the implementation of care agreements developed in the CACTO program for mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. exploratory, qualitative study, guided by Unitary Caring Science and the Implementation Science methodological framework, based on the Consolidated Conceptual Framework for Implementation Research. Conducted with 20 mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, between April 2023 and February 2024, during care meetings developed in a non-governmental organization. For analysis, deductive thematic content analysis was used. the agreements were categorized into three dimensions of human existence: body-mind-soul. The health needs of mothers determined the implementation of the agreements, such as: difficulties in body acceptance, sedentary lifestyle, lack of awareness of their own potential, insufficient self-care, unresolved past conflicts, self-blame, family conflicts, signs and symptoms of overload and fragility in the relationship with God. The lack of time and oppressive relationships were barriers, while motivation and spirituality served as strengths for the mothers in applying the agreement device. in-depth dialogue and the leading role of the mothers were decisive in the implementation of the agreements. Professional caregivers play a fundamental role in epistemological development while triggering innovative care in the health field.

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING KINSHIP STRUCTURES FOR LEFT BEHIND OLDER ADULTS IN HIGH OUTMIGRATION CONTEXTS

Abstract From early in my scientific career (doctoral student), the National Institute on Aging and the Gerontological Society of America have been a cornerstone of developing my scientific understanding, from training grants that allowed me to finish my Ph.D. to grant writing workshops that helped me land a K01 award. Participating in the RAND Summer Institute and the Butler Williams Scholar program gave me the tools to understand the many funding mechanisms within the NIA and clarify the many doubts that come with transitioning into a faculty position. Further, my research has evolved in ways that I could never imagine. My studies surround rapid aging and migration in Puerto Rico and other countries. I study the intertwined pathways between migration, left behind older adults, and kinlessness in the 21st century. Specifically, how the migration of working-age adults is increasing the number of kinless older adults in sending countries and the effect of reducing social networks on the health and well-being of left behind older adults. Furthermore, our current work projects the kinship structure of older adults in Puerto Rico and Mexico, considering different migratory scenarios.

Between challenges and achievements: the journey of women in science and the struggle for gender and racial equality

This study addresses the persistent challenges faced by women in science, with a focus on the gender barriers that mark the professional trajectory of women in scientific fields. The literature review reveals that gender prejudice is a historical reality, manifesting itself both in academic settings and in the scientific job market, where women, especially scientists, continue to struggle for recognition and equality. In addition to the challenges related to sexism, female scientists face additional difficulties, such as work overload, restrictive domestic culture, and moral harassment, which make building a scientific career more arduous for them compared to their male counterparts. However, significant progress is being made in the resilience of these women, who, despite the adversities, continue to make valuable and progressive contributions to the advancement of science. Furthermore, the inclusion of women in the scientific field is essential for the evolution of society as a whole, as their participation is crucial not only for the advancement of knowledge but also for expanding the diversity of perspectives, resulting in bilateral benefits. The study emphasizes the importance of creating more equitable opportunities and conditions for women in science, fostering inclusive environments that promote both their professional development and full integration into the global construction of scientific knowledge. The pursuit of greater equity in the scientific field reflects a strategic necessity for the future, as the full participation of women is essential for innovation and the transformation of scientific practices in an increasingly plural world.

Colliding identities? The role of multiple identities among historically underrepresented students pursuing scientific research careers

ABSTRACT Motivated by Identity Integration and Threat theories, this preregistered study examined associations between scientist and ethnic identities and future scientific research career intentions among African American and Hispanic STEM undergraduates (N = 1,247). Scientist identity was positively correlated with junior-year ethnic identity and predicted senior-year scientific research career intentions. Neither scientist nor ethnic identities predicted senior-year self-esteem (which may influence science career decisions). However, minority science training program (MSTP) enrollment influenced the relationship between scientist identity and self-esteem, and between ethnic identity (belongingness) and scientific research career intentions. Neither ethnicity nor gender were moderators. The results indicate that different identities can relate to one another and uniquely influence scientific research career decisions among African American and Hispanic students, especially among MSTP enrollees.

Voices of Female Students Studying at Vocational Technical Sciences School of Higher Education about STEM Careers

This study aims to uncover female students’ feelings about being students at Technical Sciences Vocational School (VTSSHE) and what they think about pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Turkey after graduation. In this study, where data have been collected through semi-structured interviews conducted individually and face-to-face with six female students studying at one of the leading universities in Istanbul, the phenomenological qualitative research method is used; the inductive thematic analysis approach is used to analyse the interview data. The study's findings show that almost all participants have a role model that inspires them when choosing the program. All participants want to complete the four-year program and continue their careers in the STEM field as engineers. However, they are worried about finding a job in the sector because they think men are more likely to be employed in these fields. The participants state that their families initially have prejudice and concerns about sending them to vocational schools because they are female students. However, these prejudices and concerns have decreased over time, and the idea has become more accepted. The participants also have stated that they are happy to have a female faculty member at their school and that this situation is an inspiring role model for them. As a result, encouraging female scientists to pursue careers in STEM fields and ensuring that society encounters female scientists more in their daily lives are important in encouraging female students to choose a career in STEM in the future and ensuring the support of their families.

BUILDing SCHOLARS: A program exemplar at a Hispanic serving institution to develop biomedical researchers.

The student development initiatives of the BUILDing SCHOLARS Center at The University of Texas at El Paso comprise a program intended to prepare undergraduate students to enter and succeed in advanced graduate and professional biomedical degree programs, ultimately contributing to the diversity of the biomedical research workforce. The program adopted the Johnson/Bozemann Asset Bundles model, which recommends addressing five areas necessary to support minority students as they prepare for and continue towards scientific careers: a) educational endowments, b) science socialization, c) network development, d) family expectations and e) material resources. Through a variety of activities, which included a minimum of two years of research training, all five asset bundles were integrated into the program. Validated scales on science identity and research self-efficacy were completed by program fellows, and academic metrics such as retention, grade point average (GPA), and time to degree were collected for both program fellows and a comparison group. Thorough records of all students who participated in the program, including their presentations and co-authored publications, have been maintained, and students are being tracked post-graduation to determine their entry and completion of advanced degrees. Academic-based results for the first three cohorts of program participants show large, significant, and positive differences in retention, 4-year graduation rates and entry into advanced degrees between program participants and the comparison group. Comparison of academic and non-academic metrics indicate that the asset bundles approach is effective in retaining and preparing students for advanced degrees and careers in STEM disciplines. Using our results in combination with research by others on retention of students in STEM, we suggest factors contributing to the push-out of very talented majority Hispanic students in the comparison group from completing STEM degrees or not pursuing advanced studies in STEM areas.

Investigation and Implementation of Theoretical Teaching Reforms in the Water Environmental Chemistry Course

"Water Environmental Chemistry” is a crucial component of Environmental Chemistry and serves as an elective course in the field of Water Supply and Drainage Science and Engineering. This article systematically examines the existing issues in the current teaching process from multiple perspectives and proposes targeted directions for future teaching reforms. These reforms aim to reflect professional characteristics and enhance the quality of applied talent cultivation. Post-reform, the course is expected to boost the enthusiasm and initiative of students for learning, improve their problem-solving abilities, and establish a solid foundation for their future career in Water Supply and Drainage Science and Engineering.

New Roles of a Librarian: The Experience of Grinchenko University

Objective. The article considers the transformation of the roles of librarians in the modern information society: from information providers to educators, which is a sign of the successful process of internationalization of higher education. The object of the research is the new forms of work of librarians on the example of the experience of Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University and the First Summer School for Beginners and Experienced Scientists “Scientific Career at the International Level: Tools for Researchers and the English Language” held in June 2024. Methods. The methods of marketing and monitoring research are described to determine the most popular topics and emotionally attractive names among the target audience. Results. The results and their discussion focus on the fact that the experience of the Grinchenko University Summer School showed the possibility of high-quality training and advanced training of scientists of different levels and fields of knowledge on the basis of the library of the higher education institution. Conclusions. The change in the role of librarians from information providers to educators in the context of internationalization of higher education is inevitable. Moreover, librarians are forced to be one step ahead of the rest of the university's scientists.

PROMOTING ALGORITHMIC THINKING THROUGH UNPLUGGED PRIMARY SCIENCE ACTIVITY IN RURAL SCHOOLS

Algorithmic thinking, a method for solving problems through a step-by-step process that leads to a solution, is an essential component of computational thinking. Combining computational thinking and artificial intelligence (AI) in rural areas through unplugged activities provides an innovative approach to enhance science inquiry education. This article proposed the integration of algorithmic thinking and artificial intelligence (AI) within rural primary science education through hands-on, unplugged activities. Recognizing the challenges posed by limited digital access in these areas, the study introduces a model that encourages young learners to participate in STEM inquiries using practical, algorithm-oriented tasks that require little to no technology. This method promotes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific exploration by aligning with Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, allowing students to interact with materials and engage in practical scenarios. Furthermore, the research emphasizes how algorithmic thinking enhances logical reasoning and STEM literacy. By incorporating interactive games such as “Algorithm Walk” and “Science Sorting Relay,” the proposed model offers a contextually relevant and cost-effective approach to integrating computational thinking and fundamental AI concepts into primary education, effectively preparing students for future careers in science and technology. This would help in developing more customized, effective educational strategies and policies aimed at truly elevating meaningful educational experiences.

Bodies as communication systems. The relevance of Michel Serres's philosophy of science for health care.

This article demonstrates the value of French philosophy of science for medical practice through an exposition of Michel Serres's philosophy of the body. It explores how Serres's examination of the similarity between scientific models and works of art can provide insight into different conceptions of the human body. What makes Serres's method of unique is that it does not see art and literature as subordinate to the natural sciences: they are both involved in mapping the communication lines of the body. Since early modernity, we can roughly speak of three successive communication models of the body: mechanical, thermodynamic and informational. This article finally discusses the relationship between those different conceptions and explains how they help to articulate different aspects of the body, health, and medical ethics.

Integrating Colombian Pacific Traditional Knowledge and Gender-Inclusive to Enhance STEM Education: The BECAP Initiative

<i>Background:</i> Fostering students’ interest in careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is one of the main objectives of current education. However, stereotypical beliefs about STEM careers and their difficulty often exist among elementary and high school students, especially in Latin American countries where access to higher education can be complicated or seem impossible in some areas. This study aims to develop effective strategies to combat stigmas by integrating Colombian ancestral pacific traditional knowledge and biochemistry engineering and promoting STEM education in populations with limited access to higher education in Colombia. The goal is to help participants understand the broader application of science in their daily lives and communities.<br /> <i>Results: </i>By integrating pacific traditional knowledge with bioprocess experiments through our culturally relevant lab box, we have fostered greater interest in STEM careers among these diverse participants. This methodology effectively bridges the gap between traditional wisdom and modern science, creating a more engaging and relatable STEM learning experience.<br /> <i>Conclusions: </i>In conclusion, we have observed a noticeable shift in participants’ academic interests, and many have expressed a new enthusiasm for pursuing STEM-related careers. This project provides a highly viable and reproducible model that can be scaled to other cities or countries in Latin America, facilitating students’ initial engagement with STEM careers. Additionally, it offers scholarship opportunities for participants, enabling access to quality higher education and promoting gender inclusion in STEM fields.

Occupational Health Injuries and Illness Among Women Workers in the Chemical Industry: A Scoping Review.

The number of women in the chemical industry has recently increased due to more women pursuing science careers. It is necessary, therefore, to analyze the emerging health risks for female workers in the chemical industry. This study examines the relationship between occupational health and sex/gender in the chemical industry, with a gender perspective. We present a scoping review (n = 97). After removing duplicates and applying eligibility criteria, we selected 27 articles published in the last decade that explored the industry's occupational risks. Most of the papers include predominantly male samples and describe adult populations, mainly from developed countries. The studies focus on various employment contexts of chemical industries. We identified health risks in oncology, dermatology, and the respiratory system, among others. We found that particular emphasis was given to the relationship between occupational exposure and cancer, especially breast cancer. Furthermore, we observed sex/gender differences in the prevalence of respiratory and dermatological disorders. These results highlight the need to consider specific sex/gender-based health risk factors in the chemical industry. The chemical industry is considered a crucial health determinant, however, the studies focused on sex/gender-based differences without considering gender-specific physiology and work circumstances. Although some studies do mention sex/gender disparities, such as occupational rhinitis, which is more frequent in women, studies are scarce. The absence of a segregated analysis with a gender perspective could lead to the ignorance of emerging health risks for female workers, highlighting the urgent need to include a gender perspective in future research.

Memories of Meetings with Nikolay Nikolaevich Dygalo

In the article dedicated to the memory of Nikolay Nikolaevich Dygalo, the author recalls meetings with him at conferences and symposia over a 40-year scientific career in endocrinology and the study of stress. The first meeting took place in 1981 at the All-Union Symposium “Endocrine Mechanisms of Regulation of the Body’s Adaptation to Muscle Activity” in Tartu. The last meeting was on December 6, 2023, at the All-Russian Conference with international participation “Integrative Physiology-2023,” where Nikolay Nikolaevich gave an invited lecture. The long-lasting and friendly communication with Nikolay Nikolaevich was predestined by the kind and respectful relationship between their mentors – Evgeny Vladimirovich Naumenko and Anatoly Arkadyevich Filaretov – both of whom shared a common scientific interest in studying the key hormonal system of stress, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system. Nikolay Nikolaevich remains remembered as a person passionate about science, always vigorously striving for new achievements, retaining the enthusiasm of his youth, and with whom it was always joyful to communicate.

Mapping and analyzing the scientific outcomes of medical library and information sciences (1990–2022)

Background. The rapid advancement of medical knowledge and technology was precipitating transformations in healthcare, necessitating novel approaches to the dissemination of information. Medical library and information sciences (MLIS) assumed a pivotal role in facilitating access to information sources and conducting literacy programs. This study endeavored to analyze the scientific outcomes of MLIS from 1990 to 2022 to elucidate the underlying themes and contributions that were shaping the discipline. Methods. This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive method with a scientometric approach. Data were gathered from the Web of Science in September 2024. The analysis was conducted using Excel version 2019 software and VOSviewer 1.6 software. In this visualization, the size of the circles represented the weight based on the co-occurrence of subjects, with a maximum length of 30. The data normalization method used for network visualization was Min. strength and association strength. Results. In the field of MLIS, the United States was the leading producer of scientific output, with Iran ranking sixth. Tanya P. Bardin and Daniel Eric Burgard were the most prolific writers. The scientometric map identified five clusters of research activity, focusing on professional tasks, technology, user nature, organizational issues, and citation-related fields. Conclusions. The analysis of MLIS literature from 1990 to 2022 revealed a rapidly expanding and highly specialized field, with the greatest quantity of production occurring in 2008. The key research areas encompassed Information Science, Library Science, and Health Care Sciences Services. Scientometric mapping revealed distinct clusters focusing on professional tasks, technology and Internet use, user-oriented services, organizational issues, and citation-related fields. These findings underscored the pivotal role of MLIS professionals in supporting healthcare. However, challenges persisted in methodological diversity, international collaboration, and research transparency. It was crucial to address these challenges in order to ensure that MLIS continued to wield significant influence in the future of healthcare

S. A. Golunsky: lawyer, scientist, diplomat

The article is dedicated to the life, work and scientific heritage of the famous Soviet scientist, lawyer and diplomat, Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Law, Professor Sergey Alexandrovich Golunsky (1895–1962). The main stages of the scientist’s professional path are considered: from studying at a gymnasium and Moscow university to the heights of government and scientific careers. The most significant publications of the author are analyzed. Some positions expressed by S. A. Golunsky are assessed from the point of view of relevance for the development of modern criminal procedural doctrine, modern legislation and law enforcement practice. When preparing the article, materials from S. A. Golunsky's personal file were used and other documents from the archives of the Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Policy proposals to promote inclusion of caregivers in the research funding system

Research funding is critical for scientific production and career advancement in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). The COVID-19 pandemic has unmasked a deeply flawed research funding system riddled by inequitable policies, biased evaluations, and a lack of transparency and accountability. While most scientists were affected by the pandemic to some extent, evidence shows that women with caregiving responsibilities were disproportionately impacted, with long-term effects on their careers. However, despite calls for change by scientists globally, whose careers depend largely on funding success, decision-makers have made little to no effort to reform a funding system that marginalises a large proportion of researchers, including women, and especially mothers. Here, we review the current literature on gender bias in the STEMM funding process and propose a set of specific, actionable policies to promote caregiver inclusion and close the gender gap in research funding.

Training undergraduate biomedical science majors in peer review and constructive criticism through a senior capstone course.

Effective scientific communication is crucial for undergraduate students to succeed in future graduate or professional careers in the biomedical sciences. Peer review and constructive criticism are essential to producing written science communications. Unfortunately, training in how to perform peer review and incorporate constructive criticism is minimal in undergraduate science courses. Here, I describe a senior thesis course for immunology and microbiology majors that encourages students to integrate iterative peer review to improve their writing skills and their ability to incorporate feedback. In this course, students are expected to complete one of the following written projects that focuses on an immunological disorder or infectious disease: a research proposal, a case study, or a meta-analysis/systematic review. Each project is separated into six assignments, and each assignment is assessed through specifications (SPECS)-based grading and peer review where students have multiple attempts to improve their scores on each assignment. Approximately 40% of each student's grade is based on their ability to incorporate feedback from peers and instructors. Preliminary survey results suggest that students are eager to learn how to effectively incorporate peer and instructor feedback. Enhancing training in peer review will encourage students to embrace constructive criticism, which will be essential for their future careers. Initial findings indicate that students are positively engaging with the peer-review process, and the use of SPECS grading fosters a growth mindset. Continued research will further explore how this method can enhance students' confidence and skill in integrating feedback into professional scientific communication.

Radioimmunoassay and revolution in medical investigation: Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine (1977) Rosalyn Yalow – scientist with a fighting spirit

An intelligent but poor New York City girl, whom her parents saw in the future only as a teacher at best, Rosalyn Yalow after finishing school in 1937 went to all-female Hunter College and was the first woman with a degree in physics at a time when being a woman, much less a Jewish women, was a severe barrier to success. Although she was called somewhat aggressive and high-brow she became the first woman student in the physics department at the University of Illinois, the only woman among 400 members of the College of Engineering faculty and after receiving Ph. D the only women engineer at the Bronx Telecommunications Laboratory. By 1950, she established a radioisotope laboratorу in the Bronx Veterans Administration Hospital, one of the first in the United States. In collaboration with an M.D. Sol Berson, a research partnership with whom lasted for 22 years, Yalow investigated the metabolism of 131I-labeled insulin in diabetic patients and not only demonstrated for the first time the production of antibodies against such a small protein but also developed the breakthrough radioimmunoassay (RIA) to measure insulin concentration in patient’s blood with no radioactivity entered a body. This revolutionary technique began to be widely used around the world for measuring a variety of biological substances. In 1977 R. Yalow was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine “for developing radioimmunoassays of peptide hormones.” The review describes the scientific career and life path of this extraordinary woman. Keywords: ELIZA, insulin, Nobel Prise, radioimmunoassay, Rosalyn Yalow