Embracing academic kindness for scientific excellence

I recently completed a fantastic and thought-provoking course: Resolving Conflicts in Research - Leadership Skills for a Harmonious Team by Leadership Sculptor. This experience has been transformative, providing me with valuable tools to handle conflicts constructively.

Conflicts are challenging and often drain the energy of the parties involved. Depending on their size, they can also affect those around them. Ignoring conflicts is not an effective approach, as they can grow bigger and bigger until the all-destruction-I-do-not-care mode is switched on. This course has taught me the importance of catching conflicts in their early phases and addressing them constructively.

In some aspects, my inner voice was right, and for other situations, I now have valuable tools to navigate them effectively. The course also covered essential negotiation skills and strategies to build high-performing teams. I firmly believe that the best performance is achieved when a positive atmosphere and support are provided.

When humans interact, there are misunderstandings, miscommunication, and conflicts. I am convinced that it is the responsibility of a group leader to not only lead by example but also have strategies on hand that make the life of our groups easier. Clear communication and respect are keys for me, personally.

For me, scientific excellence is not just about achieving great results but also about how we achieve them. I believe in leading with academic kindness, fostering a supportive and harmonious work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. A positive team dynamic is crucial for innovation and productivity. By promoting clear communication, mutual respect, and understanding, we can create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our collective success.

In conclusion, this course has reinforced my belief that leadership is not just about guiding a team towards scientific excellence but also about ensuring that the journey is marked by kindness, respect, and support. I am committed to applying these principles in my leadership approach and fostering a culture of academic kindness in my team.

Grant success to end the academic year

As the year comes to a close, I am very happy to share some wonderful news: we have received continuing support from the Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Stiftelse! This generous contribution will be used to perform some great high-throughput screens next year, propelling our project forward.

Securing funding in the academic world is no easy feat. The process of applying for grants can be incredibly challenging and often comes with its fair share of rejections. Each “no” can feel like a setback, but it’s important to remember that every rejection is a step closer to success. Persistence is key. Every application, whether successful or not, is an opportunity to refine your ideas and strengthen your resolve.

This recent support is a testament to the importance of pushing through those challenges. It’s a reminder that perseverance pays off, and that the hard work and dedication we put into our research do not go unnoticed.

As we look ahead to the new year, I am filled with optimism and gratitude. This support not only fuels our immediate goals but also reinforces the belief that our efforts are making a difference. It’s a positive way to end this academic year and a motivating start to the next.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Let’s continue to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and celebrate our achievements, big and small.

Exciting Times Ahead: A Major Milestone for Our Lab!

🌟 I am beyond excited to share some fantastic news with you all! This week marks a significant milestone for our lab as we finally install the biggest, most expensive, and most central piece of equipment we’ve ever acquired. After months of procurement, planning, and construction, it has arrived in its (huge) box from overseas! 📦

The Journey to This Moment

When things take longer than expected, it can be hard to stay patient. But the wait is finally over, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! This journey has been a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. From the initial stages of procurement to the meticulous planning and construction, every step has brought us closer to this moment.

Gratitude and Support

A huge thank you to #Kempestiftelserna for funding this equipment and supporting our lab’s #ResearchVision! As a #NewPI, it’s challenging to convince our academic community of a new idea, and this support is incredibly helpful and encouraging. Receiving grant money for a new application idea, especially when starting out, means so much. This support not only validates our vision but also empowers us to push the boundaries of our research.

What’s Next?

We have an exciting week ahead with a two-day installation followed by three days of intensive training. This new robotic power will significantly enhance our capabilities and open up new avenues for exploration and discovery. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to advance our research with such cutting-edge technology.

Stay Tuned!

Stay tuned for some cool (and crazy) results! 🤖✨ Visit us to see how this thing looks after being unboxed. We can’t wait to share the amazing outcomes and breakthroughs that this new equipment will help us achieve.

First publication of the lab

Better Together: Interorganellar Communication in the Regulation of Proteostasis

I’m thrilled to announce the publication of our latest review, “Better Together: Interorganellar Communication in the Regulation of Proteostasis,” in the journal Contact CTC. This marks the first publication from our lab and my first corresponding review, making it a significant milestone for us.

In this review, we explore the intricate network of chaperones and folding factors that maintain a functional proteome, which is essential for cellular life. Unlike traditional views that isolate proteostatic mechanisms within individual organelles, our review highlights how these processes are interconnected across organellar borders. This interorganellar communication occurs through signaling processes or direct associations via contact sites.

For those interested in the detailed mechanisms and the broader implications of our findings, you can read the full article here

“The Lab Turns 1” Potluck

Last weekend, Andreas and I had the pleasure of inviting current and former lab members for a small potluck and birthday party to celebrate our lab’s first anniversary. It was a wonderful occasion filled with great food, happy times, and a sense of camaraderie that made the time fly by.

I absolutely love hosting events like this. They provide a fantastic opportunity for our team members to come together and simply enjoy each other’s company. These gatherings play a crucial role in fostering happy and healthy group dynamics, which in turn helps create a positive lab environment.

It feels surreal that the lab is already one year old. The time has flown by, and while I’m thrilled with the journey, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Some parts were much harder than I had ever anticipated, while others were very manageable – but nothing was easy. I’m proud of the many things that have worked out as planned. We successfully built up the lab, welcomed our first students in March, and got our main methods up and running. However, some tasks were definitely harder and slower than I expected. Starting a group comes with a myriad of tasks, making it difficult to balance my time effectively. Securing funding to get the lab running was a significant achievement, but not all grant applications were successful. The lab is functioning well, but we still face challenges.

Reflecting on my own expectations and immediate goals often makes me nervous, especially when considering to-do lists and things I could or should have done differently. Relaxing after a day of doing my best, yet not completing everything I planned, is challenging. I tend to focus on the negatives, which is something I’m actively working on.

As a group leader, I strive to be a role model and demonstrate how science can thrive with kindness in academia. Despite setbacks and hurdles, academic kindness remains a central aim for me. On this Sunday, I was simply happy to see our team members working together, performing well, and I am excited to continue our scientific journey with them. I also look forward to welcoming new members who bring fresh perspectives.

Låna en forskare initiative

Today, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Låna en forskare initiative, where I shared “En dag i en forskares liv” (A Day in the Life of a Scientist) with students for the very first time. This experience was both thrilling and rewarding, and I’m so glad I took part in it.

During the session, I presented online and included some videos of my work in the lab to give the students a real glimpse into the daily life of a scientist. I also explained why we do our work, incorporating age-appropriate comparisons to make the concepts more relatable. It was wonderful to see their curiosity and enthusiasm. In the end, the students engaged in a lively discussion about their perceptions of what a scientist is and what they had learned from the session.

I had a lot of fun preparing the presentation, taking videos and photos while working in the lab to make it as engaging as possible. Participating in this initiative has reinforced my belief in the importance of science education and outreach. It’s crucial to inspire the next generation and show them the exciting possibilities within the field of science.

Looking forward to more opportunities to share and inspire!

Taking on New Challenges and Celebrating Small Wins

Taking on new challenges is an essential part of personal and professional growth. Recently, I embarked on a journey that pushed me beyond my comfort zone: I enrolled in and successfully completed my first all-Swedish supervision course. While I can read and speak Swedish for everyday use, this course required me to engage in group discussions about pedagogy and how to supervise PhD students, prepare presentations, and write reports—all in Swedish. This was definitely a new level of difficulty for me.

Each course day brought a mix of excitement and nervousness. The thought of discussing complex topics in a language that I was still learning was daunting. However, I was determined to push through. With each session, I felt a bit more confident, and by the end of the course, I was both happy and relieved to have completed it successfully.

This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of celebrating every small success and positive step along the way. It’s easy to wait for big milestones to celebrate, but recognizing smaller achievements can be incredibly motivating. I try to encourage my team members to do the same. Celebrating these moments helps build morale and keeps us motivated to continue pushing forward.

Personally, I have always found it challenging to focus on my successes. I tend to dwell on the negatives and overlook the positives. However, I am actively working on changing this mindset. Completing this course is a step in the right direction for me, both in terms of my language skills and my personal development.

I want to inspire my team to take on new challenges and step out of their comfort zones. Growth happens when we push our boundaries and embrace the unknown. Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking on a new project, or simply trying something different, these experiences shape us and help us grow.

So, let’s celebrate every step forward, no matter how small it may seem. Each success is a building block towards our larger goals. Here’s to embracing challenges and celebrating our progress along the way.

Celebrating Success

Today was a super special day as we celebrated one of our amazing students graduating with her Bachelor’s degree! 🎓 To make it even more memorable, we crafted a fun DIY graduation hat in her favorite color, pink. 🎀

A Special DIY Graduation Hat

We wanted to do something unique to celebrate her big achievement, so we got creative and made a pink graduation hat. It was a fun project that showed just how much we appreciate her hard work and dedication.

The Journey to Graduation

She joined us in March and quickly became a key part of our team. Her passion for science and her determination have been truly inspiring. During the celebration, we shared so many funny and crazy stories from our time together. It’s amazing how many great memories we’ve made in such a short time!

The Celebration

The celebration was a team effort with my husband’s lab, and it was heartwarming to see everyone come together. The pink graduation hat was a hit and added a festive touch to the day. We laughed, we smiled, and we felt so proud of her accomplishments.

Looking Forward

This graduation is just the beginning. We’re looking forward to many more graduations and successes in the future. Each one will be special, but this first one will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Best Wishes

To our wonderful graduate, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Your hard work has paid off, and we can’t wait to see what amazing things you’ll do next. Congratulations again! 🌟

Embracing Efficiency: The Arrival of New Tools in Our Lab

There’s a certain thrill that comes with unboxing new lab equipment. It’s a feeling I’ve known since my student days, and it’s one that never gets old. Recently, our lab had the pleasure of welcoming two new members to our tool family: multichannel pipettes.

As a newly appointed PI, I’ve made it my mission to ensure my team has access to state-of-the-art tools. Why? Because I believe in the power of efficiency. I’ve always been a fan of high-efficiency tools, and now, I have the opportunity to provide the same for my team.

When the pipettes arrived, I couldn’t resist the urge to play with them. It was like being a student again, exploring the capabilities of a new tool, imagining all the ways it could enhance our work. These pipettes aren’t just for my personal entertainment (though I must admit, that’s part of the fun). They’re here to help us streamline our research and meet our screening goals in a time-efficient manner.

Being a PI isn’t just about overseeing projects and directing research. It’s about supporting my team, providing them with the resources they need to do their best work. I want to create an environment where efficiency and innovation go hand in hand.

As we move forward, I’m excited to see how these new tools will enhance our productivity and drive our research. I’m committed to continually investing in our lab, ensuring we have the best tools at our disposal. After all, good research isn’t just about having great ideas—it’s also about having the right tools to bring those ideas to life.

How to “cold-email”

Even though my research group is still in its early stages, I receive a handful of emails daily from individuals seeking a position in my lab. While I try to answer all, it’s often clear that the sender hasn’t personalized their message to align with our research focus, which significantly diminishes their chances of receiving a positive response.

With this in mind, I’ve decided to share some insights and pitfalls regarding cold-emailing a research group. These suggestions are based on personal viewpoints—so take them with a pinch of salt—and I’m open to hearing perspectives from both sides. Additional insights are always appreciated.

Here’s how you can make a strong start:

• Pinpoint your scientific curiosity: Seek out research that genuinely fascinates you.

• Research the Principal Investigator’s (PI) work: Grasp what the group specializes in by reading recent publications and exploring their web presence (many have university-affiliated pages or independent websites).

• Look for preferred contact methods: Increasingly, groups outline preferred communication channels and required materials on their websites. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial; overlooking them can negatively impact your initial interaction.

• Maintain professionalism and clarity: Use a formal and respectful tone, be aware of cultural differences (like how to address Principal Investigators or start emails), lean towards formality if uncertain, avoid spelling errors, and create a clear subject line without using all capital letters to prevent your email from being marked as spam.

• Structure your email: Ensure readability with coherent paragraphs. While detail is encouraged (as discussed below), essential points should be stated prominently and clearly in your opening paragraph.

• State the purpose and be specific: After briefly introducing who you are (1-2 sentences), state your purpose -what do you want from the PI (e.g., internship opportunity,…)

• Show genuine enthusiasm: Express authentic interest in the group’s research by referencing specific aspects of their work—only quoting publication titles won’t be enough. Explain why this particular field and group resonate with you; this might also include shared values found on their website.

• Highlight knowledge exchange potential: Depending on your academic stage, emphasize skills you hope to acquire from the lab—referencing techniques employed directly by the lab is key here—as well as competencies you can contribute. This can be a laboratory skill but also soft skills that benefit.

• Sign off appropriately: Thank the PI for their time and state that you are looking forward to their response. Indicate your willingness to provide further information if needed.

• Follow-up: If you don’t receive a response, it’s acceptable to follow up once after 1-2 weeks. However, avoid sending multiple follow-ups in a short period of time and especially do not re-send the same email. PIs have a lot on their plate and it is not easy to keep up with emails.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Generic emails: It’s easy to spot when a candidate has used the same email for several research groups. Show that you’ve invested time to understand what the lab is doing.

• Ignoring instructions: If a PI has specific instructions on how to contact them (usually on their stand-alone homepages), be sure to follow this. Ignoring these instructions gives a very negative impression.

• Overly long emails: Keep your email short, concise and to the point. Long, unstructured emails might get ignored.

• Sending multiple attachments: You can and should attach a short CV, but do not attach recommendation letters, etc.

As PIs receive multiple cold emails daily, some might answer, others might not. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get a response. Instead, critically revise your email and try again with another group that interests you. Best of luck!

I welcome any additional insights and shared experiences. Happy emailing!

Celebrating Our First Student’s Success

We are thrilled to announce that our first student, Samantha Weindel, has successfully completed her project. This is a significant milestone for our lab as Samantha is the first student to graduate from our group.

Samantha has learned remarkable independence throughout her project, which is very unusual at her educational level as a Bachelor’s student. She quickly learned how to plan her experiments and made significant improvements during her time in the lab. Her positive attitude and genuine interest in the topic have greatly contributed to a positive group climate.

As her supervisor, I had the pleasure of witnessing her growth firsthand. Providing her with feedback was an enjoyable process, and I am proud to have been part of her journey.

Recently, Samantha defended her thesis, marking the end of her time as a bachelor's student. In a LinkedIn post, she expressed her gratitude:

“I am thrilled to say that my thesis has successfully been defended. With this, my time as a bachelor student has come to an end. I want to thank Verena Kohler for her patience, guidance and for putting her trust in me. This time has taught me a lot about science and myself, and I consider myself lucky for having such a positive experience. Major thanks also to Zhwan Karim and Mostafa Basiony for being amazing Lab mates.”

This might not be the main reason why I love to supervise young talents, but it definitely is the cherry on top and this post made my day.

As we celebrate Samantha’s achievement, we also feel a sense of sadness that this chapter has ended. However, we are excited to follow her future journey and are confident that she will continue to excel in her endeavours.

Congratulations, Samantha!

Strengthening Our Department Through Shared Values

Just got back from our department’s retreat, and what a ride it was! Two days of pure connection, learning, and fun.

We had a blast listening to some of the latest research from our department in a popular science fashion. It was like being in a live science podcast, but better because we were part of the conversation.

And guess what? We’re about to welcome some new PIs into our department. Got a chance to meet them at the retreat, and had nice talks as well as a shared (very) early morning run!

But here’s the thing: science is hard. It’s stressful. That’s why we need to make sure our work environment is as positive and welcoming as possible. That’s where trust, respect, inclusion, and diversity come in. These aren’t just fancy words; they’re the foundation of our department.

I was lucky enough to help organize a workshop on these topics. We had some real talk about what these values mean to us and how they can help us do our best work. We even had a guest speaker who shared their experiences. It was real, it was practical, and it was inspiring.

We didn’t get lost in the semantics. We focused on what we can do to make our department better. We talked about the changes we want to see and the things we’re already doing well. It was all about action, not just words.

And of course, we had to have some fun. We took the first PI-PhD student photo, a moment that will go down in our group’s history.

Our first common groupmeeting

Today marked the beginning of a new chapter in our scientific journey. Andreas, PI of the Kohler Mito Lab, and I decided to join forces and held our first common group meeting. The decision to meet weekly and discuss our projects with all our team members has already proven to be a game-changer. The scientific discussions are livelier, the input is richer, and the development of ideas is smoother.

A special shout-out to Samantha and Zhwan who presented their Bachelor’s thesis work today. Their presentations were not only informative but also showcased their hard work and dedication. They did an exceptional job and I couldn’t be prouder!

One of the things I valued most about our meeting is the safe space we’ve created. A space where everyone can give and receive feedback, ask questions without fear of being judged, and acknowledge that we are all on different levels, both experience and skill-wise. This atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding is something I truly cherish and aim to maintain in all our future meetings.

Looking forward to more of these meetings and the continued growth of our team. Here’s to more insightful discussions, breakthroughs, and of course, #GroupMeetingSelfies! 🚀

Remember, science is a team sport. And today, we played well.

Welcoming the first PhD student of our lab

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that Mostafa has joined us as the first PhD student of our lab! This is a significant milestone for us, as he is our first long-term member. His selection not only sets the pace for the future of our lab but also marks the completion of my first independent hiring process.

During this process, I spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on what I expect from a future PhD student and how I can assess that. My approach to selecting team members is twofold. Firstly, I consider how well the individual’s personality aligns with the existing or envisioned team dynamics. Secondly, I evaluate their critical thinking skills by discussing a scientific paper to understand their potential. While expertise in the field isn’t a prerequisite for prospective team members, the ability to learn and a critical mindset are incredibly important to me.

Mostafa demonstrated exceptional aptitude in both these areas. Our conversations led me to believe that he would be an excellent addition to our team. His ability to quickly comprehend complex concepts and provide insightful critique during our discussion on a scientific paper was truly commendable.

I firmly believe that while I guide my students, they also have much to teach me. This mutual exchange of knowledge makes me even more enthusiastic about our journey in the coming years. I will be there to support Mostafa as he shapes his own PhD project, encouraging him to take ownership and responsibility. I eagerly anticipate the fresh insights and perspectives he will bring to our team.

This is just the beginning of our journey, and I am excited for what lies ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and learn together.

Constructing our first strains

In our lab, we believe in celebrating every successful step and today we have quite a big milestone:

The first strains from the very first students of this lab start populating our -80 freezer, Samantha’s strain being placed there yesterday and Zhwan’s strains about to join on Friday. Great job, team!

Looking forward to our first characterisation experiments that are now ongoing.

Exciting times ahead

The Art of Organization: A Peek into Our Lab Life

In our lab, we believe in the mantra, "Label the label maker!"

All jokes aside, starting out with a well-organized system has always been a top priority for me. I found myself in lab environments, where I had to search for hours if I needed specific chemicals - sometimes in vain. This was so frustrating and slowed down my research progress.

I promised myself that when I start a lab, I will have a well-thought-out system and implement it from the beginning.

Introducing our label maker: From our strains to our equipment, and even our inventory, everything is well organized. We use QR codes to link to our things, be able to search for chemicals, book our equipment within the group (and have fun).

This not only makes our science more efficient but also adds a dash of fun to our everyday work! I may or may not have spent a significant part of my afternoon playing with our newest gadget and sticking labels on every possible thing in the lab. After quite a long time of trying to figure out the label-design language, I felt that I truly deserved this little treat.

But hey, who's counting? So, what are the fun gadgets in your lab/life? I'd love to hear about them! Let's inspire each other and make science even more exciting!

Our Dual Career Journey at Umeå University

A year ago today, my now-husband and I found ourselves in an unusual situation. We were both being interviewed for the same position at Umeå University. Despite being direct competitors, we supported each other throughout the process, as we always did and still do. Little did we know at that time that the Faculty of Medicine decided to double the position, offering us both a tenure-track assistant professorship. This decision not only marked a significant milestone in our individual careers but also strengthened our bond as a couple navigating the academic world together.

Being part of a dual career couple is often seen as challenging, and rightly so. The constant juggling of professional commitments, personal life, and the uncertainties that come with it can be overwhelming. However, having a partner who understands the demands of an academic career, who shares the same passion for research and teaching, and who is there to celebrate the successes and navigate the failures, makes this journey worthwhile for me personally.

I consider myself fortunate to have had my partner with me in every town we moved to. His presence has been a constant source of support and motivation. His understanding and companionship have made the transitions smoother and the challenges more manageable.

As I reflect on our journey, I am filled with gratitude for the unexpected turns and the successes we’ve shared. Here’s to celebrating the unexpected turns in our academic journey and looking forward to many more years of shared success at Umeå University.

Exciting Postdoc Opportunity

As a scientist, I’ve always believed in the power of collaboration and the importance of professional development. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce a unique postdoctoral opportunity at the Chemical Biological Centre (KBC), Umeå University, and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). This position is not just about conducting research; it’s about being part of a team, learning how to write proposals, and growing as a professional.

I’m particularly excited about this opportunity because it involves a close collaboration with the Kohler Mito Lab. Over the years, we’ve built a strong professional partnership based on shared values and mentoring philosophies. Together, we’ve created an environment that fosters learning, innovation, and mutual respect. A postdoctoral researcher will greatly benefit from the support of two PIs that follow the same path and aim to reach similar goals.

A Collaborative Project

This opportunity is part of an initiative funded by the Kempe Foundations, aiming to stimulate cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and train outstanding young researchers in Umeå. The selected postdoctoral fellows will develop their projects under the supervision of two PIs, fostering an environment of teamwork and shared knowledge.

Research Focus

The research will focus on exploring the impact of stress and ageing on mitoribosome. We believe that by understanding these processes, we can make significant strides in the fields of molecular biology and biochemistry.

Professional Development

In our labs, we value scientific achievements. However, we believe that professional development is equally important. As a fellow, you will benefit from the support of two PIs, will develop your project together with us, and and work in a collaborative setting. You will also have access to core facilities and technical platforms, participate in activities to strengthen networks and collaborations in academics and industry, and be involved in the strong postdoc community, Umeå Postdoc Society (UPS).

Apply Now

We invite all interested candidates to apply for this postdoctoral fellowship. The application deadline is 9 April 2024. For more information about the labs and the application process, please visit the Verena Kohler Lab and Andreas Kohler Lab social media platforms and websites or contact us directly.

Discussing Ageing and Data Analysis at the IceLab Lunch Pitch

Yesterday, I, along with Mattias Forsell, had the opportunity to present at the first IceLab Lunch Pitch of the season. We discussed various aspects of ageing, from the microscopic (me) to the population level (Mattias). We openly invited collaborators to join us in developing data processing pipelines and conducting large-scale data analysis for our respective projects.

If you’re interested in learning more about our pitches, you can find a summary and watch the pitches on the IceLab website. 

Additionally, there’s a news article available on Umeå University’s webpage. 

Stay tuned for more exciting news!

Embracing New Challenges

Today marked a significant milestone in my journey as a scientist here in Umeå. I embraced a new challenge by delivering my first talk in SWEDISH!

The Invitation

Back in December, I received an invitation from my funding agency to present a talk. The catch? It was to be delivered in Swedish. Initially, I was hesitant. The thought of presenting complex scientific concepts in a language I was and am still learning was daunting.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Despite my initial reservations, I decided to step out of my comfort zone. I accepted the challenge and began preparing for my talk. There were a few sleepless nights, hours spent practicing, and moments of self-doubt. But I was determined to make this work.

The Big Day

Finally, the day arrived. I found myself engaging with delegates from the foundation, presenting my talk, and conversing over lunch - all in Swedish. It was an enriching experience that pushed my boundaries. I’m thrilled with how it went. The sense of accomplishment I felt after successfully delivering my talk was unparalleled. It was a proud moment, a testament to the hard work and effort I had put into preparing for this day.