One year ago today the scientist now known as Dr. Isis emerged in glory to bring hilarity and wisdom to the masses.
Figure 1: Dr. Isis, in total unadulterated hotness, comes forth to sate the masses. At the sight of her, the masses did rejoice for she was unlike any they had seen.
Not knowing what to expect, I threw this little gem of deliciousness into the inter-webs to see if it would stick:
I have maintained a blog with my "real persona" for years, but it has occurred to me lately that my friends and family don't really care to hear about my science musings. This is my outlet for all of the nerdy, geeky things I think are awesome but that people outside of science think are mundane.
I have recently begun work at one of those universities that is pretty famous for its research and what-not. I have a husband and child and have given the occasional talk to young, female professionals about "balancing work and family." It has occured to me, especially when I am in the lab in the middle of the night, that there may be no such thing.
I think that much like one can describe an electron based on either its velocity or position (but not both at the same), I can be described as either Dr. Isis or Mom (but not both at the same time).
Stick it did. I was summarily greeted by Candid Engineer, PhysioProf, and Academic Crossroads and I remember thinking to myself, "Wow! These total strangers came over here to read this stuff? I must be hotter than I thought!" Then DrugMonkey showed up and the hi jinx erupted.
Life is generally not much different for me since that first post. I've settled into my new MRU, Mr. Isis has found a job and is happy doing it, Little Isis is in school, and I am still figuring out how to defy the laws of physics and be Mom and Dr. Isis at the same time. The only difference is that now there are substantially more online shenanigans in my life and an outlet for ass shaking jams, shoes, and science-y sounding meanderings.
But we can talk more about me and how amazing I am later. I thought we would celebrate my blog-o-versary today by talking about you. Ed Yong of Not Exactly Rocket Science started a meme a few days ago asking his readers to leave a comment telling him about who they are and why they read. He writes:
DrugMonkey and PhysioProf have joined in the game and it has certainly piqued my curiosity. So why don't you leave mama a comment and tell me a little something about who you are and why you keep coming around (this means you, you lurkers).When I started this blog, the intention was to try and use well-written articles on cool discoveries to get people who wouldn't normally read science blogs to be interested in science. I've now been writing for almost two years and while traffic has grown, it strikes me that I still don't know a lot about my readership, or the ratio of non-scientists/scientists who come to these pages.
So with that in mind, you can help me out by taking up these two challenges:
1) Tell me about you. Who are you? Do you have a background in science? If so, what draws you here as opposed to meatier, more academic fare? And if not, what brought you here and why have you stayed? Let loose with those comments.
2) Tell someone else about this blog and in particular, try and choose someone who's not a scientist but who you think might be interested in the type of stuff found in this blog. Ever had family members or groups of friends who've been giving you strange, pitying looks when you try to wax scientific on them? Send 'em here and let's see what they say.
Thanks folks. Game on.
I mean, how could I turn down an opportunity to feed my own narcissism on my blog-o-versary? Here's a jam to get you started...
Video 1: This was a jam when it was first released. I heard it driving into work this morning and it's still an ass-shaking jam.
Life Science
Education
Comments
I'm a chemist working in a nonstandard (nonlab) field in chemistry. I have a master's degree in chemistry and have worked at one job ever since. I came here either through Adventures in Ethics and Science or DrugMonkey - I'm not certain which. I like the pummeling idiots and science parts, and am also interested in the parenting stuff (I have a small female munchkin at home). The mechanics of an academic life don't interest me as much (not that that should matter, just data).
Posted by: Hap | July 8, 2009 12:58 PM
Okay, well in the interest of having no sham (and therefore fitting right in) I'm a midwestern chick from a family that didn't know it was poor (at least until much later) who was very good at all things academic. In fact, I was so good at it that I literally did not ever get a break from academics between 11 and 20 years old. There was school, there were different (and most if not all on scholarship or community-raised money) math and science (and one summer a "reasoning/critical thinking"-type camp) there were extra/AP/College-ready classes during summers, there was an horribly uncomfortable drive several states away to start a six-year "PhD directed" full-ride scholarship literally the day of high-school graduation. I didn't get out until my brain quit on me, yes, with all the attendant depression, paranoia and general psychosis (and brief flirtations with cutting, bulemia and food addiction) that such a spectacular flame-out implies.
However, I never lost my baseline love of science, and lived in despair over the "monkeys could do it better but we're famous because we used to be well-respected" science publications that I'm currently stuck with via looking for science publications in the grocery store on my way home from work. Then one day I found a copy of Seed (which has yet to reappear in said grocery store,) and spent a few weeks intending to check out the webisphere belonging to it, but never did. THEN I was forcibly reminded of the Seed webisphere when complaining again about the state of the science media over at EconoWhiner and one of my fellow WhinerReaders was kind enough to direct me over here.
Um...probably not exactly the answers you were looking for. And I continually tell people about all of the SciBlogs that I read. I have a very good friend who's gay roomate loves your shoes and wants to know if any of them come in the women's equivalent of a man's Sz 13, in fact, how's that for exposure!
Posted by: Kate | July 8, 2009 1:03 PM
Happy Blogversary! You know everything about me already. Mom, have an MSc,am older Phd student, determined to kick ass despite being told that since I'm a woman and a visible minority, I have 2 strikes against me.
Posted by: ScientistMother | July 8, 2009 1:18 PM
I'm an ecologist who just got my Ph.D. this spring and had a baby in January. I think that I came here from Sciencewomen and have stayed a loyal reader ever since. I read plenty of science papers, it's the mom/science/family balance that I look for, and the shoes and wardrobe advice (are dangley earring too distracting for a job interview? And, I just got a bag at Marshalls for $22 that is hot and fits baby gear and journal articles with ease), oh and the ass shaking jams. They make me feel pretty cool when I stray from NPR and recognize a song on the radio!
Posted by: ajo | July 8, 2009 1:24 PM
I can't claim to be a scientist at all (though I'm definitely an admirer), and I teach English at a 4-yr private college. I have a young son myself, and I spend part of every day trying to be more efficient to achieve the elusive work/mom/wife/human being balance... and part of that is reading blogs that deal with similar issues. Oh, and you'd be surprised how many of the professional issues cross disciplinary borders and are part and parcel of an English Department as well. And I love hot shoes.
Posted by: elisabeth | July 8, 2009 1:31 PM
Happy Blogoversary! I can't believe I just said that!
I'm an MD physician-scientist specializing in pediatric nephrology and interested in diabetic nephropathy. I have a whole bunch of other titles at work which allows me to always have something else to work on if I get bored or frustrated with my current task. My hubby & I just celebrated our 25th anniversary, and our offspring are 21 and 16 years old now.
I first came here through the APS Animal Care & Experimentation Committee. One day a few months back you blogged about the importance of the IACUC and it was sent out on our listserve. I wandered around your posts and knew I have found a kindred spirit. Many around here can't understand why a "scientist" is wearing such hot shoes - I have sent them to your site. I sent my definitely non-scientist 21 year old daughter to the site after my LTOD which told a story of advice I had given her. I have also sent my parents to your site, as well as a whole bunch of friends, etc. I would send someone else here, but I honestly can't think of anyone I haven't already directed to worship your amazing hotness.
Probably more than anyone wants to know, and a lot that you already knew.
I wonder when my blogoversary is?????
Posted by: Pascale | July 8, 2009 2:26 PM
I'm a Ph.D. microbiologist who was told about your blog by my graduate student - after reading posts about amazing shoes, ass-shaking jams, and women in science, I was relieved to discover you have a child because I thought I might be sleep-blogging and not know it. Not that I claim to be anywhere near as hot as you are. Just happy to have found a like-minded place to hang out on the web. Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: CK | July 8, 2009 2:32 PM
Hey Isis, Happy Blogaversary! I am a 22 year old Pakistani/Canadian girl who just adores this blog. I have no formal science training as I am a graduate of political science from the University of Toronto and am hoping to take over the world in the near future. I just love your style of writing and your all around hottness.
Posted by: Hena | July 8, 2009 2:35 PM
I am a 60ish ecologist/marine biologist, who now makes most of my living writing for the commercial press. My research specialties are the biology and systematics of animals virtually no one has heard about: scaphopod mollusks. Recently I have gotten a bug up my butt and have been lecturing about the upcoming disasters related global climate change.
My wife and I have been married for 38 years, no kids, and we live now in the high plains of south central Montana.
I have my own blog, but it is not connected with the Science Blogs group (yet?), where I generally grouse about the sad state of human and other affairs.
I enjoy your take on things and often blip over here to get a dose of your "outlook." Kinda fun to watch. :-)
Posted by: Ron | July 8, 2009 2:40 PM
I'm a young, female college student, whose only background in science is competing in Science Olympiad tournaments in junior high (because otherwise science and I haven't gotten along - I kind of hate lab work). I came for the feminist stuff, and stayed to feed my secret fetish for looking at totally hot shoes. Your delicious narcissistic writing style is also nice.
Posted by: yinyang | July 8, 2009 2:42 PM
I am a college student recently graduated with my bachelor's degree in Gen Sci with a specialization in Environmental Interpretation and am about to be thrown headlong into graduate school in attempts to get my master's degree in Conservation Biology & Biodiversity. My field is very sciencey, but it is predominantly applied science rather than research science (though I'm throwing around the idea of pursuing a PhD in plant physiology eventually) and of course Isis is too funny and too hot for one to be bothered by the lack of all science, all the time.
I stumbled over here through the Silence is the Enemy project which was brought to my attention by one of my favoritest earth science professors. As a fairly newborn feminist, it was great to find something that appealed to the sciencey/academic/professional me and the it's-actually-ok-to-like-hot-shoes me - at the same time, even! So while it may get buried under text books and an overload of google reader articles, I enjoy Dr. Isis' sass immensely.
Posted by: Avery | July 8, 2009 2:48 PM
I'm a 30-yo postdoc in a Physiology department who found your blog after it was highly recommended by another Physiologist friend. Ever since then (last fall sometime?) I've been hooked and haven't missed a post. I like the jams, I like the career-oriented stuff, I like the shoes, I like the Letters Project, I like the stories about Little Isis, I like the science-oriented stuff, I like your outlook on science, and on gender, and on gender-as-it-relates-to-science...
Happy Blogoversary, Dr. Isis!!
Posted by: postdoc | July 8, 2009 2:50 PM
I'm a thirty something secretary that got here via iblamethepatriarchy. I started my undergraduate degree years and years ago in Biology hoping to be a high school biology teacher. Sadly, I couldn't wrap my head around physics and had to abandon that. I ended up in counseling and communications. But I still love reading about all things science. I'm kind of addicted to research studies. It's a sickness, really. Plus, I like your voice. I'm just now getting mine back after losing my fiance three years ago. And I have Happy Feet Friday. Where I post pictures of my shoes. They're not as fancy as yours, but it's fun anyway.
Posted by: k8 | July 8, 2009 2:55 PM
Boy, this meme is getting around! I think this is the sixth time I'm doing this today.
I've always liked science (not a social advantage to an adolescent female in rural OK somewhat-more-than-thirty years ago), never finished my biology major (out of cash error; abort), and have tried to keep, if not on top of sciency things, then at least jogging along somewhere behind them. I guess part of the attraction of this blog is not only the opportunity to bask in the epic-level, nay, transcendent, hotness of Dr. Isis, but a bit of road-not-followed curiosity. Take the recurring discussions of gender-bias in the World of Science, for instance; how might a geeky female science-nerd (that would be me) have fared in academia? How might a contemporary geeky female science-nerd fare? Inquiring minds have always wondered; and here, between the articles and the comments, I can find the (some) answer(s). Likewise, I enjoy the window into the joys of juggling the differing demands of doing science and raising a family.
While I admit that the hot shoes don't do much for me, thought of as footwear (most of them strike me as an excellent way for me to break my neck, if I were so foolish as to strap 'em on), many of them are appealing when thought of as art objects. Sometimes, when you showcase a particularly attractive pair, I even go look at other examples of hot shoes on the Web. It'll have to do. What is the Performance without the Audience?
Posted by: cicely | July 8, 2009 3:03 PM
Happy, happy, happy Blogoversary I-storm!!!!!
What a year of fantastic blogging you've had. I'm definitely looking forward to the next year's worth.
I started reading you on blarghspot because I'm a fool for most things science-y / academic-y / career-y blogish and stuck around for the hilarious writing. Picking a recipe war with my beloved co-blogger was icing, although as you are fully aware I am a very staid blogger and do not engage in shenanigans myself. People I trust tell me you are very good at that though!
I was, naturally, overjoyed when you decided to join the Sb entourage and have been delighted to have you fighting the good fight on issues of opportunity and diversity in science, topics dear to my blogging heart.
Posted by: DrugMonkey | July 8, 2009 3:15 PM
Happy Blogoversary!!!
I'm a PhD student in astronomy trying to figure out how to navigate the academic game and, like you Dr. Isis, be a domestic & lab goddess. It's not easy doing this stuff, and the more awesome role-models I have (intar-web/blogosphere wise and not), the better. Thanks for the influence and showing me that it can in fact be done.
Posted by: RocketScientista | July 8, 2009 3:17 PM
I'm an academic librarian in my early-30s, with absolutely no science background. A scientist friend shared some posts with me, and I just kept reading. I enjoy your writing style and ass-shaking jams. I also tell myself that it's okay to read your blog on work time because it helps me get to know what issues faculty and researchers think about.
Posted by: Grumpator | July 8, 2009 3:21 PM
24 year old PhD student in life science. Found you after reading lots of other science blogs. I will admit that the goddess style of writing was not my instant favorite, but when I read more posts and saw that beneath your flirty tone you speak the hard truth, I was hooked.
Posted by: Laura | July 8, 2009 3:24 PM
I'm a 24 year old undergrad working almost full time doing ecological modeling. Eventually I'll head to grad school, and I think I'd like to be a professor someday. Math rocks my socks and I feel like working on questions related to climate change is one of the best places I could apply my skills.
I found you through ScienceWomen and I stayed because the honest (yet hilarious) way you discuss balancing hot science, family, etc. helps me think more positively about balancing being sick with the rest of my life (not that having babies is equivalent to having a chronic illness), because you aren't ashamed of or trying to hide your femininity and seem to consider it a strength rather than a weakness (which helps me feel braver about wearing beautiful shoes and the occasional ruffled blouse and calling out people who think my IQ drops because of it), because you took a non-traditional road to grad school and are an awesome scientist (so I feel more confident about my winding path), and because you really do seem to care about your little chickens and give us such good advice.
Posted by: sarcozona | July 8, 2009 3:24 PM
Happy Blog-o-versary Isis!
I'm a 40-ish mother of 4 (ages 23 to 9). I'm an industrial hygienist geek. I love hot science, hot shoes, learning new things and people who write with snark and humor. I'm pretty sure I got here from boingboing one fine, enlightening day. I've been lurking ever since.
I have shared your blog with potloads of like-minded science friends and insisted my daughters read it too. Rock on!
Posted by: IrishMom | July 8, 2009 3:26 PM
I'm a 41-year-old grad school dropout who double-majored in Physics and Philosophy, has more than eighteen years of experience in various aspects of industry, is currently seriously underemployed, and is a sucker for good writing. I'm also a longtime (5+ years) blogger. I was introduced to the awesomeness that is Dr. Isis's blog by ...tom... last August, as described here: http://anothermonkey.blogspot.com/2008/08/rainbows-are-not-what-they-seem.html
Congratulations on your first Blogiversary! May you have many more!
Posted by: Harold | July 8, 2009 3:33 PM
Happy Blog-o-versary, o Goddess! I think I found you through the top-of-the-page link that was a quote about your "mad, mad crush on physiology that will not quit".
By training, I'm an environmental engineer (scraped out a M.S. by the skin of my teeth under circumstances that made the recent posts on depression hit a nerve); I'm presently employed as a bench chemist / spreadsheet jockey in a job that draws upon a whole three days of my graduate education.
Or, to look at myself from another perspective - I'm the working mom of a middle-school-aged girl. My appreciation for hot shoes and ass-shaking jams is, I think, somewhat vicarious - but Dr. Isis has amazing, awesome insights into work-life balance and workplace feminism that keep me coming back.
Posted by: Cathy W | July 8, 2009 3:42 PM
I have a Ph.D. in geochemistry, a husband, a dog, and no kids (hehe...I guess that's kind of a funny sentence). I work in a non-academic science field (writing and editing K-12 science materials), mainly because hard-core research isn't my thing.
I read your blog because it usually makes me laugh, occasionally makes me cry, and always makes me think (even when it's a shoe post, it makes me think "How can anyone walk in that?")
I read ScienceBlogs in general because I'm really interested in science writing and communicating science to lay audiences, and this site seems to have a lot of other people who are interested in the same things.
Posted by: Dr. Kate | July 8, 2009 3:43 PM
I'm a 33 year-old non-scientist guy (majored in history and the library science) with a strong layperson's interest in science. I basically stumbled on science blogs, and then stumbled onto your journal, and then became hooked because you have a very interesting perspective and style, and you talk about all sorts of different subjects. The shoes aren't quite at the top of my list of interests, but the descriptions of some of the issues faced by scientists in general and women scientists in particular are very interesting.
Plus, I love the pictures and captions - a few of those made me burst out laughing!
Posted by: Paul | July 8, 2009 3:55 PM
I'm an undergrad English major. I've always loved science and competed in the Science Olympiad and National Science Bowl in high school. In addition to loving science I have had the luck of being taught by several women who were truly passionate about their ridiculously cool science. I found ScienceBlogs through a friend who read Pharyngula. One day while I was supposed to be researching and writing an Anthropology paper I started scrolling down the Choose A Blog bar and I found the Great and Eternally Awesome Isis. Hot science coupled with ass shaking jams on top of eviscerating jackasses kept me coming back. I told my entire Modern Women Writers class about this blog when we were talking about women in science and it just so happened to coincide with the LTOD project.
Posted by: Wyomingite | July 8, 2009 3:57 PM
I have a PhD in pharmacology but realized shortly after starting graduate school that the academic tenure track was not for me, yet I wanted to be involved in science. I now do grant writing/review and provide grantsmanship advice to investigators at a major research university. While I am not on the same career path as Isis, I find that I relate to a lot of her topics and posts. I also have a little one and a PhD husband at home.
I like to read science blogs to keep up to date with a wide range of topics (needed in my area of work) plus like to pick up tips that I can pass along to the PIs I work with or use in my reviews. I also love discussions about career/life balance because it is so critical. I like this particular blog because I just find it to be downright entertaining.
Posted by: Marie | July 8, 2009 4:06 PM
I'm Toaster. I am not a toaster.
I don't remember how I wound up here, but I find the content useful because it presents a scientific voice other than the mumblings of the greybeards. Because one of my primary rules in life is "try not to be an asshole", the perspective here forces me to consider the scientific experience of others in academia, and how it might be best to tread to help create a more egalitarian research community. I keep coming back here because it makes me think.
Posted by: Toaster | July 8, 2009 4:07 PM
I think I first made my way here from googling 'women in science' quite a while ago now and once I found you, I kept coming back ;-) I like alot of things about your blog. I like the perspective you present, I have loved the letters to our daughters, and (most) of the shoes.
I'm doing a postdoc across the ocean in physics / applied maths and am afraid any field specifics combined with my name will out my anonymity.
Happy Blog-o-versary!
Posted by: A | July 8, 2009 4:37 PM
Ok, I'll bite. I'm a professor at a PUI, I do research (among other things in my particular science-y field) on women in science, and I am heavily involved in service activities. I'm the only female in my department. I have the youngest child in my department. I'm the newest member of my department. I was married at the start of the last semester before I graduated with my PhD. My husband graduated with a bachelors at the same time from another science field. During his interviews to get into graduate school, I knocked on the doors of some professors and found myself a post-doc. He was accepted to graduate school and we moved. I started that post-doc and then found out I was pregnant. I knew nothing about babies and had no friends with babies so I started doing what any good scientist would do - I research babies and being pregnant and being a scientist/mommy or, hell, even just a working mommy. I found essentially no resources on the internet. At that time, Dooce had just been fired from her job. So, I started my own blog. 5 years later, the blog is still going. I do not have readers (other than my mother) but I do have alot of history and it has been a great way to just remember what I was going through at certain stages in the raising of my children. I stayed in the post-doc for 2 years and then was awarded a grant to PI my own post-doc for 2 more years. At the end of 3 years it looked like my husband's research was going well and it was time for me to go on the job market. Just after sending out those first applications for tenure track positions, I tested positive with baby number two (surprise) while I was at a conference. I was granted numerous interviews and with each passing one, my belly grew bigger. At 7 months, I threw in the towel and picked a place already. Seeing as I was on a strict time schedule, we induced the baby, reapplied for human subjects approval with a 4 day old in the office, removed my sickly gall bladder, boarded a plane to purchase our house, returned home, packed up our things, and drove 3 days to get to our new location. I started my job when my youngest was just 3 months old. I wear flip flops or hiking boots to the office/lab everyday. I haven't owned a purse or a watch in 10+ years. I gave up dying my gray hairs years ago because it was a losing battle and the gray makes me look a little more distinguished anyway. I haven't worn jewelry for very many years either although I do love glittery things and am known to have rhinestone accessories in my hair.
So, that's me, not hot, not glamorous, just all natural little ol' me. I read your blog and the blogs of many of your Sci-blings but I think I'll only post here because I don't want the posting thing to get out of hand.
Posted by: Dr. H | July 8, 2009 4:43 PM
Happy blogoversary :)
I'm a former archaeologist, now working as a work-at-home mother of two, freelance writer/editor/whateversomeonewillpaymetodofromhome-r. Although archaeology is as close as my background gets to science, I've always been interested in science and especially medicine.
I'm here because I'm always interested in how someone else deals with that work/family balance. Also I think you're funny ;)
Posted by: Mara | July 8, 2009 5:09 PM
Happy Blog-o-versary Isis!
I am a postdoc (hence the creative handle) in a lab science, with a husband on the tenure-track, and an almost 2 year old daughter. I have just started my second postdoc, and look forward to the day that 'Postdoc' is no longer the appropriate handle. I came to worship Dr. Isis at a time when there wasn't a single woman in my department with tenure, and when the most senior woman in the department had just been denied tenure (deservedly, in my view, but nonetheless the lack of senior women was palpable). I came for the mama-in-science, I stay for the science, the mama wisdom, the shoes, and the fashion advice. The field in which I work generally regards you as over-dressed if your jeans have been washed in the last month, but I choose to ignore, and tend more toward the fabulous fashion.
Here's to another wonderful year Isis! If you ever find yourself in my neck of the woods, I would be delighted to provide the EtOH to toast you in person.
Posted by: PostDoc | July 8, 2009 5:17 PM
I'm someone whose academic background has near to no science in it: my last degree is a B.A. in East Asian Studies (early modern-modern Japan, (with a leavening of Chinese intellectual history, unsurprising to those who might know my father, J.R. Levenson's work).
I was fascinated, though, by the history of science, which I explored by studying what happened when the scientific revolution hit those East Asian cultures down the barrel of a gun. That led my by twists and turns into a quarter century or so of science writing and film making which has now landed me at my own MRU, MIT.
All of which gave me a completely indirect but (in hindsight) nearly straight line path to your blog, oh Goddess. I see science as a historical activity -- which is to say that I'm fascinated by how science is made by the people who do it, and I think that the ways lives are lived in science has a great deal to do with both what is found and how discovery filters out to the world beyond science. And that's a high-falutin way to say that you write about things I want to know.
I blog too, of course, which means I need to read other blogs that I think are good -- hopefully better than mine, so I can steal the best parts. (The old line: amateur writers borrow; professionals steal. I'm a pro.) Hence, regular visits to Dr. Isis.
Posted by: Tom Levenson | July 8, 2009 5:28 PM
Also -- I'm the father of a wonderful, demanding, exceptional, crazy-making nine year old. The parenting stuff is damned useful; even if I am not a working scientist, I'm a working stiff at an MRU with a whole range of academic follies with which to contend. Sometimes I get tips, sometimes the schadenfreude is enough...;)
Posted by: Tom Levenson | July 8, 2009 5:30 PM
Happy blog-o-versary!
I have been lurking here for quite a while, but I think this is my very first post...
I am a 27yo senior scientist at an MRU with a MS in genetics, working in genomics research. I also have a husband (PhD, tenure track), and a dog, and am currently debating the prospect of adding a child to our already hectic and science-filled life. I forget how I found the blog, but the first post I read was related to your Catholicism, which happened to be refreshing and what I needed to hear at that moment. I did, admittedly, stay for the shoes. Between that and the hot science, I was hooked.
Posted by: marie (too) | July 8, 2009 5:36 PM
I'm a 40+ math professor with tenure and a mother of three: sometimes symultaneously, as I've been known to teach or go to a meeting with the child(ren) in my office watching a DVD.
I was catholic until 30, currently atheist, and I like flat, comfortable shoes (think Birkenstock).
I read a lot of sciency and/or feminist blogs, and that's why I'm here.
I don't have any grey hair but lots of white ones (the rest is very dark), and I can read spanish though not speak it.
@yinyang: "science and I haven't gotten along - I kind of hate lab work"
You can be a scientist even of you're no good with your hands. In fact, you do not need hands: an engineer made a lab mistake which blew up both of his hands. Afterwards he switched to mathematics and did amazing things.
Posted by: estraven | July 8, 2009 6:23 PM
Hey Isis, I don't get it. You went on strike over mail order brides and naughty ads from the Science Blogs ad service, now what the hell is this picture doing on your post. C'mon it strikes me as hypocracy. All, please direct hate mail to your favorite chauvinistic male blogger.
Posted by: Anon | July 8, 2009 6:23 PM
well, i've already said this a few other places, so what unique information can i come up with?
overcame enormous personal challenges. barely made it through high school. went to unknown college on a pure whim. then to grad school at a top program. married young. still happily married. play(/ed) caretaker, caretakee, bodyguard, advocate, teller of people to fuck off, trainee, sponge of knowledge, role model, teacher, awestruck junior scientist, and some others.
currently fighting to finish phd in most awesome field ever without total psychotic break. am narrowly succeeding, at present writing.
your blog entertains me, and is more opportunity for interaction with other female scientists, which is important.
Posted by: leigh | July 8, 2009 6:32 PM
First and foremost, Dr. Isis, I enjoy your sass, wit, and writing style. Especially the sass - If I were a milliner I would have designed the most sublime sasshat for you to mark this occasion, made from the finest and most delicately strong fabrics that would be visible to only the most enlightened. And only very briefly to the asshats before you smite them in all your glory. But, alas, I'm no milliner and I don't even like wearing hats.
I was very close to majoring in marine biology or ecology undergrad but do not have a degree in science, for:
I like to think that I have made a difference - hopefully, my life is not yet half over so there's still time for that. I am a 37 year-old mother of two boys (ages 4.5 and 1.5), happily married, from the West Coast and have degrees in policy and anthropology, professional experience in communications in the marine conservation and scientific communities, who speaks fluent Spanish (that is now a bit rusty) and Italian. I am a Mac person and love my iPhone (Isis! There are an iShoes and iBags apps that would totally rock your world.) The only journals I manage to keep up with regularly are Science and Nature; supplementary reading materials include the Economist, People (mea culpa!), Sunset and your blog in addition to the stories I read and make up for my boys. Never one for convention, I comment under a pseudonym but blog with my real name - WTFIUWT, I am sure some will psychoanalyze.
"Balance" is an illusion if by that one means the perfect wife/mother/friend/professional/scientist at all times and all the time. There is truly no such thing as work-life "balance." There's no balance, it's never a level see-saw. I like to think of fulfilling my personal and professional duties as more of a chess match you play with (not against) yourself - you always win in the long run.
And that is why I read and love your blog. THANK YOU FOR SHARING!
Posted by: Callinectes | July 8, 2009 6:35 PM
Late 20's engineering grad student and aspiring professor. I follow you on twitter and click over to anything that catches my eye... e.g. social dynamics in academia.
Posted by: Dan | July 8, 2009 6:37 PM
I'm female, British, 19; just finished my first year of studying Spanish and Russian (with linguistics) at Cambridge University. I come to ScienceBlogs for the awesome science -- and, it has to be said, the awesome atheism -- but I come specifically to Dr Isis for the awesome hilarity! I also have a kind of perverse interest in people who like stylish clothes and shoes, because I really couldn't care less what I have on my feet as long as they don't cause me to fall over, and consequently I find people who do care deeply sort of fascinating. Perhaps you'll convert me to cute shoes one day, Dr Isis!
Posted by: Emily | July 8, 2009 6:51 PM
I have five PhD's in disciplines ranging from Chinese Linguistics to Quantum Physics, I'm a Neurosurgeon, JD, MFA, MPH, PharmD, MBA, Olympic swimmer, and an agent for both the FBI and CIA. I'm basically as smart as god.
Only kidding! I'm just a nurse. I watch people die and clean up shit for a living.
Interesting how people define themselves according to 1) educational level and 2) career.
If life is a pissing contest, I lose.
Love your blog. Started reading you during the recipe wars with CPP. At first I didn't understand you. I thought you were just another "academic feminist" with no concern for social justice. I have happily learned that I was very, very wrong about this. Then I became curious about you. I have concluded that you are an extremely complex and dedicated person. Your intelligence, wit, wisdom and advocacy keep me coming back. Some of your posts still leave me scratching my head, but that's my problem, not yours. I still want to be one of your little muffins.
Posted by: Catharine | July 8, 2009 6:58 PM
I'm a lurker. I'm a female Ph.D. student and some days I feel like I don't fit in and it's not worth it and why am I doing this? And some days I'm just bored and waiting for my incubation to finish. . .and then I start the blog rounds and I inevitably end up here, because it makes me feel better. Thanks!
Posted by: bobette | July 8, 2009 7:05 PM
Romance is my area - Romance Languages major, that is. Romance is what I aim to find in everything I see, do, hear and say. I find Romance in all your hot, cocky thoughts too. I am so thrilled we are friends forever.
Posted by: la mama | July 8, 2009 7:11 PM
La mama!!! Te quiero, querida!
Posted by: Isis the Scientist | July 8, 2009 7:13 PM
Happy blogoversary!
I am a mortician and hold a bachelor's in chemistry and in natural science. I have a 2.5 year old daughter and am in my late 20s. I love your blog!!
Posted by: Doll Face | July 8, 2009 7:22 PM
Happy blogoversary!
I'm a late convert to science who, after completing a phd in medical history, decided that I might be more useful to the world as an epidemiologist. The transition required that I take a job well below my capabilities in the short term so I fill my long empty hours at work with blog reading (amongst other things). After a year, your blog remains my favourite :) I come for the life balance stuff (which is relevant irrespective of field of endeavour) and because you're super entertaining. Keep up the good work, lovely Isis!
Posted by: Bek | July 8, 2009 7:26 PM
Saw your blog title on the roster and giggled. Figured what the hell and checked it out. I stayed for the awesome shoes, stories about Little Isis and massive Isis ego which I am known to share. The emphasis on minority and women's issues doesn't hurt either. Oh! and the sarcasm. I
Currently, I am spreading the joy of glitter and pink at an MRU on the Left coast as a post-doc in some earth shattering field related to women's health. I have just been awarded a career development award from the NIH thus I will be moving east in two years time to spread that same joy under the guise of an of assistant professorship at a major state university. Yay me.
Posted by: Dr. Glitterbear | July 8, 2009 7:46 PM
I'm a *mumble* year grad student studying innate immune responses to malaria.
My identity beyond that appears to be in some kind of pupa stage of metamorphosis. And I'm smug. Cause I'm pregnant.
You can always blame DM for leading me to you.
I read because you provide:
A) Truth (in the form of generally good advice)
B) Beauty (in the form of shoes)
C) Justice (in the form of calling out asshats)
D) Joy (in the form of opportunities for snarkery and calling bullshit)
Posted by: becca | July 8, 2009 7:57 PM
Congratulations my dearest goddess colleague,
I believe I found you once I started adding my video book reviews to the Scienceblogs book club.
I am an ABD in biology (= Masters) who was only getting the PhD to do what I'm doing now, which is teaching really bright university students some high end cell and molecular biology techniques, lecturing because I'll talk about science to anyone who will listen and have become quite good at it, and consulting with engineers who so badly require a nurturing biological hand and the occasional smile at their charming inability to accept the fact that biological systems are OPEN and one might not be able to control every variable. And I do it for practically a song.
Why did I not get the PhD? I decided to have children. Four of them in fact(all double digits, 3 of them teens, one heading to college this fall, and all very bright and talented) I felt I could not put equal energy into both so stopped short of the letters, of which all four of my children can go and achieve, making my one near miss PhD completely inconsequential.
I resonate with what you say, carved my own path, created my own balance and do what I love--outreach and teaching and vicarious research (without obtaining my own grants-yay) via those who call upon my assistance while enjoying my children's lives with abandon.
Oh, and I look like a grad student despite the fact that I'm older than Jennifer Aniston, Brooke Shields and the like. Good genes and many, many tricks from a former life as a professional model have made it look like I should not be taken seriously, but once I open my mouth, it is clear I have paid more than a couple of decades dues to the grand halls of academia and know what the heck I'm talking about.
And I'm in charge of uniforms for the middle school band program. :-P
Thanks for your blog. May you have many more years of blogging ahead of you with wisdom both garnered and shared.
Kindly, Joanne
Posted by: sciencegoddess | July 8, 2009 8:41 PM
I'm a post-doc about to be assist. prof at MRU in an -ology. I'm currently doing more informatics, so my can is glued to seat and fingers on keyboard all day....
An assist. prof in my dept turned me on to your blog and blogs in general; before that I had never read a single one! I read daily because you make me laugh every stinkin day, and I love that!
Posted by: gnuma | July 8, 2009 8:55 PM
Oh, and you helped me get thru the interview process! Let's not forget about that.
Posted by: gnuma | July 8, 2009 8:58 PM
I came here as a female phd candidate wondering if I can/want to make it to the phd and as an academic. I keep reading because of, well, everything. I spend the breaks I need while I'm struggling to do science with your stories, the 'letters to our daughters' project, and, of course, the shoes.
Posted by: a. | July 8, 2009 9:11 PM
I'm a rising fourth-year neuroscience PhD student at a major research university.
I read your blog because I also love science and shoes. I love that you're happy to embrace "girly" stuff -- I've always been miffed that, although we've come to the point where it's acceptable to be a woman in science, it's not really seen as acceptable to be a feminine woman in science. I think the real point of feminism is that you can be whatever kind of woman you want to be, and I am a makeup-wearing, cute-clothes-loving, neuroscience geek.
Posted by: molliebatmit | July 8, 2009 9:14 PM
I'm a scientific curator at a model organism database.(Woohoo for informatics, gnuma.) I've got a PhD in a field of biology that has little to do with my current job but was fun to get.
I found you after starting to read blogs after seeing a write up on FSP in Nature. I came back for the hot science, hot shoes and interesting takes on a career path I chose not to take.
Posted by: mod.cur | July 8, 2009 9:26 PM
w00t! You, uh, know who I am already. :) but Happy blogiversary!
Posted by: bioephemera | July 8, 2009 9:49 PM
Who I am: mid-30s midwestern gal, trailing PhD husband. Tired of being an underling.
Science background: BA in biotech & several years of lab experience in dairy research, including milking mice.
What brought me here: found Ed Yong's well-written blog while surfing, trying to get ideas for my own blog. Stumbled onto your blog.
Why I stay: Wisdom. Hilarity. Exudations of general hotness.
Who I plan to hook on your blog: an artiste friend who suffered under the (worse?) patriarchy of a Scottish art museum.
Posted by: KT | July 8, 2009 10:10 PM
Happy Blogoversary!
I'm a 21-year-old Russian-Israeli-Canadian woman. In about two months I'll be starting my fourth year as an undergrad at the University of Toronto studying neuroscience. When I'm not busy procrastinating on schoolwork, I do clinical research on cardiovascvular disease. When I am procrastinating, I spend my time watching cartoons about giant robots, building plastic models, taking photos, or trying to figure out why I'm the only female executive in my unnamed university club.
Oh, and I also read a shit-ton of blogs. Which is probably how I got to your old blogspot. I stayed for a the posts on life in academia, hot shoes, and feminism. I also stayed because your writing makes me laugh.
Posted by: LostMarbles | July 8, 2009 10:42 PM
You, my sweet, know who I am, what I do, and where I like to drink my coffee.
Posted by: Candid Engineer | July 8, 2009 10:50 PM
Science teacher, eighth grade.
My tag came from the old blogsite recognizing one of my old school email addresses, where I had entered my first name as Mr. to keep the kids guessing. Decided I'd better keep it for consistent identification, and it's best if the kids (and parents) can't google me up hanging with the likes of Comrade Physioprof. (No offense, CPP, just business.)
Found the Goddess when looking for modern 'Women in Science' role models for my class to engage the young future women scientists. I frequently relate the tale of Isis offering herself up for study at the MRU. The kids are intrigued that I'm unable to tell them who you really are. Takes some explaining.
Wound up here during the Isis vs. CPP recipe wars, which hooked me on you both. Love the writing, the photo shopping, the sass and honesty. Even though I'm usually a quiet lurker, I feel quite comfortable here.
I rate the writings of the goddess up with Behind the Stick, one of the most eloquently written blogs I currently read. Very well done.
Posted by: Mr. | July 8, 2009 11:03 PM
Oh, Dear Isis, you know ALL about me already. I read your blog because it sometimes stretches my mind, sometimes makes me realize truths, and always entertains me!
Happy blogiversary!
Posted by: Mimi | July 8, 2009 11:05 PM
Dear Isis,
Happy Blogoversary. I am a 50-something working mother with teenage kids. I found you because of your posts about physiology and animals in research. Even though I am neither a scientist nor an academic, I appreciate your stylings on the challenges of work and family. And I love to hear Little Isis say science words.
Posted by: Alice | July 8, 2009 11:05 PM
See, when you were saying "someone has an anniversary coming up", I thought, "Holy balls, how does she know it's my anniversary?!" (nine years today) but then I figured out what you were talking about. Heh.
I'm a tech at a MassivePharma company, and I'm really damn good at what I do. I hope I'll move back to academics one day.
Posted by: DamnGoodTechnician | July 8, 2009 11:12 PM
I can't remember how I found you at your old blogspot place, but I stuck around the whole while as:
you're hilarious
I can commiserate about balancing kids and science
you force me to think about the experience of women in science, and how much better that can and should be.
So thanks!
Posted by: Nat | July 8, 2009 11:13 PM
I'm an (almost) asst. prof at a PUI in a science field. I stumbled here through a link on some other blog (I've since forgotten which). I've been lurking around the edges ever since. I thoroughly enjoy your take on the life of a scientist-wife-mom-daughter-coworker-mentor-etc. even if I don't yet identify with all those facets of life. Plus, after reading about "throwing down some hot science" I knew I had to stick around and learn more (and use that phrase as often as I could).
Posted by: KB | July 8, 2009 11:13 PM
I'm a 30 year old postdoc in astronomy. My wife is also a postdoc (also in astronomy, in the same department - in fact in the same research group!) and we have a 6 month old son. I particularly like your posts relating to balancing work and parenthood - something my wife and I are still trying to work out...
Posted by: kwrs | July 8, 2009 11:40 PM
23F, just got my bachelor's (neuro/psych double major, chem minor!), starting a Ph.D. program in a month.
As a feminist and a scientist, I absolutely love how the two converge in your writing, which is what got me hooked. As a woman in science, I have a particular selfish interest in what you write, which is part of what kept me here. (And as someone with good taste, the shoes and the jams help too.)
I've already shared your blog with all of the interested people in my sphere, and also with most of the uninterested people, lol...
Posted by: Muse142 | July 9, 2009 12:09 AM
I am a 33-year-old mental patient (no, really -- 10mg of Celexa a day and weekly therapy sessions) who lives with his parents on Cape Cod and does a lot of public access TV. I cook a lot and have my own TV show on the local access channel, and I occasionally get some pocket change doing special event productions for local nonprofits.
I kind of forget how exactly I found you (it was probably a "welcome new SciBling" post) but I'm a fan of science humor.
Posted by: Brian X | July 9, 2009 12:32 AM
I'm a 24 year old astronomy grad student who appreciates hot shoes, ass-shaking jams, and snarcasm.
Posted by: sarah | July 9, 2009 1:55 AM
I'm 25 years old, work at a free clinic, will start medical school in the fall, and I have interest in biomedical research and ethics. I post every now and then, but read more than post. Love your feminism, your sass, and your accounts of and advice for balancing personal and professional life.
Posted by: Jean | July 9, 2009 3:13 AM
Happy Blogoversary! Of course, you know who I am since you want my job here at APS.
To save space, I am introducing myself to your readership by providing a link to my bio on the APS home page - http://www.the-aps.org/careers/careers1/NewInvest/Biosketches/nfrank.htm.
In brief, I am a physiologist who took a faculty job in Washington, DC and got bit by "Potomac Fever" and an interest in science policy. The rest is history. I started reading your blog when I was informed by an APS staff member that someone in the Blogosphere was saying nice things about APS.
One of the joys of my job is to help grad students and post-docs make career decisions and your blog puts the issues they face in perspective for me and the Society. We love you Isis and appreciate being able to partner with you to promote Undergraduate Research experiences in the physiological sciences through your contributions and those of your readers to the David Bruce Award.
Posted by: Marty | July 9, 2009 6:45 AM
How great is it to read all these comments- although, I have to say, Catharine, if I ever hear you disparaging nurses (or yourself!) like that again, I'll totally kick you in the shins. Nurses are the shit and have saved my poor foolish ass from myself on several occasions. Ergo, they are totally awesome. So there.
So, who am I? I'm an under 30 resident surgeon who took the opportunity to do a couple of years of cancer research at my MRU (my lab head was totally just on the Today show with Jimmy Fallon for Stand Up to Cancer, which is holy crap levels of exciting), get married (to a non-scientist amazingly willing to put up with me) and add a few letters to my name (MPH to go with the MD). As a female in an aggressive, male dominated field I came for the feminist stylings and Mama advice (should I still throw hemostats while pregnant?), and stayed for the UBER-hot shoes. I've been blessed with a female PI and a female resident course director, but the LTOD project still knocks me on my ass.
In other words, strong work, Dr. Isis and please keep it coming!
Posted by: Dr.FabulousShoes | July 9, 2009 7:24 AM
Take a deep breath..... I've just opened the door and entered a room packed with PhD's and uber-smart people. Omigosh, what am I doing here?
I'm an aging baby-boomer, one-time anthropology student who ran out of money and was thrown into the world to fend for myself. I've worked in the publishing industry, most recently for a newspaper. My photographs have won awards and I'm happy with the way my life has evolved. Some would say I'm an underachiever but I believe that who you are is more important than what you achieve. Is that heresy? Probably, but I've seen really smart people grind themselves to dust in the name of achievement.
I started surfing science blogs because I needed a dose of science.
That's a lie.
I'm here for the shoes.
Posted by: suzanne | July 9, 2009 7:28 AM
I am Lin, 29, and a PhD in my third (o shit!) year. I turned to the blogosphere when I lost all hope in academia when my first Prof left, leaving me behind at an institute that did not have any purpose for me. I also wondered how women pull it off being academically active and a mom as well (since I also have future plans, sort of, secretively, don't let the boss know), so I was looking for advise on being both a hot female scientist and wanted to hear some people actually pull it off, being a mom as well.
And I love shoes.
Posted by: lin | July 9, 2009 8:59 AM
I am a 32 year old science lady who loves shoes. I just recently found your blog & I dig it.
I did my phd in ecology/evolution in a MRU in the US, and have been moving up the ranks until, low and behold, I have found myself running a group in a MRU in the UK. While I am not married nor have children at present, I hope that to change that at some point in the near-ish future and already struggle thinking about how I will achieve the work-life balance. Your blog is the first one I have found that really makes me feel less like I am alone trying to maneuver this choice of career. Also - it is fantastic to know that there are other science ladies out there who can be found behind a microscope wearing fantastic high hills and looking like a goddess....
Really, I like hard core science geekiness, late nights in the lab with a microscope, high heels, gorgeous skirts and stunning handbags, cheesy pop songs, smart and funny science ladies who are collaborative and supportive of other smart, funny science ladies, and babies. So as you might imagine - I like your blog.
Keep it up.
Posted by: Science lady | July 9, 2009 9:28 AM
25 years old, BS in microbiology, currently working at the bench in a tiny biotech in the boston area, gearing up to apply to graduate school this year to (hopefully) study microbial ecology, hates complete sentences, loves science blogs!
Posted by: jos | July 9, 2009 10:05 AM
Happy Blogoversary, Isis!
I think I probably shouldn't say TOO much about me since you are trying to retain your anonymity. Let me just say I taught English for 4 years, currently a full-time domestic goddess, and have two MAs, one in teaching, one in humanities, and am considering going back for the PhD when my kids are in school. I always admired Isis's talent for science and her way of writing exactly the way she talks, so I have enjoyed reading her blog for those reasons.
xoxoxo!
Posted by: Minerva | July 9, 2009 10:18 AM
I discovered Seed one day while bored at work. I was waiting around for some PCR to finish, and figured I should find some science-y way to spend my free time. Google led me to Scienceblogs, and you turned up on the feed of recent articles. Several weeks later I'd read through all your stuff, and have been an avid addict ever since. :)
I'm a youngin' starting her glorious PhD program in biology this fall. Look to my blog for the crazy shnitzel I'm up to, and my own torrid ramblings. Also, I love your blog (and many others I found through your commenters) because of the totally shweet feminism reminding me to revel in my awesome woman-ness.
Posted by: ktbug ladydid | July 9, 2009 10:41 AM
I'm a 36 year old post-doc in a comparative physiology lab and the mother of 4 year old twins. I have been reading your blog for, well, about a year now. Although, I have to confess, I don't share your taste in shoes, I love your sense of humor and your "Letter's to our daughters series." I also love that your are willing to freely admit that you are church-going scientist.
Happy Blog-o-versary Isis! I hope this is the first of many.
Posted by: julie r | July 9, 2009 11:04 AM
I'm a graduate student in an engineering subfield. I like the culture of anonymous blogging, and I've enjoyed your style from the first set of posts. I'm still here because I've never stopped reading the blog. You've got style and a sense of humor that I enjoy.
Posted by: Academic | July 9, 2009 11:30 AM
Hi Isis! I'm a scientist turned policy wonk who loves the hot shoes and all around hilarity that you provide. To prove that I'm a science geek at heart (and proud of it) one of my favorite all time Isis posts was the one where we had to guess the tissue from the microscope images.
Posted by: Rebecca | July 9, 2009 11:39 AM
Happy Blogoversary! I'm a physiology postdoc who heard about your blog through APS. I LOVE the letters to our daughters and your stories about Little Isis and Mr. Isis. I have 4 year old and one year old, so I really appreciate your perspective on the Dr. Isis/Mom balance and thank you for raising awareness of the challenges involved with being a mom in academia (while also reminding all of us of the great benefits as well). I have a wonderful scientific "family" (my science "moms", "sisters", "aunts", and even "dad") to help, and I can't imagine my (very early) career without them and their advice- I think your blog enables other young scientists to have some of that as well.
Posted by: Jenny | July 9, 2009 12:30 PM
I'm a former medical student with a background in mathematics and biology with an alternatingly hilarious and maddening 15 year old son. Right now I'm working in engineering, while somehow managing not to be an actual engineer, and am rapidly approaching that point in my career where I have to decide whether to back to grad school, and what in. It won't be medical school, and might be mathematics, but that's as specific as I've gotten so far.
Your blog is fun, geeky and tends to hit all the major themes of my own life. Plus, the title was a hoot.
Posted by: kalieris | July 9, 2009 12:41 PM
I'm a 25 yo F tech/crazy mouse lady at a MRU with a BS, applying for an MS in Epi this year. I still don't remember how I found ScienceBlogs, but you're awesome (and, yes, I'm here for the shoes). It's also super nice to find a successful woman in science who has family and fun!
No kids, boyfriend and cat. And a lot of plants that refuse to make ripe veggies.
Posted by: JustaTech | July 9, 2009 2:11 PM
I found you through sciencewoman, I think? I am a new-ish assistant professor in -ology with a two-year old. I am generally very earnest and I think this makes me appreciate your use of humour to see the ups and downs of academic life from a different perspective.
Posted by: Anna | July 9, 2009 2:19 PM
Hello, Dr. Isis.
I just commented on another of your posts, sort of introducing myself. I've stumbled across your blog a couple times, although Pascale's Golden Thought has brought me back enough that I decided to follow regularly. In fact, I'm new to reading blogs regularly, but just realized that this community of women in science is here. I wish I'd known of it a decade ago or any time since. I've long wanted to blog, and just started myself.
Who am I? To follow the general description type: I am a woman in my early-30s who is married with two pre-adolescent kids, was SAHM for a few years, now working on (finishing!) a PhD in a physical science at a large state university.
Why am I reading your blog? Partly because it came into my purview for one reason or another often enough that it is worth it just to come directly regularly. Also, I enjoy your posting style. I need to do some back-reading to glean helpful life information, by the look of things.
Happy Blog-o-versary!
Posted by: Balancing Act | July 9, 2009 5:12 PM
A bit late to the game, but what the heck. I'm a software guy with an interest in science. I found your blog quite by accident around the time of the recent Mumbai terrorism incident. I was a bit dismayed at the paucity of coverage in the regular US liberal blogs that I read frequently and did a search on the scienceblogs main page to see if any sciencebloggers said anything about it. You were the only one. I read your archives a bit later after that and stayed on ever since because I enjoyed your crazy writing style a lot! So there you have it.
Posted by: arvind | July 9, 2009 6:03 PM
28 y.o., New Asst Prof in Engineering. You are the reason I've stopped trying to dress like an engineer and have gone back to strutting about the department in snakeskin pumps. I get odd looks and the odd comment, but I don't care! I can be hot and rock some hot science. Now if only I could stop everyone thinking I'm a student! I don't recall how I found you blog, but I'm glad I did.
Posted by: Bea | July 9, 2009 8:05 PM
Hello, Dr. Isis
I must admit I feel a bit intimidated, and undereducated, by the level of commenters here. I am a 40-something man, with a BA in computer science from Northern Michigan University (go cats!) I am a programmer at a different MRU. I have three kids, the oldest of whom is a sophomore at yet a different MRU. I enjoy the hell out of reading this, and several other science-related blogs, including Pharyngula, Bad Astronomy, Repectful Insolence, Not Exactly Rocket Science, etc.
Posted by: TGAP Dad | July 9, 2009 10:53 PM
Happy blogoversary! I am a relative newcomer to reading your blog, Isis. I love HOT shoes and HOT science! In my 50+ years, I have achieved a BS and MS in microbiology from 2 equally MRUs, worked in hospital labs, a major pharmaceutical company, taught middle and high school science, raised 4 daughters to be productive, responsible adults (unfortunately, all NON-scientists), and am now doing research again at a MRU. Your blog is highly enjoyable for your exquisite wit and science insight!
Posted by: umiegirl74 | July 9, 2009 11:08 PM
OK, I'll bite. I'm a 26 year old M library clerk who seriously misses having science as a regular part of my life. I did Science Olympiad and the such all through high school (and have the medals to prove it), but decided to follow my other passions (history and music) in college. I enjoyed it, but I've never lost my fundamental interest in science. Had I followed the sci-route, I would have ultimately gone for paleontology, and I discovered SciBlogs when I was looking up a new fossil find and was directed to Tetrapod Zoology. (I'm sorry, goddess, but to this day I come to worship your glorious figure only after basking in my daily dose of four-limbed fun...) There must have been a link in "Now on Science Blogs" at the head of the page that caught my eye and brought me here a few months back. I found the wit and style hilarious and astute all at once, and have been a devoted lurker ever since.
As a hopeful future grad student (OK, admittedly not in science), I find the snarky, honest look into academia that I get here utterly eye-opening. I know that lab culture and library culture don't intersect all that often, but I'll take any peep hole into grad work and life that I can get. I'm also drawn back by the fact that I'm a very open Catholic who is always interested in seeing how others of my faith address the concerns that being Catholic raises in academia. The sincere, thoughtful comments you've made about being Catholic and practicing hard science are music to my ears.
Keep it up!
Posted by: BMF | July 9, 2009 11:23 PM
Slacker with women's college english artis baccalaureate. (Rejoice in latinate pretensions, ladies! Nurses have them too.)
Recently interested in taking up math again so I can learn biology properly, instead of (only) through popular science books + mags + podcasts and science blogs, like this lovely piece of hotness. Always interested in a wise and sexually secure female voice. Your captions are a particular delight.
26, no career, no kids.
Happy landmark, & many returns. (Oooo, but look at all this naked data in which I participate. Does it serve communication or marketing? Or a new 21st century blending of the two?)
Posted by: esculenta | July 9, 2009 11:42 PM
Hi Dr. Isis,
I can't remember how I found you, must have been a link from another and the name of your blog blew me away! I'm a 40-something year old PhD student (with 3 kids) at a MRU who went back to school after teaching high school sci for a few years. I missed research and lab work so I went back. The majority of female profs in my department are childless so it's interesting to see how you (and others) manage in the field. Plus your brutal honesty is hysterical. Thanks for being here!
Posted by: Nicky | July 9, 2009 11:45 PM
G'day Isis, you must be on top of the world, knowing all these little (and not so little) muffins of yours. You have obviously hit the 'right note' for many of us.
If you read the 'letters to my daughters' by me (d.) you will know almost as much about me as I know myself, so I won't repeat any of it.
Except that sometimes it is necessary to embrace the 'imbalance' (I think the shoes and the jams help to do that).
However, I'm amazed that almost all these 91 responses seem to have a little bit of 'me' in them. Hey, I've done some of those things too!!!!! This blog really makes me feel that I'm not alone in the world.
I haven't recommended it to any of my 'academic daughters' who are still working, because I strongly suspect they are not the blog-reading types - and they are extra-ordinarily busy (can't believe I once did all those things too, that they do now). However, one of my own 'real' daughters pointed me here (she is a science/law graduate, now thoroughly enjoying the Law, but all her 'being' is informed by science, and has been since the day she was born - maybe earlier - and reinforced by dinnertime conversations every single day of her childhood).
All the best to you, Isis, and all you, her readers.
d.
Posted by: d. | July 10, 2009 4:37 AM
Hi, Isis! I found you when a post showed up in my Google Alerts and I've been clicking ever since. I have no science background, but have always had an amateur interest. I love the variety of your posts--the shoes, science, family, feminism and religion--all of it! Not to mention your general awesome goddessliness :)
Posted by: Claire | July 10, 2009 10:05 AM
Good morning Isis! I'm a mid-thirties mom of 2 with a MS in Physics, which I teach part-time at the local community college.
I found your blog via Greg Laden's during that dust-up a while back...still not quite sure what that all was about, and it nearly put me off Science Blogs altogether. I do now read some (mostly yours!), but I comment rarely, 'cause *gosh* y'all can be harsh sometimes!
I love the shoes, I love the jams, I love the stories about Little Isis. But your blog is important to me for the lessons in feminism, the musings on what it means to be a woman in science and academia... the importance of being a role model to the next generation. The Letters to Our Daughters project in particular has gotten me thinking about my own "family tree" (pitifully lacking in women), and how though I'll never be someone's "Mother", I could be the "Aunt" or "Older Cousin" (Concerned Neighbor?) who pushes along the path toward the degree/career in Science they never knew they wanted, because they never thought they could do. :)
Posted by: JenW | July 10, 2009 11:04 AM
Hi Isis! I am a late 20's research assistant in Neurobiology, who has grad school (and hot hot science) in her five-to-ten year plan. I found your blog when my other half taught me how to use the internet (how to set up google reader - I searched for blogs about women in science). I read these blogs during the long hours I spend in the basement running a very big microscope that mostly runs itself.
When I found yours, and saw that you wrote about life/work balance, science, feminism and family, I rssd it. When I realized you also periodically give advice on how to dress for interviews, how to deal with creeps, shoes, and purses that will hold science and look good - I was hooked.
Posted by: Danielle | July 10, 2009 3:42 PM
Posted by: Danimal | July 10, 2009 5:45 PM
Previous post in moderation. I forgot to mention the URL I provide with my posts leads to a defunct page on my business web site, that contains pictures and is old (hasn't been updated since 2002) and includes pictures of our son's baptism and gives more detail on who I am. My family is Catholic whereas I am atheist. I defer to my wife in the religious up bringing of our son. He had 1st holy communion last year. My wife however is a non-practicing Catholic (she never goes to church) and when our son asks religious questions, I send him to my wife or answer truthfully what I really believe.
Posted by: Danimal | July 10, 2009 6:05 PM
i am a 26yr old masters student in palmerston north, new zealand who is studying limb growth, development and locomotion in kiwis (the birds, not the people... or the fruit!). because of an extreme lack of scientific and fashion community here, i love visiting this blog and being surrounded by inspirational people, be them scientists or not! i, personally would like to be involved in art more in the future than science, but this is where i am now. my phd scientist cousin turned me on to isis because she knew i loved shoes and i've been hooked ever since!
Posted by: eri | July 10, 2009 11:16 PM
I'm in my late 20s and doing a postdoc across the ocean after getting a PhD in engineering a few months ago in the US, and I'm originally from another part of the world.
I got hooked on to ScienceBlogs long before you joined. I read your blog mostly because I like your writing style and the topics you write about (including the shoes).
Posted by: Change | July 11, 2009 1:40 AM
Hi! I got here a few months ago when I started to look around scienceblogs for things written by women. I wasn't so sure about the shoe thing at first (I'm not much of a shoe person), but the other posts were so zesty I had to keep coming back. I'm 36 and have two kids, and am a biologist at a tiny college with very few scientists to hang around with, so I hang out with other sciency-minded people on the internet instead.
Posted by: Carlie | July 11, 2009 6:28 AM
Hmmm, time to play odd man out again I see. I introduced myself to you a few weeks ago but I'll do the same for your loyal fanatics now. I am a barely educated, misanthropic, reactionary neanderthal who truely enjoys the hilarity and the common sense approach to serious issues presented here. I did not finish high school (have a GED tho) and only have maybe a couple of semesters of college. I am retired military, spending 13 years on active duty and the rest of my time as a reservist for a total of 28 years. My undereducated state is partially by choice, partially by circumstance and as soon as I return to the States I will be working to correct that. I can follow almost all but the most esoteric trains of conversation and even then, if it piques my interest I will research it enough to grasp the basics. Talk to me about molecular biomechanics and I'll tell you about carburators. :D And no, I won't fix your car. I probably could have been a scientist had I applied myself, but it's amazing what beer and rumbling engines will do. So I ended up a mechanic. And proud of it too.
Posted by: Wanderer | July 11, 2009 1:54 PM
Dr. Isis,
I'm glad that you write a delightful blog, that you let your feminist flag fly and that you hate on sloppy thinking. Your writing is honest, energetic, insightful and kind.
I'm 26 and I hope one day to wear only shoes that look like they've been cobbled by elves. I'm a cultural anthropologist on her way to a Ph.D.
Your blog, which I learned about through iblamethepatriarchy, has been a daily read for me all year. The blog (including comments) has provided me with guidance and good company as I've made a place for myself in a midwestern research-oriented university and my own scholarly community.
Thank you!
Posted by: Bee | July 11, 2009 7:37 PM
I'm a 33-year-old computational scientist at a national laboratory, and the mother of a sweet son who's just a couple months older than Little Isis.
I found your (blogspot) blog because you posted a reply to one of Zuska's posts. I followed the link, and read your entire archives, and then added you to my feed reader. I enjoy your attitude and feel a kinship with you as a woman in science and a woman trying to navigate through life. :)
I keep trying to introduce my fellow women scientists at my workplace to your blog, but they don't seem to be blog readers. Still, I think they would really benefit from it!
Posted by: Rebecca | July 11, 2009 8:21 PM
I'm an 18 year old female science enthusiast from England, soon to be a university student studying a biology/zoology degree.
I found this blog while searching for biology blogs generally, and stayed because I enjoyed the sense of humour with which the posts are written. I also like to read the advice related to science careers, even though this isn't directly relevant to me (at least not for a while). The 'Letters to our Daughters' project made a good read.
Posted by: The Pigeon | July 12, 2009 4:43 PM
I have a BS in biology and chemistry and currently work at a university doing library research instead of lab research and thus have no street cred even though I insist on calling myself a scientist. (Also, I like run-on sentences).
I can't remember how I found your blog. Probably from PZ's?
I like your blog. You seem pretty cool.
Posted by: cyborgsuzy | July 24, 2009 3:55 PM