The Perils of Fake Professors
As a Professor for many years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching science to some of the world’s most brilliant students. My 20 years at UCSD have been filled with experiences that I’m eager to share with you.
This has been the summer of science discontent. Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, Bart Sibrel, and Terrence Howard. It doesn’t help to have a preponderance of Fake professors like Scott Galloway and Dave Farina misleading young people by falsely claiming academic credentials. This not only erodes trust in genuine education but also dilutes the value of legitimate expertise and scholarship. The hard work of real academics, who have dedicated years to rigorous study and research, is undermined. By presenting themselves as authorities, these fake professors distort public understanding, potentially leading students astray with inaccurate or oversimplified information. The credibility of true educators and the integrity of education suffer, as impressionable minds are swayed by charismatic yet unqualified individuals posing as actual professors.
So I’m delighted this week to have my colleague (real) Professor John Skrentny. He teaches sociology at UCSD and is an expert on a topic near and dear to you: STEM education. I’m afraid what he shared [link to video] is not all sunshine and roses. A vast majority of our STEM students are leaving the field. Worse yet, what went viral this week was the image above. Experts, including NYU Professor Yann Lecun, opined on the falsity of the meme, but unfortunately, he’s dead wrong.
Let’s analyze this meme in some detail. In the early 20th century, a PhD was a passport to exclusive knowledge and societal respect. An academic might have, rightfully, bragged about the eflects the high regard for PhD confers. After all, society should value exclusive, hard-to-access knowledge.
Fast-forward to a PhD in 2024, and the landscape looks very different. A modern academic laments, “I just went into debt to learn trivia that’s free to anyone with an internet connection. I make less money than a plumber.”
Rising education costs, accessible information, and challenges in replicating research have certainly diminished the perceived value of a PhD.
So what can you do if you’re a graduate student or want to be?
- Recognize Economic Realities: Be mindful of the financial burden of advanced education.
- Information Accessibility: Recognize the shift from exclusive academic knowledge to widespread online information.
- Research Impact: Understand the evolving nature of how research and expertise are valued and disseminated.
- Career Prospects: Consider the economic viability of a career in academia versus other professions.
This stark contrast underscores the importance of critically evaluating the value and impact of pursuing a PhD in today’s context. The extreme reaction to this comparison made me worry about the future of STEM. Here’s a brief survival guide to help you navigate these challenges.
Balancing Lab Work and Personal Life
- Tip: Set strict boundaries for work hours and prioritize self-care.
- Why It’s Important: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term productivity and mental health.
Limited Networking Opportunities
- Tip: Attend conferences, join online scientific communities, and leverage social media to connect with peers.
- Why It’s Important: Building a robust professional network can open doors to collaborations, job opportunities, and mentorship.
Keeping Up with the Latest Scientific Advancements
- Tip: Skim the key journals in your field, follow thought leaders on LinkedIn, and watch relevant webinars there.
- Why It’s Important: Staying current with advancements in your field is essential for innovative research and professional growth. LinkedIn is the best platform for this since all names are real, and it’s easy to see someone’s bonafides, unlike on X or IG where fake folks like “Professors” Dave and G. abound. Follow past guests Cal Newport and Darren Lipomi for their excellent career advice for aspiring STEM professionals.
Writing and Publishing Papers
- Tip: Find what resonates with you in other people’s writing. Seek feedback from colleagues, and consider engaging your peers for help with editing.
- Why It’s Important: Clear and effective communication of your research is critical for academic success and recognition.
Navigating Academic Politics
- Tip: Build strong relationships with mentors and stay neutral in conflicts.
- Why It’s Important: Positive relationships are the top soft skill most scientists neglect. Master them, and you’ll be a relative superhero!
Managing Time Effectively
- Tip: Use tools like Trello [Cal Newport’s recommendation] or Asana to organize tasks and set realistic deadlines.
- Why It’s Important: Effective time management allows you to balance multiple responsibilities and meet your goals.
Securing Postdoctoral Positions
- Tip: Tailor your applications, network with potential mentors, and prepare thoroughly for interviews.
- Why It’s Important: A well-prepared application and strong professional connections can significantly increase your chances of securing a desirable position.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
- Tip: Keep a journal of your achievements and seek peer support. Read my self-help book for STEM professionals here.
- Why It’s Important: Recognizing your successes and having a support system can boost your confidence and motivation.
Preparing for Conferences
- Tip: Practice your presentations, create engaging visuals, and rehearse Q&A sessions.
- Why It’s Important: Effective presentation skills are essential soft skill for all scientists. The reasons fake Professors are so influential is because they’ve Mastered it. Imagine what you can do as a real professional with these skills!
Despite the rise of deep fakes undermining genuine education, the value of a PhD has not dramatically shifted. Recognizing economic realities, information accessibility, and evolving research impact is crucial. By focusing on these practical strategies, aspiring scientists can navigate these challenges and thrive in their academic and professional careers. Let me know what other tips have helped you succeed.
Until next time, Have a M.A.G.I.C. week!
Brian
PS. Sometimes Plumbers DO make more than PhDs, even more than The World’s Smartest Billionaire!
Appearance
Last summer, a mysterious man named ‘Candy Ken’ contacted me after seeing my episode of the Joe Rogan Experience and invited me to his wildly successful channel and TikTok of 16M!
We went surprisingly deep on many subjects ranging from fatherhood to the role of science in Society.
Genius
Speaking of Tucker Carlson, he recently did a podcast with climate change denier Dr. Willie Soon, and real genius and many-time guest on The INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE Podcast Dr. Sabine Hossenfelder is here for the takedown of the abiogenic petroleum theory, that is, the question whether the crust of planet Earth contains hydrocarbons that do not come from fossils.
Image
Is there anything that screams “AMERICA” than an Eagle flying in front of Grand Teton?
No, the answer is ‘no’.
Conversation
Did you know that most STEM graduates don’t end up working in STEM fields?
This surprising fact isn’t due to a lack of demand — tech companies dominate our landscape, from AI to smartphones, yet up to 70% of STEM graduates choose different paths.
Why is that? Are we failing our STEM graduates? I sat down with John Skrentny, a renowned sociologist and professor at UCSD. John recently explored this issue in his thought-provoking book Wasted Education. We unpack why many STEM graduates feel undervalued and unfulfilled in their jobs, leading them to leave the field entirely.
John shares his thoughts on the cultural and systemic problems within the tech industry that contribute to this attrition. From poor employer treatment to the toxic work culture, we discuss what needs to change to retain our brightest minds in STEM. How can we better support them?
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