My Path from Lab to Medium

I had a typical childhood, neither overly adventurous nor completely mundane. My father, a Québécois construction worker, relocated to the USA with my mother in search of better opportunities during the mid-1960s, marking the beginning of my story. Born in the USA, I eventually moved to Canada as a young child, which turned out to be fortunate given the limited francophone schools available in the U.S.

From an early age, I found myself drawn to Academia and the Natural Sciences. One of my most cherished Christmas gifts was a chemistry set, igniting a passion that would lead me to spend more time at university than in primary and secondary education combined. Surprisingly, I would gladly relive that experience if given the chance.

After completing my PhD and a brief post-doctoral fellowship, I became a research scientist. My work encompassed the genomics of evolution, toxic marine algae, and breast cancer. I relished the freedom that came with research; scientists are inherently creative, thriving in environments that foster innovation.

However, I quickly ascended within my institution, transitioning from hands-on lab work to the complexities of management. Managing a lab proved to be a different challenge altogether, requiring a balance between overseeing experiments, mentoring budding scientists, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of research funding. While this role had its rewards, it also presented numerous hurdles.

One significant change I faced was moving from a realm of endless creativity to a landscape defined by structure and routine. In the lab, I thrived on discovery, pushing scientific boundaries through innovative experimentation. But as a middle manager, I found myself ensnared by bureaucratic constraints and a considerable resistance to change.

It's a well-known fact that scientists are imaginative thinkers, always searching for novel solutions to intricate problems. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for senior managers, who often approach innovation with skepticism. The phrase “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” has never resonated with me.

Yet, despite these challenges, I refuse to let my creative spirit diminish. I have sought alternative outlets to express my ideas and explore new concepts. Writing about cooking, wellness, leadership, and science on Medium has become my new creative sanctuary—a platform where I can share my insights and passions with a community of like-minded individuals.

This space allows my thoughts to thrive without limits, where my ideas can flourish or fail without fear. Contrary to common belief, scientists understand that failure is not just a possibility; it’s often the greatest teacher. However, many managers view failures as setbacks.

For someone who thrives on creativity and exploration, Medium has become my ideal home. As I navigate the ups and downs of both the scientific and creative realms, I invite you to accompany me on this journey.

That’s my story—pleased to meet you all!