Conducting Space Physics Research: Wind the Frog, Work Hard, and Be Nice

Abstract

This report briefly summarizes the key mentors in my scientific career and some lessons learned from those influential people. My primary advice to others: it is okay to do something wrong. By doing science we are doing something hard that, by definition, has not been done before. I believe that impostor syndrome is a real threat to researcher wellbeing and we should acknowledge its presence and support each other to get through it. Regarding an approach to science, I encourage you to get started and make something bad. Also, take time for yourself, it really does help your productivity. To lead others, I recommend to be enthusiastic, actively listen, and make connections across disciplines. I think it is important to foster creativity in those around you. I advocate that you actively make the future that you want to have.It has been my great honor and privilege to work in magnetospheric physics for the past 30 years (25 since PhD). I love my job and especially many of the people with whom I have had the pleasure to interact. To paraphrase a famous adage, it takes a village to raise a scientist; this is true with me and I have had excellent mentors along the way, from whom I have learned much. Here I present some of those things that I have learned, both for conducting research and for serving in leadership roles. The three big ones: get started, even when you do know the right path forward; keep trying, even in the face of obstacles and dead ends; and be considerate, assuming positive intent in others and trying to view situations from their perspective. On the future of Earth and space sciences, we must face the three pandemics of COVID‐19, anti‐intellectualism, and western chauvinism. Let's work for the future that we want to have for our research community, including mitigating the impacts of these pandemics. A brief summary of my career, including lessons learned from key mentors, like the art of getting started and being okay with being wrong On navigating a career, listen more than talk, strive for kindness, be an ally, continue to learn On the future of Earth and space sciences, we must face the three pandemics of COVID‐19, anti‐intellectualism, and western chauvinism