In her third appearance on the podcast over a five-year period, Dr. Melanie Peﬀer tells us about the gifts of the “inverse academic career trajectory” where she moved from tenure-track faculty, to lecturer, and again to adjunct. While from a traditional academic perspective, she explains, this may look like an unsuccessful career. Yet, as her business has grown, she has found great success in entirely unexpected ways:

We discuss her new biology textbook coming out in January 2026, her work as a consultant and freelance writer, as well as her love for teaching. She explains that her unconventional career trajectory allows her to set her own benchmarks for success, enjoy her work, take care of and spend time with her family, enjoy her hobbies, and tend to her values and calling. She also discusses identifying with the term, “neuro-spicy,” explaining that while it has its challenges, her unique brain allows her to make observations and connections helpful to carving out her own unique career path. Find Melanie at https://www.biologyeverywhere.com/

FLASHBACK: Meet Henry Kissinger (2009)