Science Friday The Leap: This Is Going To Kill Your Career
May 27, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Betül Kaçar, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor and NASA-funded researcher, shares her journey from biochemistry to the intriguing world of evolutionary biology. She dives into the challenges of resurrecting ancient microorganisms and proteins, highlighting the perseverance required to push boundaries in science. Alongside NASA's Melissa Kirven-Brooks and evolutionary biologist Harmit Malik, Betül emphasizes the importance of creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration in understanding life's origins.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Facing Career Doubts Head-On
- Betül Kaçar faced strong discouragement, being told her research was a bad idea that would kill her career.
- She ignored the warnings because she believed pursuing what you love leads to meaningful creations.
From Disease to Evolution
- Betül started in biochemistry researching zebrafish enzymes linked to diseases.
- Her curiosity shifted to evolutionary biology, wondering about the history of enzymes rather than just their functions.
Warnings Against Changing Fields
- Colleagues warned Betül that studying life's origins was too difficult and risky post-PhD.
- She was told it would likely end her career if she switched from disease-focused research.