Short Wave

Science Is For Everyone. Until It's Not.

Apr 9, 2020
Brandon Taylor, a successful writer known for his debut novel 'Real Life,' shares his transformative journey from biochemistry to literature. He reflects on the emotional toll of racism and isolation he faced as a black graduate student, highlighting the urgent need for inclusivity in academia. Taylor misses the hands-on discovery of science and emphasizes the beauty found in both scientific exploration and writing. His experiences serve as a poignant reminder of what the scientific community lost when he stepped away.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

From Science to Writing

  • Brandon Taylor, despite a lifelong passion for science, left his biochemistry program.
  • He transitioned to writing, finding success with his debut novel "Real Life".
ANECDOTE

Experiences of Racism

  • Brandon Taylor experienced racism both in his city and within his graduate program.
  • His lab mates and advisor offered unhelpful suggestions instead of support.
ANECDOTE

Misunderstood and Unsupported

  • Brandon was wrongly accused of missing classes and not seeking help.
  • His advisor berated him, even though he had just sought help from the professor.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app