What does it really look like to build a career in academic science — and a life outside of it?
That’s the question at the heart of our upcoming fireside chat with Dr. Nicole Scheff, Assistant Professor of Neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh and Principal Investigator at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.
On Friday, June 5, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM CST, our President, Dr. Liz Hileman, will sit down with Dr. Scheff for a candid conversation about the parts of an academic career that don’t make it into the CV — the doubts, the pivots, the boundaries, and the small daily decisions that shape a life in science.
About Our Speaker
Dr. Nicole Scheff leads a research program at the intersection of neurobiology and cancer — an interdisciplinary area at the frontier of biomedical science. As an Assistant Professor and independent investigator at one of the country’s leading academic medical centers, she’s navigating the realities of running a lab, mentoring trainees, applying for grants, and building a career that’s sustainable for the long haul.
But this conversation isn’t about her publications. It’s about everything underneath them.
What We’ll Cover
Over the course of the hour, Dr. Hileman and Dr. Scheff will explore:
- The transition from trainee to independent investigator — what shifts, what surprises, and what no one tells you in advance
- Work-life balance in academia — beyond the platitudes, what does it actually look like to draw boundaries when your work is your passion
- Lessons from postdoctoral training — the choices that mattered, the ones she’d revisit, and the advice she’d give her earlier self
- Building a career as a woman in research and STEMM — mentorship, visibility, and the practical work of carving out space in the field
Who This Is For
If you’re a graduate student weighing what comes next, a postdoctoral researcher trying to decide whether the academic path is yours, a new faculty member learning to run a lab, or anyone navigating the long middle of a science career — this conversation is for you.
It’s also for anyone who’s had enough of glossy “balance” advice that doesn’t survive contact with a grant deadline.
Bring Your Questions
When you register, you’ll have the option to submit a question for Dr. Scheff in advance. We’ll be building the conversation around what you actually want to hear about — so please tell us. The most useful fireside chats happen when the audience drives the agenda.
Event Details
| Date | Friday, June 5, 2026 |
| Time | 12:00 – 1:00 PM CST |
| Format | Virtual via Zoom – link with be emailed to RSVP’d folks |
| Cost | Free for all AWIS members and guests |
| Registration | https://forms.gle/fkGdNRiPsJAjcc4r6 |
Don’t Forget to Register!!!
Scan the QR code on our event flyer or follow this link to register and submit your question for Dr. Scheff. We’ll send you a confirmation email with access details closer to the event.
We can’t wait to see you there.
Association for Women in Science - Houston Chapter 