Guest post by Alyssa Scott, Amanda Engstrom, and Teresa Lee.

 

As scientists, we know that social distancing is the best way to combat COVID-19. But as human beings, we’ve found that social distancing is an efficient way to quickly drain our mental health. We have a friend who, Castaway-style, puts a sticky note on the wall for each day she’s been distancing. Others are talking to their pets much more frequently than they did before. And some have veered to the opposite extreme, by training for a marathon while taking a cooking class and re-painting their spare room before lunch. Although we finally have the time to tackle our endless to-do lists, actually doing so feels harder than ever. As research trainees in isolation, we’ve realized that structure is a crucial component of our success and sanity. So, to structure our new normal, we decided to meet daily online to check in with each other and work towards our goals.

Welcome to Write Club. The first rule of Write Club is: you do not talk about Write Club. We meet via Zoom each weekday at 11 am. The first fifteen minutes are set aside for chatting, which typically includes updating each other on new permutations of isolation spiraling, showing off dogs on camera, or checking on lab business for our mouse colony. In case you’re wondering, our group is split on whether Write Club warrants wearing real clothes (the quorum is that it doesn’t). We finish our chat by stating our intentions for the next ninety minutes of working time. We then mute our audio, turn off our cameras, and work. At the end, we reconvene for another fifteen minutes of debriefing, where we often share our screens to show our progress.

The other half of Write Club is our commitment to at least ten hours of focused writing each week. By Friday, each of us will have accumulated 7.5 hours through the Zoom meetings, so participation does require individual work, outside of our other online meetings, classes, and seminars. We know that ten hours is a modest goal, since we’re used to working much longer hours in the lab. But we’ve found that it’s been much harder to focus on academic work, with the situation as it is. To keep Write Club challenging, we plan to increase our hourly commitment as we get more comfortable with working in isolation.

One central element of Write Club is our documentation: using a shared Google Sheet, we keep track of our earned gold stars (which are really just asterisks entered into the spreadsheet). Because we have a wide range of goals, each person defines their own rules: a star could be earned from an hour of writing, two hours of editing, or reading one paper – the idea is to incentivize tasks that you’d normally find yourself avoiding. And, because we know first-hand the perils of procrastination, stars can only be earned proactively, not retroactively. Once a week has passed, you can no longer add stars to that week, but you are allowed to bank stars up for the future. You may have noticed that accountability is an important theme of Write Club. Knowing that we are all working “together” helps keep us motivated and focused on our goals. And of course, a little competitive spirit doesn’t hurt either. Documenting our work for others to see encourages us to keep making progress, even if it’s slower than we’re used to. And one does get questioned if they’ve missed Write Club, partly with concern and partly with good-natured ribbing.

Write Club has re-introduced some of the daily routine that we’ve missed while social distancing. And an important aspect of that routine isn’t even work-related – seeing each other daily allows us to check in with our friends about how they’re doing, which has become even more important in isolation. Before the pandemic, we took for granted how our casual interactions in the lab actually helped cultivate a strong sense of community. At least for these few hours, life feels close to normal. Then after Write Club’s done for the day, we can add a new sticky note to the wall.

 

About the authors:

The authors are all research trainees in the lab of David Katz at Emory University. Alyssa Scott is a PhD candidate in Genetics and Molecular Biology. She is interested in a career in science policy and advocacy, and enjoys reading and hiking in her spare time. Amanda Engstrom is a PhD candidate in the Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology program. Her research interests focus on the role of epigenetic regulation in neurodegenerative disease.Teresa Lee is an IRACDA Postdoctoral Fellow interested in chromosomes, C. elegans, and science education. In the fall, she is excited to start her new position as an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at UMass Lowell. Find the authors on Twitter: @alyssas_cott, @AmandaKEngstrom, and @snickclunk.

,

Guest posts are contributed by members of our community. The views expressed in guest posts are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily endorsed by the Genetics Society of America. If you'd like to write a guest post, e-mail communications@genetics-gsa.org.

View all posts by Guest Author »

Read more in

  • Collage of 2021 Rosalind Franklin Award recipients

    Where are they now? Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award recipients share updates on their research

    Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award applications are open–make sure you submit your application or nomination of a colleague by September 30, 2024.

  • University of Minnesota researchers map genome of the last living wild horse species

    The study, published in G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics, is part of larger conservation efforts to save Przewalski’s horse.

  • Congratulations to the Spring 2024 DeLill Nasser Awardees!

    GSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for Spring 2024! Given twice a year to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, DeLill Nasser Awards support attendance at meetings and laboratory courses. The award is named in honor of DeLill Nasser, a long-time GSA supporter and National Science Foundation…

  • Carolyn Damilola headshot

    Carolyn Damilola: an NFS Rising Scientist on a lifelong quest to learn more

    Carolyn Damilola is an NFS Rising Scientist from Nigeria doing respiratory system research and paving the way for scientists from underrepresented communities through mentorship.

  • Text over a blue background image: Apply for up to $2,000 for your project from the Starter Culture Microgrant Program.

    What does a good microgrant proposal look like?

    Members of the Microgrant Review Committee share their tips for a successful proposal.

  • A blurred image of a human face is shown against a dark background.

    The first piece of the facial recognition puzzle

    New research in GENETICS gives a first peek at the molecular pathway involved in recognizing faces.

  • New Senior Editor Amy MacQueen joins GENETICS

    A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Genome Integrity and Transmission section. We’re excited to welcome Amy MacQueen to the editorial team.

  • Close up of an adult zebrafish with blue and white stripes in an aquarium with red lighting.

    Block party on the zebrafish sex chromosome

    Research in G3 identifies a gene regulatory block of the zebrafish genome responsible for overseeing the maternal-to-zygotic-transition.

  • Lemna Minor, the common duckweed

    Unraveling the mysteries of duckweed: epigenetic insights from Spirodela polyrhiza

    Research published in G3 offers insight into the impact of DNA methylation on clonal propagation in asexually reproducing plants.

  • Luciano Marraffini headshot

    A microbiologist’s quest to understand CRISPR in bacterial self-defense

    2024 Genetics Society of America Medal recipient Luciano Marraffini determined how CRISPR-Cas systems destroy genetic targets with precision, paving the way for gene editing technology development.

  • Elaine Ostrander headshot

    Unlocking mysteries of trait and disease heritability in dogs

    2024 Edward Novitski Prize recipient Elaine Ostrander, a pioneer of the domestic dog model, discovered numerous genes affecting dog size, morphology, behavior, and disease susceptibility—many of which have relevance in humans.

  • NSF-funded BIO-LEAPS Grant to Support Culture Change in Genetics

    GSA and collaborators Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue and Reclaiming STEM Institute launch NSF-funded BIO-LEAPS project to support culture change in genetics 

    We are thrilled to announce that the Genetics Society of America (GSA) is collaborating with the Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue (PGED) based in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, and the Reclaiming STEM Institute (RSI) on a Leading Culture Change Through Professional Societies of Biology (BIO-LEAPS) grant from the U.S. National Science…

  • Daman Saluja: Navigating Science and Policy in India

    In the Paths to Science Policy series, we talk to individuals who have a passion for science policy and are active in advocacy through their various roles and careers. The series aims to inform and guide early career scientists interested in science policy. This series is brought to you by the GSA Early Care­er Scientist…

  • Deborah Andrew headshot

    A fly geneticist’s journey into discovering rules of organ development

    2024 George W. Beadle Award recipient Deborah Andrew discovered new genes and pathways in Drosophila salivary gland organogenesis. Now, her work can help optimize cell secretion in therapeutic applications and fight malaria.

  • Małgorzata Gazda's headshot

    Małgorzata Gazda: How receiving the DeLill Nasser Award helped her land her dream job

    Have you ever experienced an event that changes the course of your life, or in this case, your career? Małgorzata (Gosia) Gazda is Assistant Professor at the University of Montreal and in 2022, she received the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics, which she used to attend and present at the 2022 Population,…

  • Hongyu Zhao joins GENETICS as new Senior Editor

    A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Statistical Genetics and Genomics section. We’re excited to welcome Hongyu Zhao to the editorial team.

  • Julio Molina Pineda at TAGC 2024

    GSA Member Julio Molina Pineda Receives DeLill Nasser Award, Shines at TAGC 2024 

    “At any career stage, the GSA membership is an amazing investment for any genetics professional!” Julio Molina Pineda is a PhD Candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Research Assistant at the University of Arkansas, and a Doctoral Academy Fellow at the Lewis Lab. In 2023, Julio was awarded the DeLill Nasser Award for…

  • Ed Grell at his dissecting microscope using ether to anesthetize his flies.

    In Memoriam: Ellsworth Herman Grell (1932–2023), a pioneer of Drosophila genome engineering and annotation

    Ellsworth (Ed) Grell blessed the Drosophila community through three enduring legacies: as a pioneer of chromosome mechanics, as a primary organizer and synthesizer of genetic knowledge in Drosophila, and as a graceful mentor to those fortunate to have known him personally. Ed grew up in rural Nebraska, completed his undergraduate studies at Iowa State, and…

  • Congratulations to the #Fungal24 Poster Award winners!

    We are pleased to announce the recipients of the GSA Poster Awards for posters presented at the 32nd Fungal Genetics Conference! Undergraduate and graduate student members of GSA were eligible for the awards, and a hard-working team of judges made the determinations. Congratulations to all! Felicia Ebot Ojong, The University of Georgia My research is focused…

  • Poster presentation tips for TAGC 2024

    You’ve been selected to present a poster at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March—you’ve celebrated, made plans to attend, now what? This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your research and engage with fellow members of the genetics community, so you want to make sure you’re prepared. We wanted to offer you some tips…

  • Maximize your TAGC 2024 experience 

    A guide to all that National Harbor & DC have to offer Are you joining us for The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March? Make the most of your #TAGC24 experience in National Harbor! We know the science will keep you busy, but you deserve to unwind and have some fun, so we’ve curated a…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Sarah Petrosky

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Sarah PetroskyMultimedia SubcommitteeUniversity of Pittsburgh Research Interest I am interested in understanding adaptation that has been happening recently in populations by dissecting the ways that genes underlying an adaptation…

  • TAGC 2024 Early Career Award Winners

    GSA is pleased to announce the winners of the early career awards presented at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024. These awards are specific to particular TAGC communities and recognize early career scientists’ outstanding work on their respective research organisms. The awardees will present their talks in keynote sessions at TAGC 2024.  Don’t miss the opportunity…

  • Preeminent geneticists recognized with revamped GSA Awards

    In 2022, GSA’s Board of Directors launched an audit to review the five major awards conferred by the Society. Today, we are thrilled to announce the recipients of the reimagined GSA Awards, including the new Genetics Society of America Early Career Medal. The scientists honored this year are recognized by their peers for their outstanding…

  • Fly Board funds outreach programs to spread the word about Drosophila research

    In 2020, the Fly Board voted to use part of its reserve fund to support efforts to increase trainee participation as well as equity and diversity in the Drosophila community. An awards committee decides how the money will be spent each year, and from 2020–2022, the committee posted a very broad call for applications from…

  • New members of the GSA Board of Directors: 2024–2026

    We are pleased to announce the election of four new leaders to the GSA Board of Directors: 2024 Vice President/2025 President Brenda Andrews Professor, University of Toronto It’s an honor to continue my association with the Society by serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. I have broad knowledge of the ongoing activities…

  • The Fly Meeting is one-of-a-kind! Dros 2025 organizers share their excitement

    The 66th Annual Drosophila Research Conference promises to be a meeting rich with the latest in Drosophila research as well as opportunities to advance your career and connect with a global community of 1,400+ scientists. The organizers Todd Nystul, Michelle Bland, Leila Rieder, Amanda Crocker, and Justin Crocker are hard at work, planning a conference…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Olufemi Osonowo

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Olufemi Adekunle OsonowoCareer Development SubcommitteeDalhousie University Research Interest Metabolomics and genomics are two distinct but complimentary approaches that offer valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of complex traits, such…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Hector Mendoza

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Hector MendozaCommunication and Outreach SubcommitteeUniversity of Michigan Research Interest My research goals converge around the evolution of sexual reproduction. During my doctoral program, I investigated mitochondrial inheritance, a mechanism…