A Career in Chemistry and Radiology - A chat with Dr. Lindsay Cahill

Dr. Lindsay Cahill

Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Memorial University

Grace Mercer (G): What is your job and what does it entail?

Dr. Lindsay Cahill (L): I am an Assistant Professor in Chemistry, with a cross-appointment in Radiology. The job allows me to wear many hats! In one day I can serve in the role of teacher, mentor, supervisor, student, research scientist, or member of an academic community.

(G): When did you start becoming interested in your field?

(L): I discovered my love of chemistry in first year University. However, first year Lindsay would never have imagined ending up at the front of the classroom! I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing mentors and collaborators, many are women in science, who have helped spark my interest in and encouraged me to pursue my fields of study. Dr. Gillian Goward, Dr. Alex Bain, Dr. Janet Rossant, Dr. Mark Henkelman, Dr. John Sled, Dr. John Kingdom, Dr. Ahmet Baschat, Dr. Francesca Kerton, Dr. Erika Merschrod, the list of inspiring and supportive mentors goes on and on.

(G): What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career thus far?

(L): It isn’t a specific example but my biggest challenge has been developing a strategy for dealing with the (fairly constant) rejection that happens in this career. Whether it is a conference abstract, publication, grant application or Rate my professor rating, academics are often faced with failure and harsh criticisms. I’ve had to learn to give myself 24 hours to be upset about the failure (cry, scream, repeat) and then I move onwards and upwards! What (if anything) can I learn from these criticisms? Do I still want to continue with this work? If yes, what are next steps to try and achieve this goal?

(G): What advice would you give to other young women hoping to pursue a path similar to yours?

(L): I worked for 10 years as a Research Associate in a research hospital before taking this job at MUN. I believe that experience makes me better equipped to be successful at this job. I was told when I left academia that I could not come back. That feedback was wrong.

“It is so important to understand that the path to success does not have to be straight (undergrad to graduate studies to postdoc to professor)”

(G): What part of your academic career do you enjoy the most?

(L): I love to write. I do think if you want a career in academia that a love of writing will make it easier. While it can be hard to find dedicated time to write, I’ve had the pleasure of joining several writing groups at MUN (including ones specifically for women and gender-diverse researchers) and this has been life-changing. Spending time with supportive, like-minded people with a common goal - there is nothing better.

(G): How did you manage to balance life - academia wise and everything else?

(L): I have two young kids and a new puppy so I am constantly reviewing whether I am satisfied with my work-life balance and whether changes need to be made. I try to use strategies to increase my efficiency and productivity (“done is better than perfect”, ask for help, prioritize) and to minimize the “time wasters”. For example, I pride myself on making my email communications as short and clear as possible.

“A valuable lesson that I’ve learned is to give myself grace, not every day is going to be award-winning”

This interview was conducted and transcribed by Grace Mercer, WISE GSS Co-Director of events (2023). This blog post was prepared by Praveena Sree, WISE GSS Director at Large (2023).