Reflections on Meeting the Challenges of an Academic Career

Presenter: Dr. Susan Bell

Wednesday, 27 July 2022
10:00 – 11:00 AM PT | 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET

Registration Closed! 

CERF Members: Free
Non-Members: $25

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About the Webinar

Teaching and research positions at academic institutions have long been attractive to coastal and estuarine scientists. In this talk I review the various stages of my past 43 years in an academic setting, discussing pivotal decisions, personal challenges and learned lessons that have influenced my professional development to date. In addition, I offer my view on the importance of defining and continual reassessing of professional goals.

Navigating the world of negotiation, identifying key players/positions within the social and governance structure of an academic unit, and developing effective mentorships that fit professional goals were all strategies I utilized at different times over my career. Developing a network of collaboration outside the institution with partners such as governmental agencies, NGOs and the public sector has not only enhanced my research capabilities but also was surprisingly valuable in redesigning courses and student training. Finally, I found transitioning to leadership roles benefited from attending “bootcamps” directed by high-level administrators from other institutions.

 About the Presenter

Dr. Susan Bell is a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus within the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of South Florida. She received her Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of South Carolina and MS in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire. Her principal areas of research are Marine Biology/ Ecology and Restoration Ecology and recent topics of research include restoration of seagrass and mangrove ecosystems and assessing changes in coastal landscapes. Dr. Bell has published over 130 scientific articles in refereed journals, co-edited one book, and conducted international research in New Zealand, India, Brazil, Sweden, and Ghana. She has served in a number of leadership positions including serving as Interim and Co-Chair of the Department of Biology and Chair of the Department of Integrative Biology at USF, Chair of the Coastal Landscape Pattern Task Force at the Heinz Center (Washington, DC), and Member-at-Large for the Estuarine Research Federation. Dr. Bell has also served on numerous Technical Advisory Committees at the local and national levels, including serving as a member of the National Research Council Committee on Coastal Risk. In her teaching capacity she has mentored 47 graduate students and served on the graduate committee of more than 100 additional students. At USF Dr. Bell has received an Undergraduate Teaching Award, a Professional Excellence Award, a Presidential Excellence Award and Outstanding Faculty Awards (2013, 2021). As part of the Section on Biological Sciences, she was elected as an AAAS Fellow for distinguished contributions to the understanding of estuarine, salt marsh, and near-coastal habitats, and for her vision as an academic leader. Dr. Bell was also the recipient of the 2019 William Niering-Outstanding Educator award from the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation.

Moderator: Kelly Darnell
Graduate Student Introduction: Noreen Mathews

Register Now!

Interested in a past webinar? CERF members can access all available webinar recordings in the Webinar Library (login required)!