SMU-BARS (Building a Resilient Scientist)

This program's purpose: Welcome to SMU's Building a Resilient Scientist (SMU-BARS) program. This program is offered through the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education with group discussions taking place at campuses across the country. SMU-BARS is intended to help doctoral students and postdocs develop skills to help them realize resilience and identify and deal with obstacles that get in the way. Data from previous participating institutions show that trainees who attended most of the sessions reported that they had become more resilient, were better able to handle stress and conflict in their lives, and would recommend the series highly to their colleagues.

This program's format: The program consists of five units, each of which consists of a webinar from NIH OITE and is followed by a small-group discussion. Small group discussions will be facilitated by Rob Pearson, Director of Graduate Career Development and Postdoctoral Affairs in the Moody School.

Who may join this program? Doctoral students and postdocs in the lab-based sciences who wish to participate are eligible to join this program. Note that although many of the examples are drawn from biomedical lab environments, the principles and lessons of this program translate to diverse lab environments. In general, articipants should have already identified a mentor or PI and be currently conducting research in a lab.

How to join the program: Trainees who are interested in attending the full program should fill out the interest form via the button below to indicate their interest and signal their commitment. Preference will be given to trainees who can commit to attending all five units (including watching the webinars and joining the small group discussions). Those who complete all five units of the program will receive a certificate of completion from the NIH that can go on their CV or resume.

Indicate your interest in SMU-BARS here!

The program's five units are described in detail below. Anyone may register for the webinars, regardless of whether they are accepted into the program. To register for each webinar, click the red button to the right.