Posted on by johanne_marais

The big bye-bye from the brain science blogger

Where I look, there I am: in the water or the window, or as the person I engage with.

Reflection has punctuated many moments throughout 2023 while writing as a blogger for the South African Young Academy of Science. More than just offering moments for reflection, this opportunity at blog writing has gifted me moments of visualization; moments of resistance; improved listening; learned knowledges and peace. These moments, on a continuum, have become the variety of power tools in my life-skills toolbox.

Communication is a skill that requires training. All the styles, methods and tones of communication have appropriateness for certain settings over others. This, too, is a soft skill that requires practice. Here are some ways that I’ve been refining that skill to become a stronger, more assured communicator this year:

Words are my reflective tools. As a scientist, I have consistently remained curious; often unphased by asking the “wrong” questions or clarifying what someone means if it does not align with my identity politics or views. My responsiveness and inquisition have not always been well received. This has created tensions – some subtle, others palpable. It’s okay to make mistakes. Write, read, edit, rewrite. Whether journalling as a daily practice; expanding on research for a thesis; speaking out; or creating a monthly blog, when I use words the world around me becomes a mirror.

Resistance met me along my path many times. When I was told that we will have to create not one but two vlogs as part of our series this year, I felt resistant to express myself through audiovisual media. I had never been challenged in this way (as I am far more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it), but in softening my resistance I realized that I have a passion for communicating this way, too. I thought it may even be fun to try make one science communication YouTube video every month. Though the “YouTuber” life was short-lived, my friend and I decided to start a neuroscience podcast! Keep an eye out for that – it’s called WENA.

I have BIG dreams, and vast interests. Dreaming, though not necessarily an external form of communication, is my tool for visualization. This experience as a blogger has allowed me to ponder and daydream outside of my current project. Oh, I have so many delicious plans for myself! Keeping these dreams vivid propels me into my future. I really, really like state-of-consciousness neuroscience – from active learning, to sleep; psychosis; seizures; dreaming; neuroethics… This is what I imagine researching in the years to come.

I have learned what peace means, to me. Peace is not simply conflict avoidance, but conflict resolution. Learning how to foster my own sense of inner and outer peace in academia is a direct result of blogging; engaging; sharing thoughts. Connection and community are things that I must stoke and kindle to feel supported. In academia, this sense of kinship isn’t a priority for everyone. Make peace with that. Communicate with compassion. Sometimes, just leave things be.

Lastly, blogging has reminded me to engage with knowledges (credit to The Academic Citizen for teaching me about knowledges in their plurality) wholeheartedly. Engagement amplifies knowledges. My life as a neuroscientist, a science communicator, an activist and a student is enriched with all the knowledges that surround me: from National Science Week trips to Venda, to JEDI in science and art exhibitions. Interaction is both auditory and perceptive. When we are attentive and acknowledge the knowledges (and their sources) that are being shared with us, we are savouring the ripest fruits.

I am tremendously appreciative to my fellow bloggers for their pieces and the work that they are doing “on-the-ground”. In parallel, I am exceptionally enamoured with our editor’s warm and concise style of leadership. I have listened actively and learned so much from the 2023 SAYAS blogging team. Thank you, Lonwabo, Ijeoma, Mukhtaar, and Prof. Jen! In working with you, my expression has felt affirmed, supported, and authentic. To the people on the other side of the screen who read my blogs – whether in full enjoyment or slight dislike – thank you for receiving me as I am.

Feel free to reach out! a.neuro.jo@gmail.com or @johanne_marais

Posted on by Lonwabo Makapela

A TOAST TO PROGRESS

Looking back on this year, I can’t help but feel a sense of immense pride. I’ve taken slow and steady steps in my research, pushed my boundaries in science communication, and even joined this dynamic world of blogging, where I have met extraordinary people. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone, and it’s truly been a wonderful journey. I’ve moved across three different countries, each move a testament to my resilience. Despite the challenges, my research progress has remained consistent in gradually moving towards the finish line. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. Therefore, in this final SAYAS blog post, I will be taking a moment to look back on the year that was. 

This year has been quite a rollercoaster. I kicked off in the U.S., returned to South Africa in May, and finally jetted off to Nigeria in October. The constant travel required significant adjustments, but the experience has been nothing short of amazing. I’ve had the opportunity to meet diverse individuals, immerse myself in different cultures, and even pick up some local lingo. Exploring new areas has been an adventure, and, most importantly, I’ve been able to discuss and make significant strides in my research. 

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside phenomenal professors on various research projects. Our collaborative efforts have been recognised internationally, with our theory paper being selected as a best paper in annual conference proceedings, and receiving a revise and resubmit in two of the top journals in our field. These achievements have been nothing short of a dream come true for me. However, this journey has not been without challenges. 

In my blog post from August, I hinted at the possibility of leaving my PhD programme. I attempted to explain my predicament, but the crux of the issue revolved around what many term as politics within academia, and this has ultimately led to continuous rumination on my part. It’s often overlooked how the interpersonal conflicts among academics can have a profound impact on students. A dear confidant of mine put it eloquently – when two elephants engage in battle, it is the grass that suffers the most. Despite these challenges, my ‘why’ – the original motivation that sparked the start of my programme – persists as my beacon of guidance on this very complex journey.

Additionally, the SAYAS community has been there every step of the way, providing a platform for me to share my experiences as a PhD student and researcher, as well as a supportive community during difficult times. When I initially ventured into the world of SAYAS blogging, my goal was to broaden my writing horizons by mastering the art of transitioning between formal and informal styles. The journey has been enlightening, with our exceptional editor teaching me how to craft monthly blog posts and effectively articulate my research. I’ve also gained insights into the makings of a successful academic through observation and dialogue. Being part of our blogging cohort has been a rewarding experience. The camaraderie among us postgraduate students has been both relatable and inspiring. The shared experiences fostered a sense of community; the wisdom gleaned from my fellow bloggers’ posts has been invaluable, while the opportunity to pen down my own experiences has been a therapeutic process. In a nutshell, this blogging community has been a cornerstone of my research journey.

So, dear readers, as I draw the curtains on this chapter of my SAYAS blogging journey, I’m overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude. I’m inching closer to the finish line of my PhD journey, embracing the mantra that ‘slow and steady wins the race’.