Gestures at everything

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I’m a scientist. Most of you probably know that (or have guessed by the depths of my nerdy-ness in humor). It’s not an easy time for scientists right now even if we’re not directly affected (i.e. personally losing our jobs/positions and/or funding). I’m not going to get too political here but I will just state the obvious: the US is a paragon of science research, leading the way with great discoveries that improve human and planet health and drive entire industries. The actual return to the economy from every dollar spent for NIH funding is something like $2.56. Imagine for a second that a company had stock that was able to provide a return of 256% (I know, I know, it’s not *really* a fair comparison since they’re two different things, but still). It is not in any way the only place that great science is being done, nor has it been some kind of magical utopia where everything always works super well. But, man, it’s pretty great.

To see it being intentionally destroyed, dismantled, driven in to chaos with petty and wholly arbitrary, vengeful, and wrong-headed policy changes and illegal funding actions is beyond words. The uncertainty and chaos is - among a whole lot of other things - *extremely* inefficient. It’s the equivalent of poking holes in the bottom of your boat and claiming that you’re helping it float better. And to see the very people we need to be bringing in to science - young scientists, diver$e scientists (autofind that why don’t you), incredibly smart, talented and productive people move back toward being ACTIVELY PREVENTED FROM PARTICIPATING in this incredible endeavor is … devastating.

But the day goes on, and there is work to be done. And I have a job and funding, for now. So when a colleague, or friend, or family member ask me how things are going - I’m likely to say “pretty good”.

[The thoughts and opinions stated here are my own and do not reflect those of my employer in any way.]