You’re a biotech researcher. What logical reasoning skills are essential for your work?

In my experience, before I decided to go into serious research, I preferred to talk to the "Hoi Polloi" and look for possible questions and confusion about my idea. Every scientific idea or knowledge must be understandable by people in general.

No data collection is ever a waste of time. Even when you repeatedly obtain the expected data, keep good records and a close eye on the trend over time, you will thank your own efforts when it comes to observing or troubleshooting something really unexpected. Always trace backwards to your own methodology each time and note if there is anything different that was done, for even a small element of change can cascade into a major effect on your data. On the brighter side of things, you might just find a way accidentally or not, that improves your processes.

Overcoming prejudice and preconceptions passed on by teachers is essential for fostering better biotech researchers in both academia and industry. In academia, students may inherit biases from professors regarding certain research methodologies or areas of study. For instance, a student taught by a professor who favors traditional laboratory techniques may be hesitant to explore emerging technologies like CRISPR-Cas9. Similarly, in industry, professionals may carry forward biases from mentors or supervisors, impacting their approach to innovation and problem-solving. For example, a researcher influenced by a manager's skepticism towards collaborative partnerships may be less inclined to seek out external collaborations.

Effective communication of research findings is essential. Crafting a coherent and compelling narrative that guides the audience through the research journey- from initial question to the experimental process, results, and broader implications. This narrative structure makes complex scientific information more accessible. For example crafting a story on research study involving the development of a novel-CRISPR based therapy for a genetic disorder.

From my personal experiences, one of the most important, skills, if not the most important. Is the ability to keep an open mind. More than once I have adjusted a variable in a way that seems counterintuitive and it turned out to be the solution I sought. Another facet of open-mindedness, be open to suggestions from colleagues. We have all had unique experiences in life, and in our research and a colleague may have relative experience to assist in solving a problem.