Between Two Flasks Training Video Series

"Between Two Flasks" Trainee Video Series

The "Between Two Flasks" video series is an effort by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center’s Office of Education and Training, University of Washington Neuroscience and Molecular and Cellular Biology PhD programs to create a comprehensive, educational series for students navigating biomedical research training and careers, including internships and graduate programs. Inspired by the "Between Two Ferns" talk show, this video series leverages the expert advice and humor of faculty, staff, and trainees to answer the most-commonly asked questions from high school students, undergraduates, and potential graduate students about navigating biomedical research education and cover topics commonly experienced by early-stage trainees. Please continue to visit this space for new topics and videos as we build out this project.
 

Heart of the Hutch: Education and Mentorship

Co-Director of the Summer Undergraduate Research Program Marilyn Drennan describes how she and the Science Education Team mentor young people into and through a scientific career path.

What is Medical School?

Special guest Dr. Thomas J. Lynch, President & Director of Fred Hutch, explains medical school programs and the resulting career paths.

What is a MD-PhD program

Kyle Shea and Marilyn Drennan explain what an MD-PhD program involves.

What is a PhD program

Marilyn Drennan and Kyle Shea discuss what a PhD program involves.

Communicating With Mentors

Tips for Contacting Potential Mentors

Fred Hutch staff share tips for communicating with research mentors. Marilyn and Kyle remind viewers that mentors are not mind readers so being clear in your communication and not making assumptions is key to avoiding potential misunderstandings. Other hot takes in this video include setting boundaries early in your relationship with mentors, understanding your own communication style preferences, and being mindful of your mentor’s time by being prepared.

Fred Hutch staff share tips for successfully reaching out to potential mentors via email. In this video, Marilyn and Kyle discuss the importance of sending a personalized email where you begin by introducing yourself and explain why you are interested in working with them – be specific yet concise! They also share some tips on what to do when you don’t hear back after reaching out.

Preparing For Interviews

Attending Conferences as an Undergraduate

Preparing for graduate school or medical school interviews can be overwhelming and stressful! In this video, Fred Hutch staff share advice on how to best prepare for your interviews. Key insights shared include doing your research on the program and faculty you are interviewing with and preparing meaningful responses to frequently asked questions ahead of time. Practice makes perfect and mock interviews are your friend! Relax, be confident, and remember you earned your spot at this interview. Happy interviewing and best of luck!

Have you ever considered attending a conference, but are unsure where to start? Wonder no more! Join Fred Hutch staff in discussing why undergraduates should attend conferences and how to make the most of the experience.

Finding the Right PhD Program

Post-bacc or Gap Year Opportunities

In this video, a University of Washington graduate student & the director of Molecular Medicine and Mechanisms of Disease PhD program cover what to consider when looking for the right PhD program for you - from science and mentorship to what you need beyond the science to thrive.

In this video, Fred Hutch staff answer all of your questions about the mysterious "gap year" after completing an undergraduate degree. A current Graduate Student shares her experience taking a gap year and talks us through the who, what, when, where, and why.

Finding the Right Graduate Degree

Graduate students and staff at the University of Washington and Fred Hutch highlight various biomedical graduate degrees. You will learn about the details, career opportunities, and experience required for the following degrees: Master in Public Health (MPH), Biomedical Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Biomedical Master of Science (MS), and Doctorate of Medicine and of Philosophy (MD-PhD).

Anatomy of a Successful Internship

Fred Hutch staff introduce two mentor-mentee dyads who discuss their internship experiences. These mentors and their mentees share tips on how to make a good first impression, common intern mistakes to avoid, and what they consider a successful internship to be.

Maintaining Relationships After Your Internship

Fred Hutch staff introduce two mentor-mentee dyads who share advice and best practices for continuing a relationship with your mentor or mentee after the internship has ended. You will hear directly from experienced mentors and mentees about why it is important to maintain a relationship with your mentor/mentee, the most effective ways to contact a mentor, and other tips for continuing your relationship long after the internship has ended.

Searching for Internships

Fred Hutch staff discuss what to look for when searching for an internship and share online resources that our trainees find helpful when beginning to search for an internship. Then, you will hear directly from a Fred Hutch internship alumna about her experience applying to internships and tips on what aspects of a program are important to consider before applying.

Timeline for Applying to Biomedical Research Graduate Programs

Experience Needed to Apply to a Biomedical Research PhD Program

Graduate students and staff at the University of Washington and Fred Hutch go over the timeline to apply for most biomedical Ph.D. research programs. You will learn about the different requirements, deadlines, and guidelines for preparing a successful application.

Graduate Program Advisors at the University of Washington discuss the experience needed to apply to a biomedical research PhD program. You will hear about what academic and life experiences are needed or recommended, including GPA, GRE, lab work, letters of recommendations, and community participation.