Ep. 206 Dr. Nsa Dada on Pursuing Postgraduate Studies and Building a Career Around the World
PhD in Microbiology Norwegian University of Life SciencesDr. Nsa Dada
Dr. Nsa Dada is a vector biologist and microbial ecologist who studies how microbes shape mosquito biology and mosquito-borne disease transmission. Dr. Dada is currently an assistant professor at Arizona State University, the founder of the Mosquito Microbiome Consortium, and she is here today to share her experiences as a Black woman studying at reputable institutions across the globe. She tells us what it was like to jump right into her Ph.D. from her Masters and reveals how she has been able to build an international research profile, along with many other insights. Join us to learn from Dr. Dada’s story and hear some valuable advice on mentorship, persistence, navigating the job market, and much more today.
Key Points From This Episode:
• An introduction to today’s guest, Dr. Nsa Dada.
• We congratulate Dr. Dada on her newly secured faculty position at Arizona State University.
• How she is working to expand mosquito microbiome research.
• Her work as a Global Health Consultant.
• Developing relationships with people from around the world.
• How mentors have opened doors for Dr. Dada throughout the course of her career.
• What led her to become interested in studying mosquitoes and vector-borne diseases.
• Deciding to pursue a Ph.D. as the first person in her family to reach higher education.
• The decision to pursue her studies at a University in Norway.
• Why she cautions people against going into their studies without sufficient research.
• Working in South East Asia while pursuing a Ph.D. in Norway.
• Completing her Ph.D. over a period of three years.
• What inspired her to look beyond Nigeria to pursue postgraduate studies.
• Why her experience as a Black woman stood out in the USA.
• What she loved about her experience in Norway: the people were reserved and honest.
• Why race is so prevalent in the USA.
• Why she chose to come back to the US after her experience of working and studying globally.
• How an opportunity to teach and mentor kept her in academia.
• Developing and cultivating a relationship with her mentor.
• Dr. Dada’s experience applying for roles during the pandemic.
• Preparing for the job market and why there is value in applying before you are ready.
• What she is looking most forward to in the next chapter of her career.
• What she finds most rewarding in her career.
• Her recommendation for the best mosquito repellent.
• Advice for aspiring Black female PhDs: everything is figureoutable, be persistent, and more!
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