The Not-So-First First Post

Author(s): Brandy Perkl, Ph.D.

I've had websites and blogs and all kinds of social media profiles over the years - this is the latest in that long string. I'm creating yet another site because I have things flung here and there across the digital landscape - and no one place to unify them.

Many academics who write online do it one of two ways: in a very professional and correct professorial tone using their own name OR in a personable and frank tone from behind a wall of anonymity. I don't want to do either of those things, I'd like to fall somewhere in the middle. Professors are people too - and all of my favorite and most impactful ones are those who taught me (1) how to be the scientist I wanted to be while showing me (2) how that can be done without becoming an automaton or denying my own individual differences. I don't always succeed at undefined potentially career-damaging goals like this - but I'm going to give it the old college try. (Given how rarely I may post, it might be super easy.)

I also don't have an appropriate platform for certain things I want to share (like reflections on how adorable my tortoises are OR how to leverage Google Apps to make teaching more about teaching and less about d**** minutia).

Hopefully, this will be that place! That great place to share and to learn from those who share back if they choose to do so (Update: Though as of 2020 this is moving to a comment free platform to save money - so it'll have to be through email).

If you want to know more about me + this site or how to contact me, I have details and I'm looking forward to hearing from you!