Q&As in 2013

Earth scientist tackles societal problems using an interdisciplinary approach.

Former English teacher pursues app development to help patients with mental illness.

Early-career genomicist excels in Spain despite difficult funding climate.

Physicist turned microbiologist advances his career with a do-it-yourself approach.

Researcher looks to nature to develop innovative materials.

US cancer researcher feels squeezed by draconian federal budget cuts.

Researcher's interest in climate change gets him into international policy negotiation.

Geneticist finds recognition as an innovator and toolmaker.

Spacecraft designer's research takes off after move abroad

Engineer takes a career risk in moving to biology.

Biologist wins acclaim after moving from proteins to stem cells.

Fearless teen scientist dives into venture capital.

Lack of a PhD has not hindered researcher's zeal for resurrecting the extinct passenger pigeon.

Microbiologist changes career paths and learns the nuances of microscopy and management.

Former engineer takes up structural biology to help to develop cancer treatments.

Virologist decides to follow her dream and become an astronaut.

Geneticist's work on twinning leads to European award and post in Singapore.

The training fast track helps an ecologist to get a major grant for coral research.

Mentoring younger students helps to boost theoretical physicist's profile.

Computational ecologist's online open notebook brings opportunities.