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The Real Science Gap
If you're anything like me, you've heard tale of the shortage of American scientists and the failing standards of our education system for decades. This article offers a detailed rebuttal of the party line. The problem isn't too few talented individuals, they say, it's too few career prospects and a grist mill devoted to the exploitation of young scientists. This certainly reflects my experiences, both at a top research university and at a more vocational state school. I've always been more motivated by intellectual challenges than monetary rewards (in contrast to many of my colleagues), but it's always unsettling to look up at the house of cards. Will I actually be able to make a career of the research I so enjoy, or is this just a brief respite from the drudgery of a work-a-day programming job?
If you're anything like me, you've heard tale of the shortage of American scientists and the failing standards of our education system for decades. This article offers a detailed rebuttal of the party line. The problem isn't too few talented individuals, they say, it's too few career prospects and a grist mill devoted to the exploitation of young scientists. This certainly reflects my experiences, both at a top research university and at a more vocational state school. I've always been more motivated by intellectual challenges than monetary rewards (in contrast to many of my colleagues), but it's always unsettling to look up at the house of cards. Will I actually be able to make a career of the research I so enjoy, or is this just a brief respite from the drudgery of a work-a-day programming job?
