Chapter 05: Training a Researcher’s Mind: Ph.D. Research
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Description
In this chapter, Dr. Bogler talks about his process of selecting his PhD program.
First, to explain how his intellect was being trained during college, he explains a college research project for which he studied 2-D proteomic gels, leading to his fascination with cell differentiation. He notes that this was a cutting edge topic at the time.
Next, Dr. Bogler explains the English system for selecting a PhD program: a student selected a laboratory to work with, not a school. He ended up at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in a neuro-laboratory focused on the study of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (’88 – ’91). Dr. Bogler explains some administrative issues that arose with his degree from this institution. He also notes that work at this cancer institute did not fire his interest specifically in cancer at this time.
He explains his research, then his move to the Salk Institute for a post-doctoral program (’92 – ’93), noting that he learned a lot of molecular biology. He explains why some departmental tension held back his research.
Next, Dr. Bogler explains that at the time, the Ludwig Institute was opening new branches, one eventually in San Diego where he did his second post-doctoral fellowship (and also met his wife, Irene Newshaw). His cancer-focused work began at that time with research on the effects of the p53 gene on astrocytes.
Dr. Bogler also notes that some groundwork for his administrative perspective was established during this time. He explains that in becoming proficient at bench work, a laboratory researcher also comes to understand that there are limits to the type of work he can accomplish alone. This drives a researcher to collaboration and established his own commitment to a collaborative perspective.
Identifier
BoglerO_01_20141110_C05
Publication Date
10-11-2014
Publisher
The Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas Cancer Center
City
Houston, Texas
Interview Session
Tacey Ann Rosolowski, PhD, Oral History Interview, November 10, 2014
Topics Covered
"Professional Path; The Researcher; Professional Path; Personal Background; Influences from People and Life Experiences; Overview; Definitions, Explanations, Translations; "
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Disciplines
History of Science, Technology, and Medicine | Oncology | Oral History
Recommended Citation
Rosolowksi, Tacey A. PhD and Bogler, Oliver PhD, "Chapter 05: Training a Researcher’s Mind: Ph.D. Research" (2014). Interview Chapters. 1572.
https://openworks.mdanderson.org/mchv_interviewchapters/1572
Conditions Governing Access
Open
