Pandemics, Research, Writing, Visualizations, and Mental Illness
The Plague by Albert Camus
Given our current COVID-19 pandemic, this classic by a Nobel Prizewinner seems appropriate to re-read. This work explores the meaning of life amongst an fictionalized new outbreak of the plague in North Africa. Camus is one of my favorite writers and thinkers of all time, so I should immensely enjoy my time in this tale.
Managing the Research University by Dean O. Smith
I don’t actually manage a research university, but I help those who do. This book will help me help them better by giving me insight into their challenges. Managing innovation is an inherently difficult thing because you only have a limited idea of what a “good outcome” consists of. Hopefully, this book will give me more insight in how to accomplish this.
Research Universities and the Public Good by Jason Owen-Smith
Again, another research-themed book to help me improve my work. It will also make me more aware of the role that research plays in our national economy and consciousness. Perhaps I can be a better advocate when the next round of budget cuts come.
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Life by Anne Lamott
Lamott is an entertaining writer who has lived an interesting life and lives to write about it. She is most known for writing about integrating Christian spirituality with modern life. In this case, she focuses on integrating her craft of writing with the work of her life.
Getting Started with Processing: A Hands-On Introduction to Making Interactive Graphics by Casey Reas & Ben Fry
Processing is a new tool to build interactive graphics. I’m always interested in taking advantage of new technologies to communicate scientific outcomes to a wider audience. I hope this book provides me and my colleagues with a better way to do this. I have no clue what to expect, but given that the book is in a second edition (a rare feat for a technology book), my hopes are up.
Fallible: A Memoir of a Young Physician’s Struggle with Mental Illness by Kyle Bradford Jones
This memoir hits close to home as I was once a medical student who struggled with serious mental illness. I’m hoping to commiserate with Jones in his plight. It’s an interesting position to be heavily relied upon for your steady judgment while struggling with your own inherent limitations of such.