In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Haley Ragsdale, a biological anthropologist and postdoctoral research associate, whose fascinating research explores how life experiences influence reproductive investment and the development of offspring during pregnancy. Dr. Ragsdale explains the complex factors that shape fetal development and how these insights can inform our understanding of human biology.
We also dive into the world of academia and research careers, discussing the differences between a postdoctoral research associate and a postdoctoral research fellow, including the critical factors of funding and salary. Dr. Ragsdale shares her journey into academia, offering an honest look at the ups and downs of the path to becoming a researcher.
In addition, we explore the question of whether pursuing a master’s or PhD is necessary for a career in research and academia. Dr. Ragsdale highlights how much this depends on the specific field and career goals, providing a nuanced perspective on higher education in the sciences.
Tune in for an engaging conversation about the intersection of reproductive biology, academic careers, and what it really takes to succeed in research!
CONNECT WITH HALEY
LinkedIn: Haley Ragsdale
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajpa.24883
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2023/10/preeclampsia-pregnancy-semen/675658/
The Story of the Human Body: Evolution, Health and Disease by Daniel Lieberman
-
Longitudinal Research - Following individuals or populations over extended periods to examine changes and relationships across the life course.
Field-Based Research - Collecting research data in the communities and environments where participants live.
Community-Based Research - Conducting research in collaboration with or within a particular community to examine health, social, environmental, and economic conditions.
Survey Research - Collecting structured information from participants to examine health, behavior, socioeconomic conditions, and other variables.
Biomarker Analysis - Using biological measurements to examine physiological processes and relationships between environmental experiences and health.
Dried Blood Spot Sampling - Collecting a small amount of blood through a finger prick onto a card, allowing biological samples to be stored and later analyzed for biomarkers.
Anthropometric Measurement - Measuring physical characteristics such as birth weight, birth length, head circumference, height, weight, and body composition.
Skinfold Measurement - Using calipers to measure skinfold thickness as an indicator of subcutaneous body fat.
Pregnancy Metabolic Assessment - Examining metabolic indicators during pregnancy to understand relationships between maternal history, pregnancy biology, and fetal development.
Birth-Outcome Analysis - Examining outcomes such as birth weight, birth length, head circumference, and newborn body composition.
Longitudinal Life-Course Analysis - Connecting information collected at different stages of life, including childhood growth, adult health, pregnancy, and offspring outcomes.
Conditional Growth Analysis - Using growth measures to examine changes in growth relative to an individual's previous growth history.
Regression Analysis - Examining relationships between predictor variables and outcomes while accounting for other relevant factors.
Path Analysis - Examining potential pathways through which one variable may influence another.
Comparative/Evolutionary Analysis - Comparing humans with other populations or species and considering evolutionary explanations for biological traits and processes.
Intergenerational Analysis - Examining how experiences or characteristics in one generation may be associated with biological or health outcomes in subsequent generations.
Mixed Biological & Environmental Analysis - Connecting biological measurements with factors such as nutrition, economic conditions, work, climate, and other environmental experiences.
Time-Allocation Research - Examining how people distribute time across activities such as work, childcare, breastfeeding, and other daily activities.