This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Traditionally all PhDs went on to become academic professors. Times have changed. This speaker offers an idea to help prepare graduate students for the real world.

Nadia Jaber is a graduate student at Stony Brook University, pursuing a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Her thesis work focuses on how mammalian cells discard the chemical signals used to communicate with one another. During her graduate training, she realized she wanted something different than the traditional academic career path that PhDs are geared for. Exploring her interests, she found a passion in science and health communications and has since begun the Advanced Certificate in Health Communications offered by the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science. Her goal is to use her science background to disseminate important health and science information in order to empower the general public to make educated decisions.
Outside of science and communications, Nadia likes to try new recipes, paint quotes for her Etsy shop, take kickboxing classes and sail around Northport.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)