Princeton Pathways into the Academy Program


About the Program

Pathways into the Academy(PPIA) offers monthly open-access virtual workshops and faculty-led panels to prepare early-stage researchers for faculty careers in engineering and computer science. The program offers structured support that supplements the guidance graduate students and postdoctoral researchers already receive from their advisors.


Who can participate?

The program is open to ALL STEM Graduate students in the last year of Ph.D. programs, postdoctoral fellows, and those early in their career in industry who are interested in seeking an academic position in engineering and computer science. 


Program dates

This program starts February 20th with our Kickoff Session and continues through November 2025.


How to participate

PPIA is a free and open-access program that is open to all that want to participate. Just register using the button below.

If you are interested in the program and would like to receive information about upcoming workshops, please reach out to Vishi Singh: vishi.singh@princeton.edu to provide your contact information (email and phone number).


2025 Schedule

We will be kicking off our monthly sessions in January with faculty panels on Navigating the Faculty Job Search.

Faculty-led Panels

February

Kickoff Session
  • What search committees look for
  • Dealing with imposter syndrome
  • Navigating the road to Application Success

March

The Teaching Statement
  • Practical techniques for reflecting on your teaching style
  • Elements of an impactful Teaching Statement
  • How to incorporate elements of inclusivity into the Teaching Statement

April

The Research Statement
  • Structure of the research statement
  • What search committees look for in the research statement
  • Strategies for drafting your research statement

May

The Academic C.V
  • Discover the art of crafting an impactful academic CV.
  • Learn how to effectively showcase your educational background and research experience.
  • Gain insights into highlighting publications and academic achievements.

June

The Job Talk
  • Grasp the essential elements for delivering captivating and informative job talks
  • Learn techniques for effectively presenting your research during on campus interviews

July

Navigating the Job Interview and Negotiating Your Start-up Package
  • Gain expert insights on securing the resources you need for a successful start in academia.
  • Practical tips and strategies from current faculty on what should you have ready going into the interview

August

The Chalk Talk
  • How to outline your research vision on the board
  • Demonstrate key methods interactively to spark engagement
  • How to encourage questions and adapt in real time

September

Mentorship & Leadership Skills for Early-Career Faculty
  • Strategies for creating a collaborative environment.
  • Techniques for offering constructive criticism and setting objectives.
  • Insights on identifying and resolving interpersonal issues in research teams

October

Grant Writing and Funding
  • Where to Identify Funding Opportunities
  • How to Structure a Competitive Proposal
  • Managing Timelines & Collaborations

November

Launching Your Lab
  • Explore how to strategically allocate start-up funds and negotiate for essential equipment.
  • Learn effective hiring practices
  • Gain insights into setting clear expectations, fostering collaboration, and promoting accountability

PPIA Cohorts