Elizabeth Patterson

Primary Convener:
Elizabeth Patterson, University of California Irvine

Let's face it, science is messy. Field plans get rained out, grants get rejected, models crash, and sometimes... so do we. But behind every polished publication is a trail of flops, pivots, and what was I thinking? moments that rarely make it past peer review. This is a storytelling session that flips the script celebrating the stumbles, the breakdowns, and the detours that shape who we are as geoscientists. This is not about glamorizing failure, but about creating an honest, supportive space where early-career and seasoned scientists alike can share the human side of research. Together, we will learn how to overcome failure and be prepared for the unexpected as students or PIs. Organized by student and early-career members of the AGU Council, this session aims to become a recurring SciX tradition a place where vulnerability meets solidarity, and where we normalize the truth: science isn't linear, and neither are we. We'll begin with a panel of early-career scientists sharing candid stories of failure, resilience, and growth. Then we'll pass the mic, inviting attendees to contribute their own experiences. Because sharing failure isn't a conclusion,—it's a catalyst for building a more inclusive, supportive, and resilient scientific culture. Join us. Bring your worst.

Index Terms
0815 Informal education
0855 Diversity
6610 Funding
6630 Workforce

Cross-Listed:
PP - Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology
SY - Science and Society
ED - Education
A - Atmospheric Sciences