Obama encourages youth to have a passion for science…
President Obama hosted astronomy night at the White House on Wednesday encouraging students with a “passion” for science and engineering to follow their dreams. Although I admire Obama’s attempt at trying to put a finger in the dike of the American science brain drain, it is an empty effort if compensation issue is not addressed in a substantive way. Telling these bright-eyed young people to follow their dreams is recipe for financial disaster given the system of exploitation that currently dominates the landscape.
My former field required an enormous input of time as both a student and post-doc. By the time the average biomedical scientist was ready for a “real job” we are often in our late 30s or even into our 40s. The “jobs” that we are often offerd after such an extensive education have salaries that are nothing short of pitiful. Pragmatism caused me to sell out on my passion. I didn’t want to wake up one morning old, poor, bitter and unable to see a doctor and take advantage of treatments that I helped to create.
The brain drain is caused by a compensation drain. This drain is perpetuated by the “in-sourcing” of graduate students and post-docs from third world nations. Don’t get me wrong. They have been my friends and colleagues. BUT - they are also being exploited and their presence allows American scientists to also be exploited. After such an extensive education - it is not unreasonable to expect something resembling a living wage. Unless Mr. Obama addresses this burning need to live above the poverty level - science will continue to languish in this country.
Scientists and engineers need more then empty speeches - they need enough money in their pockets to make a living, own a home, raise their families and prepare for retirement.
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