Sabbatical Experiences Provide Learning Opportunities

Finding time to conduct research or learn new teaching techniques can be elusive for life scientists with heavy teaching loads and administrative commitments. Time "off" for a sabbatical leave can offer a welcome chance for a scientist to learn. TOO CLOSE TO HOME: Hamilton College biologist Ernest Williams notes that it can be difficult to focus on research during stay-at-home sabbaticals. "To some extent, a sabbatical is an escape from the usual pressures. It is a different pace, and gets aw

Written byRicki Lewis

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TOO CLOSE TO HOME: Hamilton College biologist Ernest Williams notes that it can be difficult to focus on research during stay-at-home sabbaticals.

"To some extent, a sabbatical is an escape from the usual pressures. It is a different pace, and gets away from the routine of never having enough time," says Ernest Williams, a professor of biology at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y.

A sabbatical can also foster important relationships, both professional and personal. "By going on sabbatical I was able to establish several contacts and friendships that have lasted," reports Lafras Steyn, an associate professor in the department of medical microbiology at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. ...

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