Reseña de Choise

Internationally renowned physicist Rosei and prominent and highly published physicist Johnston (both, Universite du Quebec, Canada) provide practical advice for individuals, particularly undergraduates, seeking careers in the sciences. Based on the authors' personal experiences, this work provides a guideline for pursuing a career in experimental or theoretical sciences. Divided into seven chronological sections ("Basic Choices," "Basic Strategies and Actions," "The Game of Science," "Acquiring and Using a Reputation," "Communicating Your Science," "Cautionary Tales," and "L'Envoi"), this work includes references, bibliography, a glossary, and a list of acronyms and funding agencies. Brief interviews with individuals about their positive and negative experiences in pursing a career in the sciences demonstrate theoretical concepts Rosei and Johnston discuss. The authors consider advantages and disadvantages of numerous career decisions, such as a postdoctorate research assistant position and selecting an untenured professor as an adviser. This useful, highly readable work guides individuals through the daunting decision of adviser selection, interviews, and the peer-review publishing process. Its organization makes information on specific topics easily accessible. Rosei and Johnston's advice has a place in academic libraries. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty. K. J. Whitehair Kansas State University