Mary Bishai, an experimental neutrino physicist at Brookhaven National Laboratory, shares her insights on the challenges and joys of her career. With a background in physics and a passion for connecting the dots between physics goals and technical disciplines, she navigates the complexities of large-scale science projects. Bishai's daily skills include brainstorming, seeking diverse perspectives, and playing devil's advocate, which help her overcome mental blocks and foster collaboration. She finds her work in big science projects, such as the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), particularly fulfilling, as it allows her to geek out on technical challenges and work with experts from various fields. However, she acknowledges the emotional resilience and stamina required to manage large international collaborations over extended periods, highlighting the potential for burnout and despondency. Bishai offers advice to early-career scientists, emphasizing the importance of honesty in science, embracing intellectual challenges, and challenging established dogma. She encourages a willingness to step back and slow down when needed, recognizing that the journey to scientific breakthroughs is often filled with dead ends and requires patience and perseverance.
