Four years after the pandemic

In some ways, the COVID-19 pandemic feels as if it was just yesterday. In other ways, it feels as if the pandemic was a lifetime ago. In all ways, that entire time period of lockdown feels like a major black hole of merged matters in my memories.

So, what has changed because of the pandemic?

I wish I could say we have learned from the pandemic, and its impact on underrepresented groups, and we have made major strides in diversity, equity and inclusion. But the year is 2025, and DEI efforts are being archived as if nothing matters. For me, personally, it has been a motivation to think about DEI, to advocate more, and to think about implementing these aspects in my research.

We use virtual meetings for collaboration, yes. Yet, at the same time, few conferences have managed to learn from the virtual and hybrid options, and most are “simply” back to the old fully in-person format – carbon footprint and all (which grates at my conscience in every possible way). For me, personally, it has resulted in being more aware of the privilege of travel, and to use it wisely, get the results I need out of every trip, and to be grateful for the experiences.

Working and parenting is still the same as before, and in some ways, during the pandemic. I also am always torn between wanting to spend more time and wanting to lean in more in my career.

All in all, I feel like we have not learned enough from the lessons of the pandemic, and are just lurching forward as if we are trying to simply forget our traumas.

What have you learned from the pandemic?