The PhD Chronicles

Dirty Poppy and the Research Tournament of Arcane Mysteries.

Katherine Villavicencio and edited by Constanza Rodriguez Piceda November 13, 2024

Representative Cup for the winner of the Research Tournament of Arcane Mysteries. Figure generated by PromeAI.

In this week’s post, Dr. Katherine Villavicencio (University G. d’Annunzio, Italy) looks into the flaws of the academic system that enables abusive supervisors to hold excessive power. In the form of a wizardly tale, she sheds light on the negative experiences of students subjected to the oppressive control of this kind of supervisors. In an alternate universe, the magical world is governed by ac ...[Read More]

Summer of ‘23: Chronicles of a summer school on meteorite and comet impacts.

Katherine Villavicencio and edited by Constanza Rodriguez Piceda March 27, 2024

Exploring geologic formations along the Nördlingen Ries impact Crater. Credit: Attendees of the school.

One of the best-researched and preserved impact craters on Earth is the Ries Crater (Germany). Hikers, bikers, school groups, and geo-tourists from all over the world come here in search for the evidence of the cosmic catastrophe. In this week’s blog post, PhD student Katherine Villavicencio from University G. d’Annunzio (Italy) shares her experience when attending the Summer School “Impacts and ...[Read More]

Alice in Depressionland

Katherine Villavicencio and edited by Constanza Rodriguez Piceda September 13, 2023

Figure generated using Bing Image Creator.

Not all is about internal evolution of Earth and geodynamic processes. It is also important to make the space for ourselves to separate academic responsibilities and personal interests, in a way that equilibrate our health and make the develop of the PhD thesis “easier”. As it was described in previous blogs (as here and here), mental health matters during the PhD pathway especially when the illus ...[Read More]

Work-life balance during a PhD

Ben Knight and edited by Anna Gülcher September 6, 2021

Doing a PhD is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. You get to conduct your own research, develop your skills, and ultimately become a doctor! Think back to when you were told that your application was accepted, and you were going to start the PhD position. I bet you were excited and nervous; I know I was! However, after starting your PhD, the excitement may fade and stress can start to ...[Read More]