GD
Geodynamics

PhD life

The most important aspect of your PhD: supervisor-student relationship

The most important aspect of your PhD: supervisor-student relationship

  There are many variables when applying for a PhD programme (country, system, length, funding, project, etc.). In regards to choosing a supervisor, I did my best to make an educated choice, and I really lucked out in terms of the people that I am working with. In the past 3.5 years, I have received scientific and professional support, mentorship, networking opportunities, creative encouragem ...[Read More]

The Sassy Scientist – Race to the Deadline

The Sassy Scientist – Race to the Deadline

After snoozing their alarm for the 50th time, Alex gets started with their day. They should be writing their thesis first thing after breakfast, but instead they write to the Sassy Scientist: How do you manage to meet writing deadlines as a PhD student? Dear Alex, Ah! You have reached the writing stage. I assume then your pin board is full of post-it notes with goals for ‘next week’. B ...[Read More]

Finding support in a four-legged friend

Finding support in a four-legged friend

My dog, Roxanne (Roxy for short), has been by my side for my entire graduate career. I adopted Roxy before starting a two-year Master’s program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She moved with me to the University of Maryland for my PhD program. Now in the second year of my PhD, I cannot imagine PhD life without her. Roxy has helped me navigate the most challenging aspects of academi ...[Read More]

First time… publishing a paper

First time… publishing a paper

I can’t speak for anyone else, but finally getting a paper through comes with the great satisfaction of not having to deal with the project anymore. There’s a sense of relief, hope, and maybe excitement that the time that is now freed up can be used on other, new projects. Anyway, I am currently still in this honeymoon period so please don’t ruin it by telling me it will end soon. After recently s ...[Read More]