I Learned Early That I Would Stand Out, So I Chose to Stand Strong: Navigating the PhD Journey as a Woman in Engineering There is a moment early in many engineering PhDs when you realise you are different. Sometimes it happens in a seminar room, sometimes in a lab, sometimes…>
During your PhD
Getting Started with Your PhD: A Practical Guide from Someone Who Survived It
Beginning a PhD feels a bit like being dropped into a maze with a notebook, a laptop, and a vague sense that you are meant to “discover something new”. Some people run through the maze sprinting; others stare at the walls, convinced the exit is hiding behind a paywalled paper….>
The PhD Ethics Process
Ethics Process This article explains the importance, steps, and principles of the ethics process in research. It explores what ethical approval is and why it matters. It also highlights offers practical advice on how to pass the ethics review successfully. Understanding the PhD Ethics Process Ethical review is one of…>
How to keep consistent in your PhD
“No way, I am giving up!” In all honesty, it was a thought that crossed my mind more than once during my doctorate. Each time I faced difficulties, I felt completely overwhelmed by the workload or by life outside my PhD. Staying consistent and motivated was incredibly hard. I dealt…>
Staying motivated over the Winter break
As the darker nights draw in and time spent outdoors decreases, looking after your well-being, whilst staying focused on your studies or your job search, can be tough. Finding a healthy balance between living in the present to ensure you stay on track and looking ahead to the new year…>
Extracurricular activities to boost your CV during your PhD
Your CV is more than a list of academic achievements; it’s a reflection of your broader skillset, interests, and initiative. During a PhD, it’s easy to become consumed by research, data collection, and writing, often leaving little time for anything else. However, engaging in extracurricular activities can not only strengthen…>
How to enjoy Christmas guilt-free as a PhD Student
Come November, memes start popping up in PhD circles online, all sharing the same joke: being wished Happy Holidays by the very supervisor who will expect a full draft the moment the break ends. Oh, the irony. Now that my PhD is behind me, I laugh at those jokes, but…>
Preparing for the End of Your PhD
Are you heading towards the end of your PhD? You may be feeling overwhelmed by the number of tasks ahead and unsure about how to proceed. I have written an article to offer direction and ease the pressure. Crossing the Finish Line The final stages of your PhD include writing…>
Funding and Financial Stability During Your PhD
So, you’re thinking about applying for a PhD? One of the most important, and sometimes overlooked, considerations is how you’ll fund it. Whether you’re applying for a fully funded PhD or planning to self-fund, understanding your financial options is essential for both your academic success and personal well-being. There are…>
How to stay calm for your PhD defence
Congratulations! You have made it! After an endless number of hours spent at the library, never-ending data collection and data analysis, and an exhausting writing-up period, you have submitted your thesis. However, there is just one final push – your PhD defence. Some call it a ‘viva’, but you, better…>