LAB VLOG: the many ups and downs of doing a PhD

TL;DR

This vlog follows a PhD student's busy day in the lab, including data analysis, training sessions, and a mini seminar.

Transcript

hello good morning and happy monday so it's eight o'clock i have arrived into the lab i'm not speaking in the office because axel is in the office and i get a bit shy so i have taken up refuge in my little lab here that no one is using currently so i can have a little chat this morning so i am just going to have a look at my planner to see what the... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 The life of a PhD student involves various tasks, including data analysis, equipment training, and experimental preparations.
• 👨‍🔬 Setbacks and challenges are expected in scientific research, and it can be stressful to complete a PhD within a shortened timeframe.
• 🧑‍🎓 Support from fellow PhD students and colleagues is crucial for motivation and sharing experiences.
• ⚖️ Planning and adaptability are necessary skills for balancing workload and responsibilities.
• 🍳 Taking breaks, staying positive, and actively managing stress can help maintain motivation and mental well-being.
• 🧑‍🎓 It is essential for PhD students to accept failures as part of the research process and keep trying to achieve their goals.
• 💍 Engaging in events and seminars within the academic community provides opportunities for networking and knowledge-sharing.

Questions & Answers

Q: What tasks does the PhD student have to complete during their day in the lab?

The PhD student's tasks include attending meetings, training on equipment usage, analyzing data from experiments, and preparing samples for future experiments.

Q: How does the student deal with unexpected setbacks in their experiments?

The student expresses frustration and disappointment when faced with setbacks in their experiments. They acknowledge the pressure to complete their PhD within a shortened timeframe and strive to stay positive and motivated.

Q: How does the student cope with the stress and challenges of their PhD journey?

The student acknowledges that it is normal to experience stress and challenges during a PhD journey. They find solace in exercising, participating in events with colleagues, and trying to maintain a positive mindset despite setbacks.

Q: How does the student balance their workload and responsibilities?

The student highlights the importance of flexible planning due to the nature of scientific research. They adjust their plans as needed and prioritize tasks based on changing circumstances.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The PhD student's day consists of meetings, training sessions on equipment usage, and analyzing data from experiments.

• There are challenges encountered with data analysis, as the student's lcms data did not yield expected results.

• The student also faces setbacks in a biowaste experiment, leading to frustration and added pressure to complete the PhD within a shortened timeframe.