FRANCE INTERNSHIP DIARIES WEEK 3: trying out a new routine | PhD lab vlog

TL;DR

A researcher discusses their daily routines, struggles with algae biology experiments, and progress on a paper.

Transcript

hello guys what a day i will fill you in tomorrow i'm tired it's been a very long day and i've not been feeling my best so let's chat tomorrow [Applause] hello friends happy tuesday so as you will have seen this morning i got up bright and early and did a workout because i need to get my life back on track after being ill last week and after having... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏃 The researcher prioritizes exercise and aims to incorporate it into their daily routine.
• ❓ Overgrown algae and technical issues with equipment have caused complications in their experiments.
• ⌛ Analyzing data and understanding results can be frustrating and time-consuming, but progress is being made.
• 🙈 Focusing on the goal and ignoring negative thoughts can enhance productivity.
• 💋 The researcher is finding discipline and determination in sticking to their routines and goals.
• 💦 Working in a sciency mood and discussing results with colleagues can aid problem-solving.
• ✍️ Paper writing requires discipline and a dedicated focus, using tools like the pomodoro technique can enhance productivity.

Questions & Answers

Q: How is the researcher trying to get back on track with exercise?

The researcher is waking up early to fit in some form of movement before going to the lab, and they are also incorporating more walking into their routine.

Q: What difficulties has the researcher faced with their algae experiments?

The algae has been overgrown, leading to failed analyses. The researcher had to re-prepare plates and deal with technical issues with the pipette.

Q: How is the researcher managing their paper writing alongside lab work?

The researcher is finding time to work on the paper, including downloading a template, shuffling headings, and making progress on adding new results. They plan to continue working on the paper over the weekend.

Q: How does the researcher handle distractions while working on the paper?

The researcher uses a pomodoro timer to enhance focus and take short breaks, enabling them to get through a good chunk of the paper.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The researcher discusses their efforts to get back into a routine and prioritize exercise after being ill and having a fun weekend.

• They talk about their struggles with overgrown algae in their experiments and the need to prepare and analyze plates.

• The researcher reflects on their frustration with the results not making sense and their progress in analyzing data for their paper.