PHD LAB VLOG: all of my experiments failed… AGAIN | A week in the life of a PhD student

TL;DR

A tired PhD student battles through the week, collecting samples, preparing experiments, and facing challenges with missing compounds and finding accommodation for a research trip to France.

Transcript

hello friends good morning it is monday i'm tired my motivation levels are very much the same as last week but i'm going to try and power through and fight my way through the week but anyway i'm starting the vlog from the car because i'm actually outside a marine lab in aberdeen so which is beside the harbour because i'm collecting some samples som... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Conducting research as a PhD student involves various tasks, including collecting samples, preparing experiments, and analyzing data.
• 🎁 Missing compounds can present challenges and potentially affect the outcome of studies, requiring careful investigation and problem-solving.
• 👨‍🔬 Finding suitable accommodation for research trips can be a time-consuming and difficult process, particularly for long-term stays.
• 🎚️ Confidence and motivation levels can fluctuate during a busy week, but perseverance and determination are essential for moving forward.
• 🎟️ Overcoming obstacles, such as missing compounds or doubts about sample preparation, requires attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt.
• 💦 Lab work can be time-consuming and require attention to detail in labeling samples, following protocols, and ensuring proper storage.
• 👨‍🔬 Analyzing results and interpreting data are crucial steps in the research process to draw meaningful conclusions.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the marine lab in Aberdeen?

The marine lab in Aberdeen is used for collecting samples, conducting experiments, and studying marine life for research purposes.

Q: Why is the student concerned about a missing compound?

The missing compound is important for a study the student wants to write a paper on. Its absence may impact the results and the overall success of the research.

Q: What challenges does the student face in finding accommodation in France?

The student struggles to find suitable long-term accommodation for her research trip to France. She is concerned about committing to an Airbnb without more time to cancel if needed.

Q: What is the purpose of the bioassay and why is it important?

The bioassay is an important study for the student's PhD research. It involves testing compounds on bacteria and analyzing the results to gain insights and draw conclusions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The vlog follows a final year PhD student collecting samples and working in a marine lab in Aberdeen.

• The student struggles with missing compounds and doubts about the preparation of her samples for an upcoming study.

• The vlog also shows the student preparing overnight cultures, doing calculations, and washing wells for a bioassay.