Ask the PostDoc: Interview with Aamir Hussain | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

A postdoc shares his experiences as a PhD student and postdoc, highlighting challenges, personal growth, and the importance of belief and perseverance.

Key Insights

• ❓ Perseverance and a belief in one's potential are crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving success in a PhD journey.
• 👨‍🔬 PhD experiences vary, but personal growth, networking, and exposure to diverse research areas are common highlights.
• 👨‍🔬 The decision between a postdoc and industry position should consider lifestyle preferences, research passion, and financial stability.
• 🧑‍🎓 Building relationships and seeking advice from those in desired positions can provide valuable guidance and insights for PhD students.
• 🤳 Balancing multiple responsibilities and financial difficulties are common challenges for self-funded PhD students.
• 🧑‍🏭 The camaraderie amongst researchers and the opportunity to make a direct impact on society are motivating factors for pursuing a postdoc.
• 👨‍🔬 Flexibility and the ability to explore emerging research trends contribute to the appeal of a postdoc position.

Transcript

hi everyone welcome back to my youtube channel today i have a very special guest i have amir who also has a channel here on youtube and he gave some great advice about um kind of post-doc experience and phd experience tell stories gives advice and so welcome emir to my channel yeah yeah no problem thank you for agreeing to to come on board i am so ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Amir's undergraduate degree in biomedical science prepare him for his PhD in vascular pharmacology?

Amir's biomedical science background provided a foundation in biological sciences, but he found the transition to medicinal chemistry challenging. However, a part-time research assistant job in medicinal chemistry exposed him to the field and sparked his interest.

Q: What were the hardest parts of Amir's PhD experience?

Amir faced several challenges, including lack of funding, minimal support from supervisors, and personal difficulties with his mother's severe asthma. Balancing multiple jobs and responsibilities made his PhD journey incredibly stressful.

Q: What were the best parts of Amir's PhD journey?

Amir highlights three major positive aspects of his PhD experience: developing personal skills and attributes, networking with people from diverse backgrounds, and gaining exposure to different research areas, ultimately paving the way for his career goals.

Q: What factors should PhD students consider when deciding between a postdoc or industry position?

Amir suggests considering one's desired lifestyle, passion for research, and financial stability. While a postdoc offers flexibility and research-focused opportunities, industry positions may offer more stability and routine.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The guest, Amir, introduces himself as a postdoc at the University of Leicester, specializing in respiratory pharmacology. His PhD research focused on developing anti-angiogenic compounds to inhibit tumor growth.

• Amir discusses the challenges he faced during his PhD, including lack of support, financial difficulties, and personal hardships. However, he persevered and gained valuable skills and attributes through the experience.

• Key highlights of Amir's PhD journey include building lifelong friendships, networking with people from diverse backgrounds, and discovering his passion for teaching and science communication.

• Amir explains his decision to pursue a postdoc, citing the flexibility, research focus, and potential to make a direct impact on society as the driving factors.