Q&A: how do use my iPad for my PhD? Is my PhD funded? What is my project about? AND MORE | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Jessica, a third-year PhD student in natural products chemistry, answers questions about her PhD experience, including advice for starting a thesis by publication, the use of an iPad for organization and research, her research topic on anti-fouling compounds, and the challenges and rewards of doing a PhD.

Key Insights

• ✍️ Choosing a thesis by publication can make the writing process more manageable and logical for a PhD student.
• 😀 Utilizing an iPad, particularly with apps like Zinnia and GoodNotes, can aid in digital planning and note-taking for organization and research purposes.
• 👶 Research in natural products chemistry aims to find new, environmentally friendly solutions for preventing the build-up of organisms on marine structures.
• 🧑‍🎓 Funding is essential for a PhD project, supporting the student's living expenses, lab consumables, and research travel.
• 👻 UK PhD programs do not typically involve classes, allowing students to focus on their research projects.
• ❓ The independence and decision-making required in a PhD can be challenging but also rewarding, offering opportunities for personal growth and learning.
• 🥳 Balancing discipline and breaks throughout the day is important to maintain productivity and avoid burnout.

Transcript

hello guys and welcome back to my youtube channel if you're new here my name is jessica and i'm a third year phd student at the university of aberdeen and i study in the field of natural products chemistry so today i thought i would do a little question and answer video because i haven't done one in quite a while and i've been getting the same sort... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What would Jessica change about her PhD if she could start over?

Jessica would choose a thesis by publication, which is a more structured and logical approach to writing a thesis compared to a traditional narrative-based thesis.

Q: Why did Jessica decide to do a PhD?

Jessica enjoys learning and the constant acquisition of new skills and knowledge that a PhD offers. She also wanted to return to academia after working in industry.

Q: How does Jessica use her iPad as a PhD student?

Jessica uses her iPad for digital planning, note-taking, creating graphics and presentations, reading papers, and accessing email and online meeting platforms.

Q: What is Jessica's research topic?

Jessica's research focuses on natural products chemistry, specifically studying the compounds produced by marine invertebrates for their potential use as anti-fouling agents to prevent the build-up of organisms on ships and offshore structures.

Q: Is Jessica's PhD funded?

Yes, Jessica's PhD is funded, providing her with a monthly stipend for living expenses and funds for lab consumables and research travel.

Q: Does Jessica only do lab work or are there classes involved in her PhD program?

In the UK, PhD programs do not typically involve classes. Jessica's PhD program is primarily focused on research work, with her being responsible for planning and conducting experiments.

Q: Who is Jessica's favorite lab mate?

Jessica appreciates all her lab mates equally and considers them great friends and colleagues.

Q: What is the hardest thing about doing a PhD?

The biggest challenge for Jessica is the sense of independence and decision-making required in a PhD. Balancing the autonomy and making the right choices can be difficult, but it also brings a sense of ownership and responsibility to the work.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jessica shares her insights into doing a PhD, discussing topics such as her decision to pursue a thesis by publication, the use of an iPad for organization and note-taking, and the challenges she faced with data analysis and experiments.

• She explains her research focus on anti-fouling compounds and the importance of finding environmentally friendly solutions.

• Jessica also addresses questions about funding, the lack of classes in UK PhD programs, and the importance of being disciplined and organized in order to stay productive.