Posted on by Itumeleng

Lessons from the halfway mark

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 As I cross the halfway checkpoint of my Ph.D. studies, I am filled with a sense of awe and a hint of panic. As I previously described, there are many reasons to undertake a Ph.D. in Biology (here). But aside from the grand reasons for starting on this path, I find myself asking if there were any insights I’ve gained that I’d never anticipated. In this post, I want to share three key moments in my Ph.D. thus far that have influenced how I view research and academia in general.

  1. The best-laid plans of men and mice often go awry

Like many before me, when I began my studies I had grand intentions of how my experiments would proceed and had contingency plans. But, as I progress through my studies I realised that research is not as linear as I had anticipated. Now, I know what I’m saying is no news to many of you. But, for someone who has OCD tendencies and perfectionist attributes it is hard sometimes to “just go with the flow” as my cousin would say. I found it extremely difficult to let go and accept the new path unfolding in front of me. This experience has taught me that even with the best-laid plans, in research there must always be room for unexpected turns along the way and I now take solace in that fact.

  1. The road to academic success is paved with collaborations

Increasing advancements in science and technology have made it possible for scientists from different fields to find common ground and work together. I have found attending seminars outside of my narrow field of research not only provides a much-needed mental escape, but also increases the likelihood of meeting scientists who could provide a fresh perspective on my work. As I previously mentioned, identifying a possible collaborator is important, but also maintaining those collaborations. All great scientists of our time have all echoed this message – science does not flourish in a vacuum!

  1. The pursuit of a Ph.D. is lonesome

Yes, I know I just talked about meeting new people. But getting a PhD is perhaps the loneliest journey you’ll ever undertake, and nobody talks about it! Let me explain — nobody else on this planet will be as invested in your project as you, and only you have the power to make it a success. There will be times when even you will grow tired of saying “No, sorry I cannot join you today; I have to run a gel/experiment”, and your project starts invading and occupying every thought that comes into your mind. Ultimately, it all falls on you, and you really will feel alone. But, I do not want to leave you with just a one-sided story; just as nobody is as invested in your project, nobody is as EXCITED about your project as you. ALWAYS remember that! The passion will carry you through.

As I reflect on how far I have come in the short time I have been here, I am filled with excitement when I think about what the future holds. There is nowhere I would rather be than this exact point in time/space (Well, maybe somewhere high up in the Cederberg  🙂 ).

 

 

Posted on by Itumeleng

Becoming unstuck: how to keep on writing

I am approaching the halfway checkpoint of my doctoral training and research. As I previously mentioned (here and here), I am doing my Ph.D in biology and my work is deeply rooted in the hologenome concept of evolution. I consider myself to be very fortunate to have a supportive/encouraging mentor and amazing technical support to excel in my work. At this stage in my programme, I have my comprehensive exams in a few weeks and it is a very stressful period for any student. In my recent blog, I discussed tips and methods that keep my awake and focused. Here, I want to discuss how to become unstuck when you have been writing for too long and you feel like your brain is about to unhinge 😉 .

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Of all the aspects of the scientific process- I thoroughly enjoy the writing processes and I find it to be very cathartic to see your ideas on paper, or on your computer screen. However, like many before me, mental fatigue can take its toll on my writing capability. This is my fourth attempt at putting the blog post together! One of my favourite scientific bloggers and academic Raul Pacheco-Vego (@raulpacheco) wrote a brilliant piece on how to become unstuck. In it, he discusses the five strategies that he uses: 1) write an outline, 2) set writing targets, 3) answer questions regarding your work/topic, 4) read a paper and synthesise it, and 5) go for a walk with a pen and jot down ideas as they come to you. As always, he gives pertinent advice on how to increase productivity and writing. I have spent the past week experimenting with different approaches/strategies to get myself unstuck and get back to writing.

It was only when I stepped away from my work/writing for a whole day that the words started coming back to me. Now, I must confess the dreaded ‘monkey demon of PhD guilt’ — eloquently summarised by Katherine Firth (@katrinafee) — is a reality. And, it was only when I understood and tamed my monkey demon that I was able to relax and come back to my work more focused. I take a day off work and I do not think about my work or even discuss it. I find that keeping active and doing tasks that do not require a lot of thinking helps. Now, I hear you asking yourself- what does he do on his off day? Well, I love the being outside and I also take this time to clear up things at home. Often, we get so consumed with work and we tend to let some things at home fall behind. For instance, I use this day to separate my recycling garbage bin and some ironing. I also go for extended walks and picnics in the botanical garden near my house.

One of my friends uses this day to catch up on movies and TV series; frankly, I have never been one for TV. Some draw inspiration from comics… How about you, dear reader, how do you break your writer’s block? Is there a special hobby or regimen you follow to get yourself back in your writing zone?

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