Unstable Fluid Podcast 5: We're not dead!
Sep 12, 2024
Thomas and Kat are back and diving into their academic adventures! Kat shares her journey after returning from the US, revealing she passed her PhD viva with minor corrections, sparking celebrations. Thomas recounts his experiences at a conference in Vienna and the nuances of networking. They explore the perks of research trips, discuss travel logistics, and highlight the balance of funding and well-being in academia. Their conversation is a blend of personal triumphs and insightful career tips, making academic life feel engaging and relatable!
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First Conference Poster Experience
- Kat attended her first international conference (BUGS) in Vienna and presented a poster plus a short flash talk.
- She found poster sessions informal and valuable for early-stage PhD networking.
Sneak Into Conferences Strategically
- If you lack funds, ask to attend conferences hosted at your institution or volunteer to help run them.
- The worst answer is no, and academics often support curious students.
Focused Research Visits Boost Progress
- Short research visits concentrate effort by removing regular obligations like teaching and admin.
- Kat found two months abroad accelerated her PhD progress substantially.