About this episode

Emily Spencer discusses the challenges and pressures of nearing the completion of her PhD.

Emily Spencer narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Emily reflects on being around four months from her planned PhD submission date, and the amount of work still sitting beneath the surface. She writes about the pressure of finishing complex analysis, using a Gantt chart to keep thesis writing on track, the boost of a writing retreat, and the sudden disruption of conference season. The blog also explores the tension between preparing presentations, writing journal papers, applying for fellowships, and protecting enough time to finish the thesis. An unsuccessful fellowship application becomes, unexpectedly, a relief, allowing her to focus on completing the current project and reaching the viva with less added pressure. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-hidden-work-of-finishing-a-phd/ -- Emily Spencer is a PhD Student at University College London looking at improving how GPs communicate with people with dementia and their family carers about their future care. Emily previous had a 5 year career break to pursue a career as a musician, and has previously undertaken research on improving the care people with dementia receive from their GP…

People in this episode

Guest: Emily Spencer

Topics covered

• PhD completion
• academic pressure
• thesis writing
• fellowship applications
• research career
• motherhood

Keywords

• PhD
• thesis
• Gantt chart
• writing retreat
• fellowship
• conference season
• dementia research
• academic life

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University College London

Books & works: The Hidden Work of Finishing a PhD

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