Dr Davinia Fernández-Espejo
University of Birmingham

In three words or phrases how would you describe your supervision style?

Supportive, inclusive, collaborative.

In one or two sentences please describe your strategies regarding the following.

Provision of training:

I will provide more guidance on conceptual aspects of the project and your technical training at first but expect you to increasingly develop your independence.

Progression monitoring and management:

I will mentor you and provide guidance to help you set your own goals and will support you to reach them. I expect you to take ownership of your progression but you will be part of a team so you will be supported throughout.

Communication:

I work flexibly and may email / message at odd times but will not expect you to respond outside your own working ours. We use slack for most lab communications. My lab has a strong ethos of supporting all members to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

How often do your PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting?

At least once per fortnight

In year 1 of PhD study, how often do your PhD students have a scheduled >30 minute 1:1 meeting with you?

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study, how often do your PhD students have a scheduled >30 minute 1:1 meeting with you?

At least once per fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study, how often do your PhD students have a scheduled >30 minute 1:1 meeting with you?

At least once per fortnight

What form do your 1:1 meetings with PhD students take?

A mixture of face to face or via video chat

Open door policy?

Yes, I am usually contactable for an instant response (if required) on every working day.

My expectation of PhD student working patterns?

(a) The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice for feedback (e.g. on reports, manuscript drafts, thesis chapters)?

I need at least 2 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.