Professor Helen Cooper
University of Birmingham

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

Data orientated, direct, supportive

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

Provision of training:

In the beginning your training will be supervised predominantly by my experienced postdocs/PhD students, leading to more independence later.

Progression monitoring and management:

I will expect you to take full ownership of your progression but come to me when you need help troubleshooting.

I like to be kept up to date of progress on a weekly basis.

I have high expectations and will push you to your full potential.

Communication:

I am known to email my team/PhD students at all hours of the day and night, however I will not expect you to do the same.

The team has a WhatsApp group chat with which we regularly communicate during the week and weekends. Whilst I expect you to keep up with my/ team communications I will expect you to manage your work/life balance.

I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or my/our expectations.

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

At least once per week

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 week

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 week

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

A mixture of face to face or via video chat or telephone.

Open door policy?

Yes, but my pattern of being contactable for an instant response is not predictable.

My expectation of PhD student working patterns?

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

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.