Dr Samuel Dean
University of Warwick

Who is your scientific inspiration and why?

Leonardo de Vinci – a polymath and an inventor.

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

Supportive, honest, goal-driven.

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

Provision of training:

I prefer to take responsibility for your technical training at first because I have established well defined protocols for doing experiments that are done routinely in the lab (such as western blot, live-cell microscopy and molecular cloning).

As the project proceeds, more innovation will be necessary, and it is expected (indeed essential!) that the student takes the lead on this.

Progression monitoring and management:

I expect you to keep me up to date with developments in the project – when you make a discovery come and tell me so I can share your enthusiasm! However, I also expect you to come and tell me when things are not working so I can help you and we can work through it together.

I have high expectations of you and the data that you generate – but my job is to help you MEET those expectations.

Communication:

The lab has a MS Teams group which we organise ourselves and communicate lab business. You project will have its own MS Teams group through which we will communicate about your project (better than email which is easily buried under spam).

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 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 month

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

Face to face (if allowed under current health and safety advice)

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?

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 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.