In three words or phrases: Supportive, motivational, student-focussed.
Provision of Training
Solid training is vital to your success and general well-being, and I will either train you personally in the methods you will use, or I will arrange for other well-qualified people to train you. Those people may be PhD students / post docs in my group, or departmental staff with expertise in a particular technique.
Progression Monitoring and Management
I will monitor your progress weekly in group meetings and informal one-to-one meetings, where we can go through your data and issues in detail. You will have an advisory committee who will more formally monitor your progress in twice yearly meetings. I am always available to help discuss new methods and troubleshoot problems to move your project forward.
Communication
In addition to group and one-to-one meetings, I am always available via email, and we can schedule meetings as often as required. My team also has a WhatsApp group so we can stay in touch that way as well.
PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:
In a group meeting
At least once per week
In year 1 of PhD study
At least once per fortnight
In year 2 of PhD study
At least once per fortnight
In year 3 of PhD study
At least once per fortnight
The meetings will be face to face and I have an open-door policy and (unless I am out of my office in a meeting, etc) welcome interruptions from my group, especially when I am marking! My team are my top priority, and I am always happy to help discuss issues, troubleshoot in the lab, and arrange meetings ad hoc as required.
Working Pattern
The timing of work in my lab is flexible, other than attending pre-arranged meetings and scheduled commitments. I will not monitor when you get in or when you leave, but focus instead on evidence of steady progress. I expect and trust my PhD students to manage their own time.
Notice Period for Feedback
One of the most important skills you can learn is how to write, and I will work with you to hone these skills. I will work closely with you on your scientific writing, providing detailed feedback on text, figures and format.
I need at least 1 week's notice to provide detailed feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.
