Dr Aga Gambus
University of Birmingham

Contact Details

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Who is your scientific inspiration and why?

Maria Sklodowska Curie – She was a Polish lady who emigrated to France, was a brilliant scientist, married a scientist, had family, played an important role in her community… I can see a lot of parallels between Maria and me and I aspire to be as good as she was.

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

Student-centred, understanding, outcome-oriented

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, leading to more independence later. Sometimes other members of the lab have more expertise in particular technique and they take over the day-to-day supervision, but I am always the main direction provider.

Progression monitoring and management:

I like to be kept up to date, and will expect to see evidence of method development/data generation results on a weekly basis with any needed advice. Once a month we have an overview meeting with troubleshooting and every 6 months a progress review.

Communication:

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.

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 fortnight

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. At the beginning of training I expect students to work in the lab at the time when other people are present so that they can provide any needed advice and help.

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.