Dr Helen Onyeaka
University of Birmingham

Contact Details

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

I am a supportive and outcome-oriented supervisor. I will try my best to ensure a pleasant and fruitful PhD journey for my students.

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 the start, leading to more independence later.

Progression monitoring and management:

We will have a weekly group meeting as well as individual meetings. I like to be kept up to date and will expect to see evidence of method development/data generation and results on a weekly basis. If these progression criteria are not met, we will always discuss a plan of action together. Of course, I am here for advice and guidance to help you reach the goals we set together.

Communication:

My team uses email/Zoom meeting/Microsoft Teams/WhatsApp 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 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?

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

OR video call

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?

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