In three words or phrases: Supportive, Nurturing, Collaborative.
Provision of Training
I will teach you the main techniques you will use in your PhD so that you feel comfortable with them and so you are independent within a couple of months. You will learn some techniques from others (e.g., PhD students, post-docs, collaborators) but I will always be available to trouble-shoot and interpret the data with you.
Progression Monitoring and Management
We will generally have weekly informal catch-up meetings, and we will jointly decide on longer-term goals for when work should be completed. I will offer guidance on optimal and realistic timescales, and I always encourage my PhD students to reflect on their progression regularly, updating me when they feel ready.
Communication
In addition to ad hoc face-to-face conversations, I am happy to receive e-mails from my PhD students whenever they need my support, and if an urgent response is needed, I ask them to send me a WhatsApp message too. I normally reply to quick questions by e-mail within minutes or at least a couple of hours within normal working times, and if more detailed feedback is needed (e.g., on documents), I normally return this within a few days or a week.
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 week
In year 2 of PhD study
At least once per week
In year 3 of PhD study
At least once per week
Meetings will be a mixture of face to face, via video chat or telephone, and I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.
Working Pattern
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 Period for Feedback
I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.
