Dr Lucy Crouch
University of Birmingham

Contact Details

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

Supportive, organised, collaborative

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

Provision of training:

There will be a supportive environment for your technical training and development at the beginning of you PhD. As your PhD progresses, a more collaborative environment will be promoted as you become more independent and confident in the techniques you are using. Developing your own ideas and direction of the research will be encouraged.

Progression monitoring and management:

I like to be involved in someone’s progress in the lab, especially if there is an exciting result! You will be encouraged to set your own goals and I can provide advice and guidance on this.

Communication:

I try to be as accessible to people as possible in work and I will always try to make time to talk if you ask. Outside of normal hours I will get back to you as soon as I can. I will not expect you to be working outside of normal hours as I think having a break is really important. There may be times when you have to complete a long experiment, but that is the nature of this type of work and you will be encouraged to take time off to make up for it.

How often do your PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting?

About 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 fortnight

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?

A mixture of face to face or via video chat or telephone.

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 2 weeks’ notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words. This depends on how busy I am.