Scientific Inspiration

Dr Linus Pauling as an eminent biochemist and proponent of Vitamin C in its metabolic role and implications.

Supervision Style

In a few words or phrases: Supportive, organised, collaborative and inclusive, student-centred. I have supervised over 36 PhD students as primary Director of Studies and developed a successful style.

Provision of Teaching

I prefer to take responsibility for your technical training at first, leading to more independence later. From the beginning of your PhD, I will expect and also encourage you to independently figure out appropriate methods and changes to methodology from your own initiatives but with regard to liaison with myself and with other PhD students in my group and also take when necessary invaluable guidance and advice from Postdoctoral researchers.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will expect you to take full ownership of your progression but come to me when you need help troubleshooting. I like to be kept up to date and will expect to see evidence of method development/data generation results on a daily/weekly basis. I will set out my expectations of your progression on a weekly/monthly basis. If these progression criteria are not met we will always discuss a plan of action together. I am here for advice and guidance to help you reach the goals you set for yourself. We will act professionally and in a mature capacity to achieve synergy and achieve timely milestones at each phase of the doctoral programme.

Communication

I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or my/our expectations. My office is open, and I will be very happy to let you phone me when you require urgent support and most times, even weekends for dialogue and help. Whilst I expect you to keep up with my/ team communications I will expect you to manage your work/life balance to optimum effect and maintain efficient progression and keep me informed.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

These meetings will be a mixture of face to face or via video chat or telephone, and I am usually contactable for an instant response 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.