A PhD is the highest research course you can do. And while it does sound daunting, it shouldn’t be! We sat down with recent PhD graduate Eva Fernandez to hear about her PhD experience and to bust some PhD myths. Here’s Eva…
Photo credit: Toby Burrows
What is a PhD?
A PhD is a specific research question, a tiny part of a big problem. It is a lot of work and dedication and you have to be open to doing a lot of different things that may be unrelated to your previous studies. My PhD studied the role that fitoplankton (the microscopic plants in the ocean) have on regulating local climate.
What has been the most rewarding part of your PhD?
A PhD can take you all over the world. On my first semester, I spent a whole month on-board a research vessel circumnavigating the Great Barrier Reef. I was also able to go to Antarctica to run some experiments at the Davis Station, and that was an incredible experience, for my PhD and my personal growth.
What has been the most challenging part of studying your PhD?
Probably coping with frustration. As a PhD student, you will work on different approaches to solve the same problem. Therefore, there is a lot of trial and error. I spent lots of hours, days and even weeks working on the same solution and it isn’t the outcome you want. Learning how to cope with setbacks and challenges was definitely the most challenging personal part of doing my PhD.
What are your tips for students looking to study a PhD?
A PhD is a great experience if you love the topic you work on. I would recommend that doing a PhD should be enjoyable! There is no point doing a PhD if you don’t have fun along the way. Take breaks, go on holidays and disconnect from your research every now and again. And what they say is right. If you work on a PhD topic you like, you won’t work a day in your PhD life.