On 4 July 2023 I passed my viva. You can read my PhD thesis here.
I live in Berlin, Germany, and completed my PhD via distance-learning. I am happy to chat with anyone who is considering this. It is not for everyone, but for many provides the necessary flexibility (and for some it is the only option). I wrote about my experiences in a couple of guest blogs recently (linked below). But here is a picture of me at graduation in-person, on campus, wearing the magical hat!!
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I’ve been meaning to write about my experiences as a molecular biologist in academic science for some time, and one day I might. However, despite now tackling questions that truly inspire me, I am not quite finished processing my failure to gain the independence I strived towards for so many years. My plant science career ended in a mental breakdown, directly related to the toxic academic culture and a system that allows individuals to be used and abused. Yet here I am doing another PhD. But this time it is different!
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I feel like an imposter in many areas of my life, but the most interesting is how I feel with respect to the neurodiversity community. I am a child of the 1970s, and when my mum tried to figure out what was ‘wrong’ with me she was told I was just ‘highly-strung’ or, regarding my meltdowns, that I’d ‘grow out of them’. I never did!
Continue readingWhat is anthrozoology? That is a question myself and my peers get asked all the time. My short answer is that anthrozoology is the study of human and animal relations. My slightly longer answer is that anthrozoology is the systematic study of the ways in which humans relate to and think about members other species, and vice versa. But the more important question is, what should anthrozoology be about?
Continue readingThe current A-level result fiasco in the UK is disgusting. It is especially hard for those who are not in a financial position to simply retake them next year. Given the current job market, postponing university for many would mean either sponging of parents or claiming welfare. Having said that, in principle there is no reason why a person needs to go to university at 18. Someone who starts a course at age 25 still has a long life ahead of them to succeed in their chosen profession. However, that should be their choice, not a choice that was taken away by an unfair grade. Yet even a fair grade (one that accurately record the standard obtained) should not be viewed as a life sentence or an measure of intelligence. You could still reach the desired standard.
Since age 14 I have been adamant I will not wait until retirement to enjoy my life, or simply live for the weekends. Spending 8 hours a day doing something that is meaningless or unfulfilling was and is something I refuse to resign to for the long-term. I am still struggling to balance the need to earn money with the need to live a meaningful life.
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Pompeii 2016
In October 2016 I booked a last minute vacation to Pompeii, a place I have been intrigued by for many years. I travelled alone and stayed in a lovely bed and breakfast within walking distance of the Pompeii archeological site.
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Academic Cat Lady 