An (a)typical PhD summer
by Nitara, from the UK, studying PhD Biological Sciences
As a PhD student, research never really ‘stops’ and summers can be varied. I have been lucky enough to spend the start of my summer in a place across the pond where dreams are big, and portion sizes are even bigger- the USA.
Teamwork makes the network
I started in Washington, DC where I was visiting a research group at Georgetown University. This collaboration allowed our teams to share research and focus on building a repository for animal social networks (what I am working on). Open data and collaboration in science is crucial! I spent the month in lots of meetings, working on new code and seeing what academic life was like at an American university.
The capital city was filled with fascinating museums – the American Indian Museum, was one of my favourites. Pictured above, the Air and Space Smithsonian featured some of the most significant events in the aerospace industry such as the first Wright Brothers Plane and Neil Armstrong’s space suit!
Taking off to… San Francisco!
I spent a few days in the Californian sun soaking up this city of contrasts. The infamous Alcatraz island prison was a must-see: imprisoning a range of American bad boys from Al Capone to a man who only stole 16 dollars!
Poster girl
Stanford University was the next destination. A conference in infectious disease ecology held among the Palo Alto hills was my first experience of a research conference. Although a little nerve-wracking, everyone was super welcoming and ice-breakers included a taco bar and morning hike which (literally) warmed us up. Conferences are a great way to learn more about the most recent research in the field but in a chilled out and sociable setting.
I presented some of my PhD project so far in a poster. I have been modelling the spread of infection and information as contagions that can transmit across animal social networks. As these might exert opposite selection pressures on how animals organise themselves, my poster focused on how making cliques could curb this spread.
Holiday from my holiday
Since I’m in California, I head to LA (it would be rude not to…). The Hollywood Walk of Fame and Santa Monica feel surreal. I read, tan and watch the Euros, although far-a-field, English pubs and football (“soccer”) are everywhere here too.
My early summer adventure is one I am super grateful for. I don’t take for granted the wonderful opportunities afforded to me by the university and my supervisor. Trips like this where I get to present my research let me work through that ‘imposter’ feeling and become more integrated and confident in my place in this new world. But now, time to fly back and get a bit of a reality check. Please finally be warm, Scotland!
