Joker Self-Portrait
ANONYMOUS
A PhD is closer to juggling than one might think."
"
ANONYMOUS
A PhD grad is often seen juggling multiple roles and activities at any given time. If you observe a PhD student in the wild, you might notice all the roles they are juggling: sometimes a student, a mentor, a washer of flasks and jars, a nutrient provider to their (favorite) organism, a writer, an organizer—basically, any role you throw at them, they will try their best to juggle that too.
This reminds me of a famous clown joke, and I'll end with my version of it:
PhD student: "Doctor, I am exhausted. I’ve been handling multiple projects, never-ending experiments, and deadlines. My advisor is often unhappy with my progress, and I feel stuck."
Doctor: "The treatment is simple. The famous scientist Dr. Pagliacci is in town, giving a talk on how to maintain a work-life balance and achieve your goals during a PhD. Go and attend his talk; it should lift your spirits."
PhD student (bursts into tears): "But… Doctor… my advisor is Dr. Pagliacci."
About Anonymous
They are a biology PhD. student at one of the premier institutes in India.
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From Biological Sciences to Critical Studies of Science: A Journey
ANJANA
"This collage aims to present the elements of my journey from being a trained biologist to pursuing research in critical science studies presently. By including details from laboratory work that are seldom overlooked, and juxtaposing them with elements of critical science studies that constitute my current motivation, I aim to give a glimpse into what compelled me to undergo this shift."
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