CSEd PhD

Embarking on a PhD journey is both exhilarating and daunting. The first six months are a whirlwind of new experiences, challenges, and discoveries. As I reflect on this period, I realize how much I’ve grown, both academically and personally. Here’s what I’ve learned so far as a part-time doctoral student.

1. The transition from structured learning to independent research

One of the most significant shifts I experienced was moving from a structured learning environment in my undergraduate and master’s degrees, to the largely self-directed world of PhD research. In my previous studies, I had a clear syllabus, set deadlines, and well-defined expectations. In contrast, the PhD demands a high degree of autonomy.

• Learning to navigate ambiguity: I have started to identify my own research direction, identify gaps in the literature, and formulate my questions. This freedom is liberating, but it also comes with the challenge of managing uncertainty. I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have all the answers and that part of the PhD journey is embracing this ambiguity.
• Developing time management skills: With fewer externally imposed deadlines, effective time management becomes crucial. I have a monthly goal planning cycle where I set goals for my research work, my development as a researcher, and tasks that arise through the university. The balance between these is delicate, especially as a part-time PhD student, having a clear plan and holding myself accountable to it helps me to stay on track.

2. The importance of building a support network

Another lesson I’ve learned is the importance of building and maintaining a strong support network. The PhD journey can be isolating at times, and having a community of peers, mentors, and friends is invaluable.

• Finding your community: Whether it’s within your department, research group, or a broader academic network, finding people who understand your challenges and can offer advice or simply a listening ear is crucial. I co-lead a support group for CSEd PhD students that meets monthly to provide advice and support. Reach out to me if you’d like an invite – we are an open, inclusive and friendly group!

3. The challenge of balancing depth and breadth

My PhD research requires a detailed focus into a specific topic, but I am also keen to maintain a broad understanding of developments in CSEd research.

• Diving deep: My research combines neuroscience and physical computing, and I’ve been spending hours reading, and analysing data to a high level of detail. This deep focus is necessary to make an original contribution to the field, but I am aware that it can also lead to a sense of ‘tunnel vision’.
• Staying broad: To avoid becoming too narrowly focused, I’ve made it a point to stay engaged with broader developments in my field. I do this by attending conferences, reading ( a good starting point is Communications of the ACM) and keeping an eye on LinkedIn for opportunities to attend computing education seminars and talks. This not only enriches my research but also keeps me connected to the larger academic conversation.

4. The value of persistence and resilience

The PhD journey is a marathon, not a sprint. There are days when progress is slow, data seems impenetrable, or writing seems impossible. Persistence and resilience are essential qualities that I’ve had to cultivate.

• Maintaining momentum: One technique that I’ve found helpful to keep moving forwards with my work is Hugh Kearn’s idea of golden hours. I aim to have at least two golden hours a day when I turn off all notifications and emails, and really focus on the task in hand. The momentum generated by this concentration is usually enough to keep me going long past the hour.
• Taking breaks: The other technique I use to increase my resilience is to take mindful breaks where I intentionally choose to do something that takes me away from a screen. Over the summer, that’s usually been in the garden, and as winter comes I plan to be more aware of how I use indoor spaces to relax, reset and refresh.

Conclusion

The first six months of my PhD journey have been a period of intense learning and growth. I’ve navigated the transition to independent research, built a supportive network, and learned the value of persistence. While the road ahead is long and challenging, these lessons have equipped me with the tools and mindset needed to continue on this path with confidence and resilience.