{"id":736,"date":"2025-03-28T17:33:28","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T17:33:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chemfs\/?p=736"},"modified":"2025-05-20T10:30:47","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T09:30:47","slug":"supervisor-relationships-being-a-phd-student","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chemfs\/2025\/03\/28\/supervisor-relationships-being-a-phd-student\/","title":{"rendered":"Supervisor relationships and being a PhD student"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

One of the main reasons I chose to study at the University of Kent was my current supervisor\u2019s expertise and excellence.<\/p>\n

By chance, I entered a competition run by an organization she founded, aimed at creating space for minority group scientists like myself\u2014women from Africa. She was on the judging panel, and unbeknownst to me, she was impressed by my application and excited to meet me. She even expressed interest in collaborating on my PhD!<\/p>\n

We finally met in 2022 when I visited the UK as a research fellow in her lab, and I was blown away by what she stood for.<\/p>\n

She\u2019s a female professor in the field of chemistry\u2014rare and inspiring, especially at such a young age. She\u2019s approachable, relatable, and genuinely passionate about helping students thrive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s my advice (from experience) on how to navigate the supervisor-student relationship in postgrad:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Freedom to Spar<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Being a PhD student, especially in STEM, can feel intimidating. It’s crucial to have a supervisor who welcomes your ideas, questions, and challenges, without feeling insecure. My supervisor taught me the value of respectful debate and exploration.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Exceptional Research <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      A supervisor who’s passionate about their research makes all the difference. My supervisor is pioneering in areas like microbiology, pharmaceuticals, and cancer treatment. Her contributions to the field are impressive, and she inspires me to do the same.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Group Dynamics Matter<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        What really stands out is how my supervisor treats everyone in the lab. She cares about her team\u2019s academic and personal well-being, and she knows how to bring out the best in each individual. Her approach is both nurturing and motivating.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        This isn\u2019t a post about boasting about how amazing my supervisor is (though she is!). It\u2019s about being intentional when choosing a supervisor. It’s not just about enrolling\u2014it\u2019s about finding someone who helps you grow, not just academically but personally, the cost of excellence if you will so call it.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        I\u2019m grateful for how my supervisor:<\/p>\n