Laura Noakes

PhD student

PhD student at the Open University

Switching it up: I presented my PhD research to a group of 5-7 year olds

About a month ago, I was invited to talk to a group of young ladies about my favorite topics. I immediately said yes, because what could be better than chatting about my PhD with future voters. But then, I felt nervous. I’d only ever presented my research to adults, and the thought of speaking to a group of 5-7 year olds was a little daunting.

I can’t believe I’ve been a PhD student for more than a year now!

After a brilliant break over Christmas and New Year’s, I felt a little lost with where to start, in the huge pile of work I had to do. Luckily, I started off the year with the SLSA Postgrad Conference at the University of Warwick. This was a great way to get rid of those Christmas cobwebs, and the sessions were all so informative and interesting.

My PhD journey has really evolved over its first year

One of the things that I love about any kind of large writing project is how it evolves over time. Ideas change, theories develop, and the more familiar you are with the project, the more you’re able to really dig in to what it is you’re trying to do. And in the last one year, I’ve realized that this evolution and change also applies to my PhD. 

A summer in the life of a PhD student

I’ve had the most amazing first year as a PhD student, and an exciting summer as well! It’s been challenging at times, but always rewarding. I’m really looking forward to where my research goes in the next two years!