{"id":3265,"date":"2019-12-19T14:02:57","date_gmt":"2019-12-19T14:02:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/do-you-understand-your-research-supervisor-extracts-from-a-live-ama-session-with-researchers\/"},"modified":"2025-04-04T11:15:55","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T11:15:55","slug":"do-you-understand-your-research-supervisor-extracts-from-a-live-ama-session-with-researchers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/do-you-understand-your-research-supervisor-extracts-from-a-live-ama-session-with-researchers","title":{"rendered":"Do you understand your research supervisor? Extracts from a live AMA session with researchers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">If you\u2019re planning to pursue a PhD or are already enrolled in a PhD program or a Master\u2019s program with a research component, you would know that your research supervisor plays a very important role in your life. A supervisor is like a PhD coach, guiding you along your journey, making sure you learn and develop the best and ethical practices of conducting research, helping you perform your research efficiently, and so on. It\u2019s not only important for you to find a good supervisor, but it is also equally important for you to develop a nurturing relationship with your supervisor where you both mutually understand each other \u2013 this will help you grow and succeed in your PhD. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">However, researchers often have a difficult relationship with their supervisors <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><span lang=\"EN-IN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';\">because of several factors such as expectation mismatch, lack of communication, and so on<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">. To try and address this gap in understanding, a few weeks ago, we conducted a free, open AMA (Ask Me Anything) session for researchers on the popular Chinese platform <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\"><a style=\"color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.sciencenet.cn\/\">ScienceNet<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">\u00a0We\u00a0set up a panel of three researchers who were passionate about helping researchers. The idea was to get researchers to ask the panelists anything related to dealing with supervisors during their PhD. This post introduces the panelists and shares some of the issues raised by the participants during\u00a0this session.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Meet the panelists<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/elizabeth-mulherron\">Elizabeth Mullheron<\/a>:<\/span><\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\"> Elizabeth is a second-year doctoral student pursing her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. She completed her M.A. in Counseling Psychology in 2018 and B.A. in Psychology in 2016. She is interested in researching the university to workforce transition, and anxiety in adolescence. Her long term goal is to become a clinician specializing in working with youth. She currently runs <\/span><\/span><a style=\"color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/theyounggradstudent.wordpress.com\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">The Young Grad Student<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">, a blog to document her time in graduate school and encourage other students on their journey.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/anastasia-doronina\">Anastasia Doronina<\/a>:<\/span><\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\"> Anastasia is currently a PhD student in water engineering at the University of Sheffield\u2019s Department of Civil and Structural Engineering. She is passionate about her work and describes herself as a \u201cBiologist by background (BSc &#8211; Biology, MSc &#8211; Ecology) and at heart, but managed to find a home in engineering.\u201d She is originally from Russia and speaks two languages. When Anastasia is not occupied with her research work, she is busy maintaining her own very interesting blog titled <\/span><\/span><a style=\"color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/streamacademe.tumblr.com\/\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">The diary of a PhD student<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\"> where she talks about her research and experiences during her PhD journey.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/shivanee-shah\">Shivanee Shah<\/a>:<\/span><\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\"> Following Bachelor\u2019s and Master\u2019s degrees in India, Shivanee acquired her doctoral degree in Immunology from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University, Illinois, USA. She has completed two postdoctoral fellowships, one at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Illinois, USA and one at the Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Massachusetts, USA. After returning to India, she joined Cactus Communications as a Managing Editor in the Publications Support Services team. She is currently playing the role of Senior Managing Editor in the Impact Science Division of Cactus Communications, where she focuses on helping researchers boost the impact of their work through alternative ways of communicating science. She is also a BELS (Board of Editors in the Life Sciences) certified editor and trainer for Editage webinars and workshops.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Questions received during the AMA session<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"color: #000099;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><u><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">On choosing supervisors<\/span><\/u><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"question\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">When doing a PhD is western countries, do you have any suggestions for choosing schools and supervisors? Any advice on something we should be careful with when contacting supervisors for the first time? Are there any qualities and traits of candidates that supervisors may prefer?<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Elizabeth Mullheron<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">When it comes to choosing schools and supervisors, reputation is not everything. Yes, things like an institution\u2019s affiliation with professional associations or a supervisor\u2019s professional experience do matter, but finding the right \u201cfit\u201d is just as important. You need to find a place where you are going to feel supported, like you are getting good training, and that provides you with good conditions for personal and professional growth.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">There are a lot of different opinions as to the best way to reach out to a supervisor for the first time. For me, I\u2019d say introduce yourself, be honest about your goals\/interests and how they align with the supervisor\u2019s research, and how you might be a good fit for the institution. Asking a question or two, and offering to answer questions for the potential supervisor is helpful, too. Remember, supervisors are people, too! For the most part, they want to make sure that the students they take on are qualified and will work well with them.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Something that my supervisors really appreciate is being \u201cteachable,\u201d or able to take materials and constructive feedback and apply them. Additionally, things like professionalism, timeliness, responsibility, and dependability have also been characteristics my supervisors have appreciated.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\"><b>Anastasia Doronina<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">I would choose a university that specialises in your field and is ranked in the top 100 universities for that country. For me, as I do a research based PhD, it was important that my chosen university was part of a Russel Group. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">It is hard to predict what a potential supervisor will be like, but it may be helpful to contact some of the students that are already supervised by that person to get an idea of what it is like to work with them. It is also helpful to read some of their published work.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">When contacting supervisors for the first time make sure that you have very good grammar and keep your email\/letter short as they are very busy people and are unlikely to read long pieces of text. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">A supervisor needs to know that you can handle yourself in difficult situations, are reliable, punctual, hardworking, and in some way unique. You also have to show how passionate you are about the research you want to do and why.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Shivanee Shah<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">I would recommend that you make sure you enjoy the research, the lab\/mentor has enough funding to support you and the project for the next 5 years, and that you discuss work ethics and expectations with the mentor to ensure that you have a good work-life balance.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"question\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: baseline;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">If my goal is to publish papers in top journals and get real world experience, do you have any tips for me on choosing supervisors?<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Elizabeth Mullheron<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">In terms of getting real world experience, I would encourage you to be really persistent in your own training and making professional development a priority. This can include becoming a part of professional associations, attending networking events in the community, or being intentional about meeting new people at conferences. Many schools don\u2019t focus on this inherently, so it\u2019s important that you advocate for real world experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">It can be hard to predict how many publications you will have and where you will be published during your doctorate. If getting into a top journal is important to you, I would encourage you to look for a supervisor who might be a journal editor, or who is at an institution that houses a top journal. Make sure you don\u2019t do this at the expense of your experience and how well you will fit with your supervisor and the academic culture at that school, however. This will help you to have a more positive lab experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Anastasia Doronina<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">At the end of the day, you will be the one writing your research paper, so I do not think your choice of supervisor is too important here. It helps if your supervisor has published plenty of papers in respected journals, but it is more important that your supervisor can find the time to review your work and advise you on how to improve, rather than being super famous.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Shivanee Shah<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Pick a reputable, known lab with good funding, preferably a larger lab where you will have more opportunities to collaborate and experience different projects.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\">\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><span style=\"color: #000099;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><u>On the supervisor-researcher relationship<\/u><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"question\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">What if my research topic diverges from my supervisor?<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"question\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Elizabeth Mullheron<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">I think this varies greatly depending on your program. For example, at my program, i was admitted before I set up my committee. Nobody was researching my area of interest, but I was able to adjust my project to keep my interests and incorporate some of the interests of those I asked to be my supervisors.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Other programs look different, and you apply to work with a supervisor who will incorporate you into what they are already studying. In this case, it\u2019s important to work with a supervisor who you share research interests with on some level (nothing will ever be a perfect match). If you can\u2019t find a program that has what you want to research, try reaching out to someone doing related work and be honest about your interests. This is something you could be studying for 4+ years, so it\u2019s important that you have some amount of investment in it! <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Anastasia Doronina<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">This shouldn\u2019t happen as your supervisor is on that project because the topic of your PhD is what they specialise in. However, differences can arise in how research questions are approached e.g., your supervisor may feel you should do one type of experiment and you may disagree. To overcome this, talk to your supervisor about your concerns and provide evidence to back up your points.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"question\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">How should one deal with the relationship with one\u2019s supervisors? Do PhD students in your country have a specific way of managing this relationship?<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Elizabeth Mullheron<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">This is something that is unique between each supervisor and supervisee. Each supervisor has their own personality and expectations from their students, and different personalities work differently together. For me, I try to be honest, have open and respectful communication, and to develop a relationship where the supervisor takes on a more mentor like role. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Anastasia Doronina<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Supervisors are only human, just like you, and so they can be very different people. Some prefer a stricter, professional relationship, but from my experience, most are happy to go out for coffee with you and have a less formal rapport.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Your supervisor will be your no.1 support system throughout your PhD, so learn what they are like, find common ground, and do not be afraid to have a professional friendship with them. Your supervisor is there to help carry you through the tough phases, make sure they like you.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">However, remember, if they make you feel inferior, uncomfortable, stupid, or make themselves unavailable to you, contact your student support office\/r, because a supervisor should NEVER do that.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Shivanee Shah<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Each supervisor is different. I have had three over my PhD and postdoctoral years in the US. One was extremely hands-free. I had full control over what I did and how I did it. The other 2 were more involved with the research and were always there to guide me, but at the same time gave me full control of how I wanted to carry out the experiments. All of them had different working hours and different ways of interacting with me. Stay professional, make sure you work hard and respect each other, communicate well. Everything else will fall into place.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"question\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: baseline;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">If there is an academic dispute with the supervisor or if the supervisor is not happy with the student\u2019s working progress, does the supervisor have the right to suspend the student\u2019s living expenses or send him\/her home?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Elizabeth Mullheron<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">There\u2019s a big difference between sending someone home for the day and dismissing them from the program, which would impact the student\u2019s funding. That being said, dismissals do happen (not too often from what I hear) and students typically have a chance to find a new supervisor to work with. The university handbook should have more information on these processes, as well as appeal processes.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Anastasia Doronina<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Absolutely not. If your supervisor makes you feel inferior, uncomfortable, stupid, or makes themselves unavailable to you, contact your student support office\/r, because a supervisor should NEVER do that.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">The only time you can be suspended from your PhD is if you fail to meet certain requirements set by the University itself, NOT the supervisor.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Shivanee Shah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Suspending the student\u2019s living expenses or deporting the student home is extremely serious. There will need to be a very valid reason for such an action. Remember that it is not just the supervisor whose lab you are in, but also the department and the university who will need to be involved in such a decision.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"question\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: baseline;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Is it true that PhD students must follow the supervisor\u2019s instruction exactly? If the process does not work out well, the supervisor can suspend the student\u2019s scholarship?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Elizabeth Mullheron<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">It is important to listen to your supervisor\u2019s guidance, but it is okay to ask for explanations to help your learning process. That being said, sometimes mistakes happen or hypotheses are inaccurate. Usually a supervisor should have some understanding for that. If there are severe issues between a supervisor and student, I\u2019d imagine they can be dismissed from the lab and the student can apply to another lab\/supervisor to work with. However, since my school is clinically focused instead of research focused I am speaking generally here. I\u2019d refer to the university handbook for clarification about how dismissal from a program works.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Anastasia Doronina<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Absolutely not. If your supervisor makes you feel inferior, uncomfortable, stupid, or makes themselves unavailable to you, contact your student support office\/r, because a supervisor should NEVER do that. Furthermore, don\u2019t be afraid to voice your opinions and stand your ground with your superiors, they are only human, just like you, and if you feel like they are misguiding or misunderstanding you, tell them. This is your PhD, not anybody else\u2019s.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">The only time a student can be suspended from their PhD is if they fail to meet certain requirements set by the University itself, NOT the supervisor.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Shivanee Shah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Following the supervisor\u2019s instructions is good practice. You should discuss with them if you disagree with them, but going behind their backs is likely to land you in trouble. Suspending scholarship is very extreme and will involve the department as well as the university and is unlikely unless the offense is serious.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\">\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"color: #000099;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: baseline;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><u><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">On understanding the supervisor\u2019s instructions<\/span><\/u><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"question\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: baseline;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Why do so many postgraduate students\u2019 superiors want them to go onto do a PhD?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Elizabeth Mullheron<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">This has not always been the case from my personal experience, but my guess would be that they feel their students could be successful and want them to know that doctoral studies are a viable option for the future. There may be a sense of pride in their students accomplishments as well. This wound depend on the person I\u2019d imagine.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Anastasia Doronina<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">I do not know if this is necessarily true in the UK. A student is only advised to do a PhD if their lecturers\/supervisors\/senior researchers believe that they have great potential to complete a PhD, especially if they supervised them during a Masters research project. However, in the UK students are not pushed to do something they are not interested in doing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Shivanee Shah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">When I completed my master\u2019s degree, I did not want to do a PhD. However, within a span of a few months, I realized the importance of getting a PhD. A PhD degree is important should you want to remain in the field and hope to progress ahead. I would recommend it only if you are passionate about the subject. Otherwise, staying motivated through the course of 4-6 years can be very challenging.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"question\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: baseline;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">I don&#8217;t know why my supervisor keeps persuading me to study for a PhD degree. I personally prefer to start working after finishing my Master&#8217;s degree. Should I refuse my supervisor even though he is insisting?<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Elizabeth Mullheron<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Ultimately you will have to decide if getting a doctorate is right for you, for some people it\u2019s not. For others still, it may be best to work a few years and return to school later. Going back to school later has its own unique set of challenges, but many people do it. I\u2019d encourage you to do what you think is best for yourself and to research whether or not a doctorate would be helpful in the field of work you want to pursue.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Anastasia doronina<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">You should definitely refuse to do a PhD if it is not something that you want to do.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">Shivanee Shah<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI','sans-serif';\">This is a very personal decision. When I completed my master\u2019s degree, I also did not want to do a PhD and wanted to start working. However, within a span of a few months, I realized the importance of getting a PhD. A PhD degree is important should you want to remain in the field and hope to progress ahead. I would recommend it only if you are passionate about the subject. Don\u2019t do it for the sake of doing it.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\" \/>\n<p style=\"margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\">We hope you could relate to these questions and found the answers useful. How is your relationship with your supervisor? Do you have any questions for us on this topic? Feel free to post your question on our use our Q&amp;A forum for researchers. We\u2019re sure our community members would love to help you out.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re planning to pursue a PhD or are already enrolled in a PhD program or a Master\u2019s program with a research component, you would know that your research supervisor plays a very important role in your life. A supervisor is like a PhD coach, guiding you along your journey, making sure you learn and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":33313,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2370],"tags":[2516,2617,1042],"new_categories":[],"new_tags":[],"series":[],"class_list":["post-3265","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-advice-for-researchers","tag-career-advice-for-postdocs","tag-phd","tag-postdoctoral-research"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Dealing with supervisors: Extracts from a live AMA session with researchers | Editage Insights<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We conducted a free AMA session for researchers on the popular Chinese platform ScienceNet and set up a panel of three researchers. 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