In a way that went along the lines of "haha, I didn't waste any of my precious time, I went straight into my PhD". I for one found it really condescending.

I understand what you mean but you have to remember that a LOT of people dont even realise they want to do a PhD until later on in life. I only decided last year for example after I had done the Master's course.

I worked in industry for 2 years after my UG degree before I decided to do a Masters and then PhD.

I thought kc was a girl

I don't really understand it myself. I realise there will be a new pay system with loads of new bands of salary. Not sure if this is correct but what I understand is that for some people, it will mean a loss of earnings and some will remain the same (for a while). Considering how university lecturers and other members of staff don't get much money, obviously they are not happy.

I understand they want to show their annoyance at the system but because I don't have any lectures/courses etc, the strike doesnt affect me at all. If I was on a taught programme, I will probably not be happy due to losing a day of lectures/teaching when I'm paying fees.

I think it sounds like prof has taken a shine to you however many PhD applications require you to come up with a proposal before they accept you. The fact that he helped you is definately a positive thing but you still cannot assume an offer.

Maybe you email him asking when they will be letting you know the outcome of your application? I think thats quite subtle!

I think pretty much all the staff in my research group (and department) are on strike today. It will be very quiet me thinks.....

How about everyone else?

I get asked that and I only started in October!

oh no :(

I like heatwaves, I'm going to pray for one.

In the centre of sunny sheffield, I have seen no snow.

Yet sunny and feezing cold.....

When's summer comin?

I cant see the tank!

Please put the camera on, I like looking at the fish!

Jen, I don't like the thought of animals being in pain as much as you do. However, I agree with the others on this one. Yes people should be aware of alternatives to testing on animals but what are these and how reliable are they? The answer is, things like computer models (I work on these) which to be honest are nowhere near as reliable as animal testing (which also has is downfalls).

To be honest, if you're testing something like pesticides, I would rather know they were tested on a few lab animals than being put through some toxicology software (which mistakenly gives it the go ahead) and then result in hundreds of animals and plants dying and generally causing havoc to the ecosystem.

Apart from the few sick individual, these scientists probably try not to think about what they are doing and see it as a necessity rather than enjoyment. I take my hat off to them that they are able to do it because I dont think I could.

Yeah we have journal clubs too. It's a useful way of finding interesting articles in your field and making others aware of them.

I think talking about your own work can be interesting to other people in your group who may not be aware of what you have been doing. It's also a good way of getting feedback and people often have some ideas. Additionally, I find it a good way of practising my presentation skills (creating the slides as well as talking).

I like the way they swim around together...are they a family?

I've spoted some nice electric blue fish, a black fish and sammy, anyone want to see?