Yeah, no problem, go for it! It's not that uncommon in the Sciences (although the 1+3yr PhDs are becoming more common). Good luck!

I've done it, it's really helpful. Obviously, you will need to ask your supervisor for permission, no covert tape-recording allowed!

It's the shaving legs etc that takes time. I don't ever shave legs in shower anymore (have 2" long scar on my ankle from trying to rush!)

Hello

You will want to publish as soon as you can, so as soon as you have something publishable (in a credible journal) then go for it! Good luck with your manuscript preparation.

I always err on the side of caution (especially if I'm contacting someone to ask for help/a favour!). If I'm contacting a person for the first time by e-mail, then I'll always address them as Dr Whatever (or Mr/Ms Whatever), but I'll just sign myself as Ann. Nine time out of 10 people will reply and sign with first name only so from then on, I'll address them by their first name.

Maybe it's an age thing though...when I'm teaching undergrads (usually about 10 yrs under than me), they have no problem with calling me Ann, rather than Dr Surname. I'm very happy to have an informal atmosphere when teaching but when I was an undergrad (all those years ago!), I've never have dreamt of called an academic by their first name unless specifically invited to do so...

Please send her my very best wishes, must be such a scary time for her.

Definitely don't try to produce a thesis without a proper reference manager. The time taken to sort out your refs now will be well worth it.

Hi Ethan

Best of luck with it, sorry I can't advise further but it's not my field I'm afraid. I'm sure if you want enough, you'll get there in the end.

Hello

"...with the sparse positions that appear from NGO and international charities."

Have you thought about contacting these people to ask them what would help your future employability? Best wishes.

It's only natural and we all do it but it's never good to compare yourself to other people in this way. There will always be people who've done better which will make you feel crap about yourself and there will be people who've done worse, which will make you feel superior (ok, that feels better but it's not good to gloat! ;o).

Frustrating, but it's not a waste IMO. After all, knowing which direction you don't want to take (and the reasons why) is very important for justifying the direction you do choose to take! Good luck

Grrr, that McKeith woman drives me mad!!!!!

Apparently, some people make their own by swilling out normal microtubes with Sigmacote (I use Sigmacote on glass vial but I don't think I've ever tried coating plastics...)

Hello!

Things that don't stick to silanised glassware often don't stick to polypropylene, so it's worth trying.

Can't help with the TOF, getting a triple quad next month though, woo hoo!

BTW, good luck with the MSc Roopa, you sound like you are prepared to put in the work so I'm sure you'll achieve the grades you're after.