Overview of Tudor_Queen

Recent Posts

Leaving a fully funded PhD in a US institution as an international student
T

Hi Javier

On one hand, I imagine it feels like a horrible situation (awkward etc) - but on the other hand it is very positive that you have the opportunity to consider moving on to this other position if it is what you want.

Re wanting to leave on a positive note... If you decide to leave, it will probably be really hard telling them, and you have no idea how they will react (could be negative - are you willing to take that risk?). I can't see it causing any longer-term negative effect though, as your future references etc would be in Hawaii (assuming that works out!). They may even be totally fine with it - people do change their minds and leave from time to time. Do you have a handbook or is there a website or similar where you can find out where you would stand with regard to having to pay fees back? Maybe you wouldn't mind paying back 5 months fees even if it came to it? Also, you would need to make sure that the US embassy allows you to change your sponsor on your visa. I can't see it being a problem as long as you have a sponsor, but maybe try and find out before making a decision.

Also do you know for definite that there is a funded place for you there? I wouldn't make any moves until that I knew that were 100% going to be able to happen.

I hope this helps.

Submitting to conferences - two questions
T

Ok! I'm talking about abstracts for posters. So it sounds like I can submit the same one to both conferences... Cool!

If I leave an EPSRC funded PhD, will I be ineligible for another EPSRC PhD in the future?
T

I don't believe ESRC required repayment (I had a much thumbed through handbook during my PhD, and it didn't say anything about repayment on the leaving early pages). I think you could get funded again but not by the same university... it might depend on whether they have a list and check for previous applicants. You could call the admin office at the council and ask this specific question anonymously.

Submitting to conferences - two questions
T

Thank Pheonix Fortune and Skareem! The guidance on their websites doesn't say anything about this unfortunately. I know it's not allowed for journal publications. But it's just that if two conference deadlines are nearby and you want to increase your chances of getting accepted at one, it seems wise. Then again don't wanna break any rules. It's a poster abstract I'm talking about by the way, not a talk.

Thank you Rewt - that is also really helpful. I think I could have some results so far to show.

Thanks all... but I feel like I am getting a really mixed picture here on whether or not to submit to 2 confs... maybe it matters less since it is just a poster?

Cheers

Submitting to conferences - two questions
T

Thanks for the info and advice, Eng77. The conference deadlines are at similar times, so it seems like a good idea to submit to both, but I'll see. And yes, I guess I can only try re the second thing. :)

Concerned about Thesis (Submitted)
T

What you say (if it is indeed raised as a correction) sounds like a minor correction to me. The problem with preempting too much what they are going to raise is that you might be taken off guard totally if they raise something different (which they probably will - and if you are calm and know your stuff you'll be able to think / reason a bit and answer off the cuff so as to speak). It sounds like you are pretty well prepared and now experiencing some last minute nerves and regrets about minor things. Do some things to relax and have a break from thesis?

Good luck!

Submitting to conferences - two questions
T

Hi there,

I had two questions about submitting abstract to academic conferences.

1. Can you submit the same abstract to more than one conference (the idea being that if not accepted at one it might be accepted at the other - and if accepted at both you could withdraw from one)?

2. Can you submit an abstract stating background, method, etc but not with any actual results (and say that you intend to have the results by the time of the conference and what your predictions are about what the results will be?)

When I say "can you", I mean is it advisable and/or is something people do...

Thanks so much!

Tudor

Is an oxbridge place or funding possible?
T

I think that all you can do is wait and see. And that would be the same even if you had got a distinction and felt more confident about things - it is never guaranteed - there are usually more applicants than places. How about making some Plan Bs in case? You could even talk to the supervisor about other possible avenues of funding etc, or asking them about how you might strengthen your application in other ways. Sorry if this is no help. You can't change the result and just have to work with it. It is possible you'll get the funding since you do meet the entry requirements!

My chances of getting a fully funded MRC PhD
T

Hopefully other people might have tips too. But I would definitely reach out - anything that can show your enthusiasm, and help you learn more about what is expected and the project. I'd defo e-mail and ask for more info and ask any general / specific questions you might have also. I can't think what you would have to lose from doing that.

Good luck!

My chances of getting a fully funded MRC PhD
T

Do you happen to have any publications? That could help - especially if first author. I would say just go for it, as that is the only way you're going to know. If you meet the requirements then that is great. It's determined by a whole bunch of factors, not just students' prior academic results. If your project happens to be high on their current strategic aims, if you are shortlisted and perform well at interview, if you have existing working relationship with supervisor(s) etc etc. Go for it... nothing to lose... even if not successful you can learn from the experience and try again next time, using the time that elapses to build up your profile in specific ways.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

2nd P.hD
T

No, I don't think there's anything to stop you at all (except for certain people's incredulity). I'd be really interested to hear how you get along as I have also considered doing this. Another option could be to find a postdoc in neuroscience and learn on the job...

Transferring from UK to France (Funding)
T

Yes - there's surely going to be a way - even if you don't officially sign up to do your PhD there - e.g., through co supervision. Good luck!!!

Funding for American PhD students?
T

Hi there,
To be honest I had a similar issues when I was looking at funding for postdoc research in the US. The only option basically was a 1 year Fulbright scheme. It seems our countries' close partnership doesn't really extend to education and sharing funding opportunities. That said, having lived in the US for a while and experienced things there, it seems like you WAY more funding opportunities for research than we do here in the UK. So I guess, in a way, our more limited pot of money here does need to be ring-fenced! Good luck though - I hope deferring till Sept. works.

Funding for American PhD students?
T

The UK Research Councils are the main funding for PhDs here, but as you're probably already aware those are only open to citizens of EU countries. Have you tried looking at the websites of specific universities advertising PhDs and getting in touch with them directly to see if their own scholarships are open to US citizens?

Is there any point in writing up for an Mphil if you already have a masters?
T

Hi Thomasbombadilo

My only advice is follow your heart! But also, having read your post, I think your head is suggesting much the same direction as your heart... especially the parts about enjoying your new job and thinking it could impact on your day job if you did the MPhil. I'm not sure on that basis it makes sense to do it, unless you dearly wanted to. If you were jobless and worried how on earth you were going to account for the past couple of years to prospective employers, then I think it would be a bit of a different story.

I don't think it should affect the relationship with the supervisor. I'm sure they would respect your decision if they are decent (which they seem to be given what you've said). People leave/quit for all sorts of reasons.

I think I'd be asking myself in a year, or in two years, or in five... will I regret this decision? Is it likely that I will look back at any stage of my life and kick myself for having not done it and got that extra qualification? If the answer is no, then, well... :)

Good luck in whatever you decide!