Neuroscience PhD student — Akanksha Jain

Through careful research, Akanksha was able to find a PhD project that encompasses her two favourite subjects, neuroscience and cell biology

How did you find a suitable PhD?

During my Masters year I knew I wanted to do a PhD. So I began searching for different research projects and came across BBSRC EASTBIO doctoral programme. I saw that one of the projects advertised on their website looked really interesting, combining my interests in both cell biology and neuroscience. I applied for the programme and was successful in getting a place on it.

How relevant is your first degree to your postgraduate studies?

I enrolled in BSc Biomedical Sciences at University College London, where in my first year, I was exposed to cell biology. I enjoyed the subject and I decided to switch my degree to a Masters in cell biology.

Still, I wanted to keep an open mind and took courses from other areas, like neuroscience. This decision made me interested in both neuroscience and cell biology. After graduating, I started my PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Edinburgh. Luckily, because my research project involves studying how cells in the brain communicate, I get to work on both these areas of interest.

Getting a PhD is relevant if you want to pursue a career in academia. It's a form of training programme that helps you gain skills and knowledge required to become an independent academic researcher. Through it, I have learned to be resilient, especially when experiments don't work. Studying a PhD requires the utmost commitment as it's a long process. Multi-tasking, time-management and working independently become daily habits. So, I would say a PhD fosters versatility, an attribute required in many jobs.

What are your main study activities?

Typically, my mornings start by checking emails and having discussions with colleagues or supervisors. I then plan experiments for the day and make a to-do list. The list includes writing protocols or preparing solutions required for a given experiment. The nature of experiments varies a lot.

Some days are spent in front of a microscope to image brain cells, on others I prepare cells for imaging or analysis using biochemical techniques.

At the end of the day, I sit and record any observations from my research, or read papers. Sometimes, if I have done a crucial experiment, I start analysing my data as soon as possible.

What are your career ambitions?

My career ambition is to work as a scientific editor for journals. Through this role, I can be at the forefront of different scientific research and can contribute to the impact of research on a wider scale.

What do you enjoy about studying a PhD in neuroscience?

I enjoy the flexibility and independence I have while working in the lab. In particular, the hands-on experience the lab offers, which allows me to get immersed in physical lab work.

What are the most challenging aspects of studying at this academic level?

Pursuing a PhD is not without difficulties. The main challenge is troubleshooting when experiments don't work out. Troubleshooting can be time-consuming and can cause major setbacks in collecting data for research. During these challenges, it's important to be adaptable and ask for help from colleagues and supervisors.

What tips would you give for choosing a Masters degree?

Consider whether a Masters degree is essential for your next step. If it is, then choose one that can help you specialise and prepare for it.

What advice can you give to others thinking of studying a PhD?

Talk to people who can share their experience and give insights into PhD life and academic careers. This will help you figure out if a PhD aligns with your career aspirations.

When looking for research projects, be proactive and reach out to potential supervisors. Don't be afraid to assess not only the project, but also whether the supervisor mentoring style or the lab environment would support your needs during your PhD journey.

Spend time exploring different funding options to help support you during your PhD. PhDs are long, so make you have the required financial support to cover you throughout your studies.

Find out more

• Learn more about the role of a neuroscientist.
• Read all about PhD study.