Coming (virtually) from the states Alaina (a cognitive scientist in decision making by trade) drops in to talk to us about her new book 'What I Wish I knew: A field Guide For Thriving in Graduate Studies'. In this episode we discuss the trials and tribulations of academic life, how to succeed, how to explain what you do to non-academics, how to apply your skills outside of the academic world if you ever want to leave it (God forbid!). Not only do we cover some of the more pragmatic aspects to the researcher life, but we also cover lessons usually ignored in university guides; How do you balance a PhD while having child? How do find out what kind of educator you want to be? How do you hide the fact you don't know anything (that's a joke, you are there for a reason)? How do you stay sane, well-adjusted and connected to others when your life becomes a solitary expedition into frozen tundra of your subject area? This book is filled to the brim with useful advice for new researchers of any subject, please enjoy.  

A copy of her book can be found here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TTXWG3M/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_GRZESBTQF4C3QB255E82

You can find Alaina here:

Twitter - @statistress