Talking around the library tree

This episode brings together Martin Faulkner (alumni), Uzma Kadri (a current student) and Charlotte Holgate (a prospective student) to share their views on Lancaster University across different stages.

They reflect on how the campus has changed in size and support, what they have learned from their experiences, and what they hope to gain next. It highlights how views and idea change, and what stays with you along the way.

This week, Faculty Librarians Gem Sosnowsky and Ciara Murray are joined by Charlotte Holgate for a comics-centric cast – join them in dispelling common stereotypes: comics are not "just for boys"!

Are you comics-curious?

Charlotte’s got some top tips for anyone who might have thought graphic novels weren’t for them…And, what’s next for comics? With more available in mainstream book shops and online, and more independent, diverse voices finding opportunities to tell their stories, the future looks bright!

Q: I'm new to comics and I'm not sure how to read them?  

A:  This a common question!  Sometimes page layouts are confusing, especially if you are new to the medium (or sometimes even if you are an practiced comics reader!).  The general rules are to read left to right, top to bottom, or if you are reading manga, top to bottom, right to left.  These rules apply both to the page, and within each panel.   A well designed comic will guide your attention across the page in the correct order, however, some creators make deliberate visual choices that disrupt these 'rules', using the layout itself as a storytelling device.  In these moments trust the process... they are taking you on a journey!  Enjoy!

A Guide to Reading Comics: Where to Start? | The Artifice

In the second of these two episodes on writing reports,Sarah and Rafel continue their discussion around the complexities of writing reports. Rafael shares some of his key learnings from writing reports for different disciplines, and expectations around sections of reports, including;executive summaries, limitations, and appendices. Sarah and Rafael also discuss some of those assignments which crossover between essay and reports, and highlight how students can navigate hybrid essay/report assignments.

In this series, we hear our student writing mentorsdiscussing different aspects of study. These podcasts are intended for any student in UK Higher Education, and they may be of particular use for people new to studying. They are conversational and should be understood as an informal source of guidance.

Produced by writing mentors from the Learning Developmentteam Credits: Sarah Robin and Rafael Ageno.

In this episode, Sarah speaks with one of our student writingmentors, Rafael. Rafael shares some of his experiences around writing reports,including strategies for success, expectations of report writing, andpresenting data effectively.

In this series, we hear our student writing mentorsdiscussing different aspects of study. These podcasts are intended for anystudent in UK Higher Education, and they may be of particular use for peoplenew to studying. They are conversational and should be understood as aninformal source of guidance.

Produced by writing mentors from the Learning Developmentteam Credits: Sarah Robin and Rafael Ageno.

On the importance of slow scholarship in universities, meeting students where they are, and the role of Nan Shepherd’s poetry in providing inspiration for researchin the natural sciences.

Sophie chats to Louise, the Learning Developer for the Faculty of Science and Technology and one of the co-founders of the Scientific Writing Centre.

“Even if I’m not having a good experience with writing, it doesn’t mean it will always be bad. It’s ultimately about your own journey as a writer”

On learning how to write from creative writers, the unexpected role of emotions in scientific writing, and the hidden amount of work behind what we read at university.

Sophie chats to Beth, the Learning Developer for the Faculty of Health and Medicine and one of the co-founders of the Scientific Writing Centre.

“Just write, write something, it doesn’t matter what. Just write.”

On reading when stuck, the importance of taking a break, and dealing with rejection in academic writing.

 Sophie chats to Liying, a Scientific Writing Mentor, and doctoral student in Linguistics.

 “Academic writing builds on experiences, just like fiction writing. Whether it’s experiences with reading, experiences with writing. Your experiences do shape how you write”.

On getting ‘in the writing zone’, approaching writing like a conversation, and on being neurodivergent in academia.

 Sophie chats to Nicholas, a Scientific Writing Mentor, and doctoral student in Nuclear Chemistry.

“Even though we feel that our voices don’t mattersometimes, it is always worth speaking up and joining the conversation”

On finding identity in academic writing, writing in a second language, and on sending “imperfect” drafts to PhD supervisors.

Sophie chats to Sofia, a Scientific Writing Mentor, civil engineer, and doctoral student in the Lancaster Environment Centre.

“There is no such thing as a perfect piece of writing. Allow yourself to learn, allow yourself to try, and find your style. The beauty I’ve found in writing is that you can go back to it as many times as you want”

On keeping the dopamine gremlin happy in academia, giving yourself grace, and on finding what works best for you in writing.

Sophie chats to Charlotte, a Scientific Writing Mentor and a doctoral student in Biomedical and Life Sciences.

“I have to find ways to enjoy the process, because sometimes all I’m looking for is the result. Just know that you do have the capacity within you, and time will tell what the conditions are to achieve it”