The PGR Cast

With so many job options out there for engineering graduates, few engineers opt for the PhD path. In this episode, Luka and Rory speak with Mishaal Sanad, a PhD student in mechanical engineering, about research at the science-engineering interface.

So you vaguely know how to play D&D. But why should you consider giving it a go? In Part II of our PGR-RPG Q&A, Olivia, Rory and Lu discuss what roleplaying games can teach us as postgraduates (and humans), alongside many recommendations for how to get started and where to find inspiration (pun intended).

Your PGR years aren't just a time for research: they're also a great time for exploring new interests. In our first dip into postgrad pastimes, Olivia quizzes Rory and special guest Lu about the tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons, as well as a few other RPGs that are increasingly popular amongst the PGR community.

Part I of this interview focuses on the basics: what a campaign is, how to create a character and what's up with all the dice. But the questions did not stop there, so come back in two weeks for a second installment of our PGR RPG Q&A.

Starting a business alongside your PhD is a daunting prospect, but it is possible. In our Valentine's episode of PGR Cast, Luka and Olivia speak with Matt Bone, Bristol PhD student and CEO extraordinaire, about turning your idea, passion and hard work into an enterprise.

Where do you go when you face a problem in your studies? In the first PGR Cast of 2023, Rory and Luka speak with Lu Macey, the incumbent Postgraduate Education Officer at Bristol SU, who explains how elected student reps fight to make sure that PGR voices are heard by university decision makers.

To find out more about Lu Macey's work as PG Education Officer, see www.bristolsu.org.uk/voice/officers/postgraduate-education

To find out more about the upcoming Bristol SU elections, see www.bristolsu.org.uk/voice/elections

This episode was created by Rory Burford (producer/host), Luka Vojnovic (host) and Michael Rumbellow (editor), with support from the Bristol Doctoral College.

Putting together a PhD can feel all-consuming. In the December episode of the PGR Cast by the Bristol Doctoral College, Sebastian discusses coaching PhD students, and the importance of healthy work-life balance with Dr Natalie Lancer, chartered psychologist, author and accredited coach.

Podcast by the Bristol Doctoral College PGR Cast Team.

Produced and hosted by Sebastian Bustamante-Brauning

Edited and Mixed by Phil Smith

To find out more about Natalie's Smart Self Care Approach go to: https://natalielancer.com/

And to find out about studentships and training opportunities offered by the South, West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership visit:

https://www.sww-ahdtp.ac.uk/

In this episode, Olivia and Luka interview Dr. Gemma Sharp, an associate professor at the University of Exeter working in reproductive and mental health epidemiology. We discuss women's mental health, social and biological differences affecting mental health in women, the Pint of Science scheme, and FemTech and Big Data for research.

More about Gemma: https://gemmasharp.uk/biography/

More about Pint of Science: https://pintofscience.com/

In this episode, Claudia and Matt interview Peter Broburg, a visiting researcher at the Bristol Composites Institute. Peter is a PhD student at the University of Aalborg, Denmark where he is investigating the manufacturing of composites for wind turbine blade applications. We discuss differences between the UK and Denmark in terms of quality life, how doctorates are assessed, and more.

In this episode, Claudia and Matt interview Dr Geraint Havard, exploring what happens when experiments yield no results, the challenge of needing to specialise in disciplines other than your own, and more. Geraint is director of materials testing at R-Tech Materials and completed an EngD in the corrosion of oil refinery materials due to biodiesel at Swansea University.

In this episode, Claudia and Matt interview Neil Ward, Emeritus Professor in analytical chemistry at the University of Surrey. We explore Neil's knowledge and experience of supervising masters and PhD students, from how to prepare for a research degree and overcoming challenges while studying, to changes in postgraduate education globally.