What is it like to be a PhD Student? Alexander (Ali) Thom is a 3rd year chemistry PhD student at the University of Glasgow, researching novel methods to alter the surface chemistry of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for biomedical applications. As well as discussing life in the lab and his journey to becoming a Scientistt ambassador, Ali reflects on being the president of the University of Glasgow chemical society (aka Alchemists’ club), volunteering with Glasgow City Mission, and being an avid rugby fan - proof that your research does not have to define who you are! 

Find Ali here: https://scientistt.net/pages/ambassadors

More podcast episodes: https://scientistt.net/pages/podcast

Mental health is becoming an increasingly poignant issue in academia. Studies completed in the last few years have published rather worrying statistics about the mental wellbeing of students and researchers, posing questions about what can be done to support them. Much of this starts with tackling the stigma. We're joined by Lucy Nichol, a writer and blogger that has used her own experiences with mental health to reach out and support others, as well as raising general awareness for the topic. In this podcast, Lucy talks about the variety and specific nature of generalised anxiety disorders, how they often start, are viewed, and what steps we can take to bettering our understanding of such issues. 

Find Lucy on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/LucyENichol

See more of The Scientistt Podcast at: https://scientistt.net/pages/podcast

A researcher at Cornell University, Oliver's newest publication uses multiphoton imaging to explore the role of brain blood flow reductions and capillary stalling in a mouse model of Alzheimer, fed a western high fat diet. Here we discuss his research in more detail, with particular attention to his crowd-sourcing methods, as well as the wider landscape of Alzheimer's research and advice for those looking for a way in to the industry. 

You can view Oliver's full publication here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-65908-y

Check out other episodes at: https://scientistt.net/pages/podcast