Blog – The Hidden Work of Finishing a PhD
Emily Spencer reflects on the final PhD stretch, hidden thesis tasks, conference pressure, rejected funding, and finding focus before submission
All posts by Emily Spencer
Emily Spencer is a PhD Student at University College London looking at improving how GPs communicate with people with dementia and their family carers about their future care. Emily previous had a 5 year career break to pursue a career as a muscian, and has previously undertaken research on improving the care people with dementia receive from their GP practice, as well as end-of-life and palliative care provision in the community. Emily is also a new mum and will be writing about her experiences navigating motherhood and a research career.
Blog – Life After the PhD: My Fellowship Application
Emily Spencer on the strange clarity that arrived when her PhD funding clock started ticking, and why a fellowship application suddenly made sense to her.
Blog – Motherhood, PhDs, and the Funding Gap
Emily Spencer reflects on motherhood during a PhD, exposing funding gaps, maternity pay uncertainty, and why research systems must better support parents.
Blog – Learning to Let Good Be Enough
Emily Spencer reflects on perfectionism during her PhD, asking if striving for excellence can sometimes limit progress and wellbeing.
Blog – Battling Disconnection
Doing a PhD can feel lonely, especially alongside parenting and pressure. Emily Spencer shares how disconnection crept in and what helped her feel less alone.
Blog – Time, Work, and a Two-Year-Old
Juggling a PhD, new job, and parenting a fearless toddler, Emily Spencer reflects on time, balance, and how motherhood shapes her life and work.
Blog – Rethinking Balance in Research
PhD student Emily Spencer reflects on boundaries, wellbeing, and work-life balance in research, and how rethinking priorities can bring real change.
Blog – Letting Go of Mum Guilt
Emily Spencer reflects on mum guilt and explains why adding an extra childcare day will help her work and support her energetic toddler’s wellbeing.
Blog – The Exhausting Reality of Data Collection
Emily Spencer shares the day-to-day challenges of research data collection in dementia studies, from rushed paperwork to long hours and mental overload.
Blog – Staying Ahead of the PhD Panic Curve
Emily Spencer shares how she’s managing ethics delays, childcare, and deadlines in her PhD and staying ahead of the PhD panic curve.
Blog – Retreat, Regroup, Rewrite
Emily Spencer shares how a writing retreat helped her find rest, focus, and confidence during a challenging stage of her PhD journey.
Blog – Balancing fieldwork and family
Emily Spencer shares candid reflections on managing PhD fieldwork alongside family life, offering insights into balancing research and parenthood.