A global pandemic is a unique challenge we are all facing together. Kelly Nam is a PhD student at the University of Adelaide and a strongly committed IMNIS mentee. We invited Kelly to interview and share how she has been managing and navigating this hurdle.
My research has been based on analysing data, but I could not focus entirely on my project because I was also looking after my children. As I am a single parent, it was hard for me to maintain my research journey.
Have you had to end, pause or pivot your research during the Covid19 measures? What are some of the ways you are staying motivated and productive?
I could not help but pause my research as I had to care for my children and also home-school them.
The Covid19 pandemic was unforeseen and since we have not ever experienced anything like the lock-down before, everything was new for me.
Setting-up software on my home computer was a challenge for me and supporting my children’s home-schooling was also time-consuming.
My research has been based on analysing data, but I could not focus entirely on my project because I was also looking after my children. As I am a single parent, it was hard for me to maintain my research journey.
From my experience, planning is the most important part for researchers; even though unforeseen events can occur.
Are you in the throes of a job hunt? What are some ways you are connecting, networking and searching for opportunities? If not, these are still good things to do – what actions are you taking?
Actively seeking a new job is difficult anytime and right now, there are fewer opportunities. So I focus on my research like usual – this is a critical action for me since I am in the third and final year of my PhD – I keep my goal to graduate in mind.
Are you doing any online learning or professional development? If yes, what types of skills are you keen to strengthen or develop during this time?
During Covid19 measures, I am trying to learn a programming language. Modelling is an important part of my research, and it is a good time for me to learn this new skill. For my research, I am keen to develop and strengthen my computer skills through online learning.
Is there any other advice you would share with other early career STEM researchers/graduates at this time?
From my experience, planning is the most important part for researchers; even though unforeseen events can occur. If I were a new PhD, I would be careful in creating a Gantt chart for a long term view, set my goals and consider my plan from various perspectives.
I tried to ease my mind and shared my difficulties with my supervisor. This helped me to accept and enjoy the situation.
How are you staying healthy and well during this time? Please consider physical, emotional and mental health and wellness.
Although I am resting at home more than I was before, it has been challenging to maintain my physical and mental health at their best. I was anxious because of Covid19 as well as the delay in my research.
I tried to ease my mind and shared my difficulties with my supervisor. This helped me to accept and enjoy the situation. Despite the delayed time schedules, I am now quite positive and cheerful, and focus on my journey.