I have a new job; one that I have dreamt of for more than 20 years. Yes, as of this week, I am a Lecturer*…
Today marks 20 years since I first arrived in Scotland for “just one year” as a study abroad student. At the time, I never expected…
Life has changed so much in the last 16 months, but life has also been very static. Yes, everything has changed, and nothing has changed,…
After several years of sharing my PhD Dreams with you, it is now time to share my PhD thesis! After all, it is only fair that you…
I cleared out my PhD office at Edinburgh Napier University today. It was a bit of a strange feeling as I know that I will be back in the…
It has been a long time coming, but I am finally a doctor. Oh yes, I am now officially Dr Frances Ryan. The PhD kind…
Regular readers will know that my PhD Dreams have been an important part of my life for a few years now. And excitedly, my PhD Dreams will…
That’s my final thesis submitted and all of the paperwork completed for my PhD graduation on the 4th of July. Are you as excited as I…
I am very pleased and extremely relieved to be able to (finally!) announce that I have passed my PhD viva – and with only minor…
As any regular Just Frances reader will know, my PhD Dreams began a few years ago. And my actual PhD studies began nearly five years ago. And now,…
In recent weeks, I have been busy presenting work related to my PhD. The first two of these presentations were workshops designed to help others understand…
One of the cool things about having your own blog that is just about you (as Just Frances is) means that I get to shout from the keyboard when…
Last week was the School of Computing PhD Conference, where all PhD students were expected to present their research. It was a long, busy day – especially as I was…
Today marks one calendar month since I began my PhD. And since I promised an update, here I am to tell you about it. Well, about…
It’s been a calendar week since I formally matriculated as a PhD student and a “work” week since my first day as a PhD student. So, as promised,…
Well, folks, it’s happened. It’s finally happened. I have finally started my PhD. Well, I have finally had my first full day as a PhD research…
Well, I suppose I should give a bit of an update as I’ve not said a word since leaving America. I’ve just been too frazzled…
I have finally applied for my new Tier 4 student visa. Yes, finally. It’s something I had expected to do more than a month ago, but plans don’t always…
Remember how I told you that I had to manoeuvre through an additional obstacle before I could apply for my new Tier 4 student visa? And remember how…
When I put in my first PhD application, I was filled with self-doubt. But I was accepted. When I applied for a second PhD opportunity, I worried that…