Nationality: Mexico
Unit:
Year: Interviewed 2nd year in PhD (2024)
What did you consider when choosing your lab?
The most important part of choosing a lab in my opinion, is that it needs to be aligned with your own working ethics, that way a nice work environment can be ensured. Furthermore, the expertise of the people from the lab (PI, group leaders, postdocs, technicians, etc.) is a key factor to determine how easily you can sail on your desired research topic for the next years. Finally, the accessibility to research equipment and facilities are important.
Can you tell us about your research topic? How did you decide on your question for the thesis proposal?
My research topic focuses on understanding the micro-scale flow dynamics on ecological contexts. Focusing on both the physics behind such processes and their implication in the health of marine ecosystems. To decide the question of my proposal, I kept the approach relatively flexible. First, I focused on finding an important problem (in my opinion) and then figured out how can I tackle this from my field of expertise. I would say that is important to find a niche, something that can keep sparking your curiosity for the duration of the PhD.
How do you prepare yourself for the thesis proposal? Do you have some advice for prospective students?
First draft the outline of the research. READ a lot before starting any experiments, so you don’t go in blindly. Prepare concise experiments that can help to support your hypothesis. Iterate your research questions a lot with your peers and unit members, get the feedback as often as possible. Furthermore, try to see it as the best timing to really get deep into the study of your topic.
How is your life in Okinawa?
It’s very comfortable since OIST takes care or helps in most of the paperwork or bureaucracy-related things. Housing is guaranteed and ready even before we arrive to OIST so it’s very easy to transition. And the support from OIST is very good to get used to a totally different environment. About living in Okinawa, coming from a big city is quite a change, but it had allowed me to appreciate slow days and nature. In addition to research opportunities by being in OIST we have a once in a lifetime chance to explore this unique island.
How is work-life balance?
OIST is a modern institution and has put on a lot of effort to provide a good work-life balance. Of course, a PhD has its up and downs but even for that, we can easily find a good support through Graduate School and Ganjuu Wellbeing Services. I appreciate that we have some degree of flexibility in the research style, some people prefer working at nights some people in the morning. Extracurricular clubs, recreational and fitness services are available to all the community which makes it easy to disconnect from research when needed and maybe even find some new hobbies for some people.
How does OIST support in career and academic development?
There are a lot of opportunities to expand our network and start building a career in academia. Either at external conferences and institutions or at seminars and workshops that are held constantly in OIST, there is always opportunity to be exposed and showcase our research.
