Shifts and turns

I read a great blog post by Patter about having to adjust the planned trajectory of your research to work around the obstacles that come across your path. This connected with me on multiple fronts: I sometimes get concerned that, each time I draft a paper or a presentation, I am slightly adjusting my researchContinue reading “Shifts and turns”

Personal brand

I am not good at self-promotion; I never have been. When I recently enrolled in a course that included working on personal brand, I knew it was going to involve some personal discomfort. As has become my custom, I immediately made a link to the book I am reading at the moment, Grace under pressureContinue reading “Personal brand”

Finding a theory

I have been advised that I need to define the theoretical basis for my research, but I struggle with the concept of picking one theory that will frame my research. None of my thinking up to this point has been based in any particular theory and much of the literature overwhelms me. A combination ofContinue reading “Finding a theory”

Connecting with theory

I have spent the past 20 years in the public sector focussing on Plain English writing. Stepping back into academia, it feels like everyone is speaking a different language. Nearly six months into my PhD candidature there are still moments when I feel completely out of my depth. There are theorists that I have heardContinue reading “Connecting with theory”