28-minute study vlog | A realistic and productive week in my life as a Medical Immunology PhD student

1. Life as a PhD Student: Balancing Seminars, Research, and Personal Time [1]

1.1. Academic Structure and Research Flexibility [4]

1. Seminars are a key part of the PhD program, but they are less frequent than undergraduate lectures [4]
   1. Seminars occur once a week on Monday mornings for about two hours [6].
   2. These include student seminars where PhD students present their research projects annually in a 20-minute presentation to the entire department [7].
   3. Keynote seminars feature invited guest speakers, often professors from top universities across North America, who give one-hour lectures on immunology topics [9].
   4. The speaker was particularly excited about a guest speaker discussing HIV in immunology and viral reservoirs [19].
2. PhD programs are research-based, not course-based, allowing for a flexible schedule [12]
   1. Beyond Monday morning seminars, PhD students set their own research schedules for the rest of the week [22].
   2. Elective courses, such as a business course, can be added for extra lecture hours if desired [16].
3. PhD students receive a base salary, treating the program as a full-time job [26]

1.2. Daily Routines and Productivity Strategies [44]

1. Work-from-home days are common for dry lab research [44]
   1. The speaker's research is primarily dry lab, involving statistics and coding, rather than wet lab bench work [45].
   2. This flexibility allows working from home to focus without distractions, as supervisors often prioritize work completion over location [46].
2. Strategic planning and redundancy in scheduling help manage a busy academic life [48]
   1. The speaker uses a Muji weekly and monthly calendar notebook, which has a weekly calendar on one side and a blank page for a to-do list on the other [50].
   2. Writing down the weekly schedule, even if redundant with a monthly calendar, helps remember one-off meetings and seminars that are not regular [54].
   3. This practice, usually done on Sunday or Monday, ensures awareness of all upcoming classes, meetings, and personal events [59].
   4. The to-do list side helps organize daily tasks [66].
3. Daily work often involves coding and statistical analysis [71]
   1. The speaker uses R for deep bio-analysis and coding, and Cursor to assist with code writing and statistical brainstorming [73].
   2. Work is organized into different folders for various bio-analysis topics, each containing output folders with statistical analyses and CSV files [78].
4. iPad and Paperlike screen protectors are essential tools for academic work [91]
   1. The speaker uses an iPad daily to read scientific papers [99].
   2. Paperlike screen protectors provide a paper-like friction and tactile feedback, making writing on the iPad feel natural, thanks to nano-dot technology [97].
   3. The screen protector does not damage the Apple Pencil tip, as the speaker has used the original tip for years without issues [110].
5. Balancing work with social activities and personal well-being is important [82]
   1. The speaker attended a paid dinner with their student association group at a Japanese barbecue, which was chosen by the speaker [83].
   2. Despite working long hours, the speaker recognizes the importance of exercise for mental health, even when feeling burnt out from years of weightlifting [122].

2. Managing Research Deadlines and Personal Pursuits [137]

Meeting research deadlines, especially for supervisor meetings, requires intense focus, while personal interests like baking and cooking provide balance and social connection.

2.1. Preparing for Supervisor Meetings and Lab Dynamics [137]

1. Intensive work is often required before supervisor meetings [137]
   1. The speaker worked almost 10 hours to prepare data for a significant meeting with their research supervisor, whom they hadn't seen in nearly a month [137].
   2. This preparation involves compiling data into a PowerPoint presentation to demonstrate productivity and progress [142].
2. Lab meetings are collaborative and crucial for research progress [235]
   1. Lab meetings are weekly gatherings where one person presents new data or reviews a recently published paper (journal club) [236].
   2. The purpose is for the lab to review data, offer advice, and discuss next steps, fostering a collaborative environment in science [239].
3. Bringing treats to lab meetings is a common practice to create a positive atmosphere [230]
   1. The speaker jokingly (but seriously) considers bringing homemade sourdough bread to their PI as a "bribe" to ensure a good mood during data presentation [230].
   2. This practice is common in the lab, where sweet treats are brought to make everyone happy and facilitate smoother discussions [232].

2.2. Personal Hobbies and Culinary Adventures [149]

1. Baking sourdough bread is a cherished hobby and a way to connect with others [149]
   1. The speaker enjoys making sourdough bread, often baking two large loaves: one for freezing and one for gifting [152].
   2. This is considered a "love language" and a way to share with friends at parties or girls' nights [155].
   3. A perfect sourdough schedule involves starting the dough the day before, letting it rest overnight, and baking it in the morning before going to the lab [217].
   4. Sharing bread is preferred over storing multiple loaves, encouraging more frequent baking [223].
2. Trying new cooking methods for healthier meals [160]
   1. The speaker aims to eat healthier by cooking at home more often, using an air fryer for roasting vegetables [162].
   2. An attempt was made to cook chicken thighs on a cold stainless steel pan to perfectly render the skin, a technique seen online [171].
   3. While the chicken tasted good, the method resulted in significant oil splatter and took 30 minutes, making it less practical for quick meal prep compared to the air fryer [186].