In terms of other funding for the US - I really don't know of any - apart from the sorts of things you've suggested there. It is a shame that there aren't more opportunities. But if you can self fund and find the extra bits of income and get the visa funded by the uni there - it could work. Sorry can't be of more help. Tudor.

Wow, amazing that you were shortlisted for a Fulbright. I wouldn't sweat about not answering one question well!!! You may be surprised yet.

Have you looked into the uni in the States to see if you can do part time work in the lab (or in another lab) to support your living costs as a visiting scholar? I know that some grad schools allow this - but the rules differ school by school.

Absolutely. And in the future, no doubt you'll actually look back and draw strength from this experience. Glad you are feeling more positive. Keep us posted!

Yes, what is your take on the results? If you're happy with them, you could be sole author. Or else get someone else on board, take their feedback, and co-author with them?

Glad it's not just me! I usually do what pm133 does - but I'm thinking of trying a different strategy, lol! Nesrine, do you directly ask trusted colleagues, or wait until you hear them say it by the by?

I learnt German as a teenager and really loved how the language has such clear sound - letter mapping when it comes to pronunciation. The problem is, I still tend to apply it all the time when I encounter new names and words - of any origin. Then I hear others saying the name/word the "correct" way, and it is so hard to un-learn my German way! :D :D Hence looking for other strategies!

Hi Nesrine, it is so difficult to be in times like this. I call them transition times. They're painful because you've got these hopes, aims, and aspirations - but there's no fruit in sight. I haven't been in your specific situ yet, but I do remember when I had finished my UG and was trying to get PhD funding. At times, it felt like, "how long do I keep on trying for then?". And it's true - some people try for years and years and still no joy. But I think that with your profile, it really is just a matter of time (and thus perseverance and resilience) and, depending on what's available in your field, really looking to broaden your scope (and thus your options) as suggested by pm133. Also apologies if you've already said this elsewhere, but are you also applying for RA jobs? They are another way in to a postdoc.

It may sound a naive or silly suggestion, but it might be good to watch some inspiring films/read inspiring books. I really like Pursuit of Happyness to help get me through such times. It sort of reminds you that others have been in what feels like dead-end situations, and there is success at the end of it (whatever form that success ends up taking - perhaps slightly different to what was first anticipated, or maybe not - maybe exactly what you had in mind!).

Best
Tudor

Uni 1 because you say you are more interested in the work you will do there. That's an important variable to consider for a successful outcome.

Does anyone else not have a clue how to say the name of some of the authors they are citing?!

That doesn't mean that you didn't have a good chance or that your application wasn't brilliant.

My only advice is that you keep on doing what you do - you obviously do it well (articles, prizes, grants and a PhD from the one of the best universities in the world). Such competition means that it is normal / very likely to have to try multiple times before being successful. I know it's easy to say that, but it is also a fact.

Be encouraged. No one can take away what you've already done and earned. And it will pay off.

Bewildered's advice also sounds like good plan.

And I'm sure your arsey supervisor has had to cancel something before x

Amazing - thanks everyone - this makes me think I am going to easily fit in one volume even with my doubel spacing etc. Yes, there is a guide and it gives me options on spacing etc. It's the number of pages fitting in the volume I was concerned about - but now my fears are allayed!

Yeh, I know... weird question! Basically, my thesis isn't that long in terms of words... but I used double spacing because I like it, and Romans size 12 because I like it... and it is an alternative format thesis with four papers in (and each paper has a long reference list)... so my thesis is getting to be pretty long - over 200 pages and I haven't even written the discussion yet or added the main reference list at the end or the appendices. I don't want to have a two volume thesis... so I'm wondering, does anyone have any idea how many pages can fit in one volume? Also, I want it to be single-sided I think... as I like the white space :D I may have to compromise somewhere I think (might go down to 1.5 spacing)! Anyone with a printing background know how many pages can be wedged in?

Cheers all!

Thank you for the encouragement Athena - I only just saw your message! When is your viva? The 4 day a week thing sounds good. My work environment is pretty laid back so I actually have found myself doing something a bit like that once or twice (without asking... oops). I figure as long as I do the hours and get the job done... All the best and yes I may pm you at some stage!

Tudor

If you don't feel like you can handle it right now then you did exactly the right thing in cancelling. I disagree with the others here. People cancel things all the time... how many conferences have you attended where a presented isn't there for whatever reason and so the programme is slightly amended (I've seen this multiple times and I have only attended a few conferences). It would be an issue if you kept cancelling and cancelled multiple different things. No one is going to remember this in a few months from now (that's if they even remember it now). Also, sounds like you've done a fab piece of research for it to involve such wide dissemination! All the best.
Tudor