Well done, Chrisrolinski!

Can we toast 'article/thesis'? Anyway, congratulations again :)

Well done, Keep_Calm!

Like what Satchi had said, I'd probably window-shop, or sit in a cafe all day watching the world go by ...

Hi Jcr8q,

Lab-based PhD tends to take *loads* of time -- people from my department (Bio) work up to 80 hours a week. Having said that, I agree with Sneaks on not sacrificing your life for the sake of your PhD. Balance is the word here. I understand how you feel, and why you feel negative at this time. I, too, work long hours in the lab, teach oblivious undergrads, mark their lab reports and at the same time, trying hard to juggle everything to keep my sanity. It sounds awful but I am (and everyone else is) still surviving. I believe if others could do it, then I could do it as well.

Can't give you any more useful advice -- but remember to prioritize items from now onwards. You can't work out everything at the same time because things tend to fall apart when you try to manage everything. It's the same old saying: the harder you try, the harder you fall.

p/s: I have molecular biology and biochemistry background. In case you need any protocols related to these fields, PM me :)

Thanks for sharing, Satchi.

That sounded like an awesome visit. Mine is pretty much a cordial invite, and it'll be a short visit. Still, I think it's worth a try :-)

======= Date Modified 28 04 2010 09:04:07 =======
Hi everyone,

I have been lurking here for quite some time, and finally decided to join the cyber PhD camaraderie. First of all, let me (briefly) introduce myself before asking for your opinion: I am a second year PhD student from the southern hemisphere, and my work revolves around biochemistry and evolution. When I am not working in the lab, you'll find me analyzing data in front of a computer, doing piles of dirty laundry, cooking up a big pot of pasta to last me the whole week, or grocery-shopping at the nearest supermarket. Anyway, you get the idea.

So, the situation is this: I was recently awarded a travel grant for a conference in Europe, so it's an exciting time for me. The other day, my supervisor has suggested the idea of visiting our collaborator in the country where I'll be heading, and network with all these big guys. I have no problem for that, except that I have no idea what to expect during a visit to a foreign lab!

The plan is for me to spend 2-3 days in their lab, mainly talking about science. The idea of spending a few days with strangers is quite horrifying, as I am a shy person and need a lot of time opening up to others. Having said that, I'd be happy to present my data, or discuss science with these people.

I wonder if anyone here has had similar experience when you visit a foreign lab? If yes, did you find yourself enjoying the visit? I don't know if my hosts are going to bring me around the town, or just expect me to sit in their office all the time. I doubt if anyone is *actually* interested to talk to me because after all, I am just a lowly ranked PhD student. What should I really expect in a lab visit like this? Help!