Two days...two viva's

Both Ali and Helen had their PhD viva examinations, one day apart. Here's what they had to say about it...

Ali The day finally came that I would defend the research I conducted over the coarse of the most difficult years of my life. The adrenaline rush was on high gear early that morning, and feeling more confident than ever that I will do great. Not even the moment I saw my examiners enter the room phased me, it was like I was more ready than ever. What came after was surprising, even to myself. I was expecting a challenge, and I got it. I was also expecting a fruitful scientific conversation, and I got that as well. I passed my thesis defence with minor corrections, and I did get it! 

What I didn’t expect, is feeling beaten down to my core, reawakening the imposter syndrome that I’ve been battling ever since the start of my project. Many thoughts rushed through my head “Is this really science that you can produce?”, “Was it right to undertake this difficult topic, from which I had zero experience in ?”, “How did I miss this obvious discrepancy in my data?”. It culminated to the final thought “Am I really worthy of becoming a researcher?”. A cocktail of embarrassment and self doubt. 

After days of reflection, I came to accept the obvious, there is no perfect research. The process of peer review and second opinions is to strengthen the research, not to attack the researcher. This exam was meant to test my acceptance of other people’s opinions, being able to thoroughly discuss the gaps of my research, and to transform criticism into positive constructive feedback. 

For that, I’d like to thank both of my examiners for not taking it easy on me. I’d like to thank them for the chance to test my own capabilities in accepting criticism, and that no one is perfect in this world. 

Though it may seem that I will be tentatively shifting away from research, and focus on my career in teaching at higher education, these lessons are invaluable and are not exclusive to scientists. It will come in handy in many other things in life. For that, I’m grateful for this opportunity and experience. 

Helen. I had a really great experience in my final Viva with my examiners Prof. David James (TUoS) and Dr. Daniel Spencer (Ludger Ltd.) It truly felt like an in-depth scientific discussion rather than an intimidating traditional examination. I received invaluable industrial perspectives and excellent advice on the future development of this project that will certainly be put to good use in my new job position. I am extremely grateful to Jags, Daniel and David for giving me such a fantastic opportunity to receive fair and constructive feedback on my work.