Timeline

• Born 1980 in Liverpool, England, but grew up in Bolton
• Studied physics at the University of Sheffield (1999-2002) then took a sales job in an insurance company after graduation. I quit after 2 weeks and went back to do a master's degree in Nanoscale Science and Technology (graduated 2003)
• Moved to Nottingham for a PhD in Physics within the nanoscience research group with the brilliant Professor Moriarty
• Quickly realised that getting onto a PhD program is easier than completing one. Panic.
• Spent the next couple of years fearing that someone will eventually realise I'm not good enough to be there. I procrastinate terribly
• 2006: hit rock bottom and almost quit
• Recover, find ways to deal with the stress, beat procrastination and get the results I needed in the few months remaining
• 2007: wrote thesis in 3 months, and passed viva with zero corrections. The examiner said it was one of the best theses he had ever read.
• 2008: started postdoc position at CEA Grenoble, produced data for 3 publications in just 12 months
• 2010: 6 month postdoc at UAB Barcelona

During my last postdoc position, I realised that there were so many incredibly intelligent students who were terrified of the writing process. Since I wrote my thesis fast, enjoyed the process and produced quality work, I figured that maybe there was something I could do to help.

I started this site in 2010, initially focused on the writing process, but broadened to include the entire PhD. I have since worked with well over 400 students on a one to one basis, and spoken to thousands more through live events.

In 2015, I published the book, "PhD; An uncommon guide to research, writing & PhD life".

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