Raphaela Kitson-Pantano: about being a graduate student

What was the most useful training opportunity you have had as a graduate student?

Without doubt, the GRADschool I was lucky enough to attend. Research Councils run these 4 day sessions for the graduate students they support. Although I am funded by the Darwin Trust, not a Research Council, I was lucky enough to get a place on the first Edinburgh Local GRADschool run in Scotland (jointly organised by Edinburgh University and Heriot-Watt University). It covered presentation skills, assertiveness, time management, organisational skills and many other things. It made me realise how much beyond the science – beyond how to use a pipette – you learn while you’re doing a PhD. It was fantastic – especially communicating science to non-scientists – that was one of the most useful parts.


What has been the hardest challenge you have faced?

My supervisor has been absolutely excellent academically. But we’re very different people and that has been difficult sometimes. In fact, the GRADschool really helped with that too. It included some psychological analysis which helped me understand how we were different in our work styles. It enabled me to discuss it with him and now it works much better. 


What is the next thing you want to achieve in your career?

In the short term, I am desperate to finish my PhD – to write up, do the viva and get the PhD under my belt. After that, I want to do a postdoc. I’ve decided that I would like to go home to France and establish a scientific reputation there as a postdoc. Then I hope to be able to get a position as a “Maitre de Conference” which is a permanent post in France combining lecturing and research.