Three points about my #PhD experience

I was going through some of my old shorts on #YouTube and stumbled on some PhD-related ones. So I decided to write up a short blog post to share the wisdom with the world, hoping to inspire and to prepare aspiring PhD candidates.

My experience and record are as follows. I attempted my first PhD program in Dual Title Ecology and Astrobiology program at the Pennsylvania State University, but was let go about a year into the program. However, the amazing courses in #astronomy at Penn State and professors contributed for me to seriously consider doing a career in astronomy, although I decided to do it slower. So, after some time off working, pursuing a Master’s degree in Physics and French, working at NASA as an intern, and studying abroad one year in Paris, I dared to pursue again a PhD many years later, but this time just the PhD in Astronomy program, at the University of Turku, studying a topic of my interest – the SuperMassive Black Holes and their environments (aka ecology?). The second time I managed to finish the program despite the challenges. Of course, other people have other experiences, but it’s worth sharing some of mine so that especially people who like me came from non-research institute are familiar with the PhD joys and conundrums. I attempt to give at least few tips on resolving the challenges that I mention, to hopefully give some solutions or ideas to try, or inspiration to find your own solution and not give up or give up with peace. So here we go.

Thinking about a #PhD? Here are three shorts regarding my experience in a PhD #Astronomy program. I had an opportunity to pursue #research in a topic of #quasars that I was very passionate about, so it was an abosule delight to study. On the other hand, some practicalities were challenging. Hopefully this insight will help you to navigate your journey successfully.

#education #success #career #stem

1. PhD based on Publications

I was attracted to the program at the Turun yliopisto – University of Turku due to the research topic availability and also that I could do the so-called “publication-based” thesis. The positive side was that I worked on real #publications as core part of the thesis, which was a great #career advantage. On the other hand, in my experience, to produce published work as a leading #author most of the time took years for each paper, which I found to be a challenge in planning my life, my finances, and not but least to retain motivation (you need #funding to support your research all those years otherwise you are in a tough position).

I am proud of myself for finishing the program though, because it was my second time attempting a PhD and the first time I was not successful (Penn State University), and I am grateful to all who supported my success in finishing the program. Here is a bit about this type of thesis.

As a tip, first of all try to persevere. Second, talk to other students and postdocs, because they might have gone through those steps before you and have a fresher knowledge on how they overcame research challenges. Third, be in contact with your advisor about any problems you have.

Lastly for this point, from my side, after my first paper, I had been in the program for several years and learned who does what in the department. I noticed that I had more confidence to navigate the program and more confidence that I would graduate after that first paper. I also studied a bit and noticed how professors treated their students, who got published, who was student-friendly, who was friendly to women! (e.g. published with early career female students, because some professors as a red flag for me had ZERO female students ! why? ). I also realized how difficult it is to navigate and publish on time, so I looked who was able to publish frequently and student-timeframe-friendly projects and who was responsive. I asked, for example, my advisor to collaborate with local astronomers, because I noticed that my projects did not create yet interactions with other amazing researchers within my department. And I also got lucky that an appropriate project came up where I could contribute my skills. 

The Department Chair of my program advised me to write the paper from the beginning of the research, and that applies also to thesis in a way. Save your bibliography, reading notes, study the previous thesis, save copies, start writing general things, save your presentations, class notes, your ideas, research questions that interest you, seminars, research notes, and discarded parts of your publications, because they all helped me at the end with my  thesis writing.

2. Managing Scientists is like herding cats

Challenges regarding the #thesis #dissertation (combining your work into a dissertation book at the end of studies which is evaluated and then defended). While many of my peers did not enjoy the #writing part, for me it was not hard as writing is one of my strengths and passions. I found it challenging to manage academics at the higher level than I.

The first line of #defense is a good #advisor here. But it’s good to have other mentors. So hopefully you have good allies to support you through the tough parts, as one advice tip, however, do not hesitate to speak up for your concerns and ask (again) for something you need. In general, the #university wants you to graduate at this stage and typically #solutions are found (especially if you are persistent).

I also found this funny video from a different channel, which illustrates through comedy the dilemma ☺️

3. How to choose a PhD program?

There is a lot of advice regarding how to choose the best PhD program. I chose mine based on the research topic. Also, the specific institute was recommended by a good collaborator who I trusted. Because I was very passionate about this topic, it worked for me. On the other hand, I discovered that while the person who recommended to me the institute had a good experience, I had a different experience with a lot of challenges. At the end, University of Turku PhD study environment allowed me to graduate and I myself could resolve numerous problems, but the problems were difficult.

I have heard the advice that you should find a good professor, regardless of the topic, because then your PhD success and future employment chances are better. Maybe it is true.

It is always good to take a moment, to be in a peaceful setting and decide for yourself what path you wish to take. Each place can have positive and negative sides. Which negative points don’t matter as much to you? Which ones do? What are your values? What is your situation? It is hard to predict life, so while it might be difficult, if you choose the wrong place, there is an option to try a different place, but it’s costly in time/money/energy/stress…

Tips to overcome this challenge. First, you can visit the place, talk to the professor, attend conferences and attend (at least virtually) their seminars, talk to their students, look how their students are doing, basically their record. Study their CV. For example, for me, as I come from an international background, I value if the person/professor moved between countries because then they can understand how it might be for me moving to a new place, and give me hopefully grace, if I unintentionally am tone-deaf to a certain untold cultural practice (like showing up 15 minutes late to classtime in Finland – what?! – is normal. I almost thought that I went to the wrong building and missed class!)

Second point is to study yourself and make sure that you know your budget, your risks, your goals. Everyone has their opinion, but it is your time, your resources, your sacrifices, so make sure you prioritize and focus on your goals, instead of pleasing someone else, even if it is a good person or a relative or a trusted professor.

Third, read some blogs and testimonies, get allies and supporters inside and outside of academia to encourage you along the way. Get mental breaks by exercising and maintaining work-life balance.

I think for me, the fact that I enjoyed my research topic made working on the science a delight. And I felt propelled internally to push forward my projects. Here is the link with one-minute shpiel about the stunning objects of my research.

– Your astronomer and writer from Helsinki

P.S.

PhD Astronomy 

Maria Babakhanyan Stone

https://www.astronomygo.com/research/

If you enjoyed this article, I often post in my channel shorts about exploring various aspects of Helsinki and have LIVE sessions in summer 2025 every Friday about travel tips.

P.S. A bit deeper dive into my journey in the Nordic Capital(s) is published in a book ( “Helsinki and me: God’s faithfulness at every step.” )