Keeping Your PhD on Track with Iain Jackson

Iain Jackson is an architect and historian at the Liverpool School of Architecture. His research is mainly focused on 20thC architecture in ‘the tropics’.  Iain is currently PI on a Leverhulme Trust funded project to research the buildings of the United Africa Company.  He supervises 8 PhD students and has examined PhDs in Europe, Asia, and Australia.   In this episode we talk about the importance of project management for the PhD.   Iain suggests ways of breaking down the project into manageable chunks and for developing the ‘narrative arc’ of the thesis.   He also talks about the importance of planning and shares a top tip about focused working.   Here is the link to the template Iain has developed: https://iainjackson.gumroad.com/l/PhDNotionTemplate Many apologies, when we recorded the interview I thought that Iain was offering the template for free but he is making a small charge.     You can, however, access Notion for free here: https://www.notion.so/product?fredir=1   Here is the link to the Rock Garden that we discuss in the episode: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/nek-chand-saini If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’ here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Om Podcasten

This is the podcast for you if you are currently doing a PhD; are working with PhD students; or just living with someone who is on a PhD journey. The PhD Life Raft will focus on sharing insights and experiences around some common issues like anxiety, procrastination, precariousness, imposter syndrome, and work-life balance. We will talk to students, supervisors and experts in the field of wellbeing and mental health and share actionable tips and additional resources. Doing a PhD is tough. The PhD Life Raft is here to help you get through.