Beginner Every Day

Look forward to a newsletter for curious scholars, resilient researchers, and global PhD dreamers.

---

I often wonder how many international students give up before they even apply for PhD positions—not because they’re unqualified, but because the process itself feels impossible.

Having previously applied for a few positions myself—and failing—I know how it feels. The disappointment. The frustration. The doubt.

As a PhD candidate in my second year pursuing a degree in Molecular Biology, Biophysics, and Biochemistry (yeah, finally someone said yes!) in the UK,, I feel drawn to the plight of so many others. Students who have the same passion, the skills, and the drive to pursue doctoral research, but just aren’t getting a break.

My Unusual Path to a PhD

My current PhD research focusses on clandestine grave identification using drones and the soil microbiome. Just for context, I am neither a microbiologist nor a geospatial analyst (yet?). I’m an archaeologist. Both my MA and BA degrees were in archaeology, and I also completed a BSc Honours in physical anthropology.

While my previous educational background isn’t directly aligned with my PhD research, it’s really the skills and knowledge I picked up while pursuing these degrees that allowed me to shift gears into microbiology and remote sensing (more on this later).

Why This, Why Now?

I love student development. I like creating spaces and being involved with initiatives that promote student growth, professionally and personally.

Bruynchild is an extension of this passion. It reflects me, my journey, and my thoughts. It’s part of my name and my ethos of being a beginner every day, of failing, standing up, and growing as a postgraduate researcher.

This Substack is my creation, my brainchild, if you will. It’s a platform for students, local and international, with the aim of helping navigate the PhD process from application to final thesis submission. I’m bringing together stories from my own journey, from current doctoral candidates across the globe, and from recent doctoral graduates who offer unique insights into the PhD experience.

What You Can Expect Here

As a postgraduate researcher and international student, I want to excel as a knowledge worker. In this pursuit of excellence, I’ve become more and more interested in understanding why people pursue PhDs (beyond obvious research interests) and what it really takes to become a top scholar.

Applying for a PhD position is a gamble, It’s even more competitive for international students due to visa requirements.

So, to better prepare the next generation of scholars and offer encouragement to fellow internationals, I’ll be sharing monthly posts (bear with me—PhDs are hard work!) offering reflections and insights from the PhD research world.

In these newsletters, I’ll explore topics such as:

• The nuances of doctoral research;

• Where the PhD journey can unexpectedly lead you;

• And maybe even the question: Are PhDs still needed in the age of Artificial Intelligence?

Who This Is For

If you’re an international student dreaming of a PhD, or already in one, this newsletter will give you practical advice, honest reflections, and a supportive community to help you thrive.

So hit subscribe and join me on this journey. I’d love to hear your story too—reply to this post or leave a comment!