Blog on Cherene de Bruyn

Chase the Science

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What Forensic Science can teach every PhD student

by Cherene de Bruyn
PUBLISHED: 12 October 2026 on Substack

On 1 October 2026, while the sun was slowly setting over the city of Liverpool, Professor Lady Sue Black delivered the 180th Liverpool John Moores University Roscoe Lecture. Standing on the podium in the St Georges Hall — which has also hosted Charles Dickens, Bon Jovi and Ringo Starr — the well-renowned forensic anthropologist, author and educator delivered a talk about the state of forensic science in the UK. And she did not hold back.

Become the Hero of your Research

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The PhD as a quest, not a journey, shaped by obstacles, discoveries, and courage

by Cherene de Bruyn
PUBLISHED: 23 July 2026 on Substack

Road trips are the best. Nothing beats the feeling of burning rubber as you set off on a journey. Depending on your destination, the roads might be long and open, flanked by scenic landscapes that could have inspired painters like Albert Bierstadt, Peder Mørk Mønsted, and Bob Ross. The journey to your final destination is exciting.

Begin Again: A Year of Learning, Resilience, and Renewal

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Reflecting on what BruynChild has taught me — and where we go next

by Cherene de Bruyn
PUBLISHED: 6 July 2026 on Substack

This month, I will have been writing my Bruynchild Substack for a year. And honestly, I couldn’t be prouder. When I started, I wanted to create a platform that could inspire students, give advice on academic life, and make a difference, even if it was only to one student. And while I didn’t get to write and post weekly as initially planned, I did come back - when my PhD allowed- to put pen to paper. I am also immensely grateful to my 37 subscribers. Thank you for sticking with me.

Reframe. Retrain. Regain.

Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A 3‑step framework for pushing through setbacks, mistakes, and challengess

by Cherene de Bruyn
PUBLISHED: 25 May 2026 on Substack

In life and the PhD journey, very few people get things right the first time they try something new. We seldom do things perfectly on the first attempt, even under pressure to perform. This is an entirely unrealistic expectation. When we fail, we often become discouraged from trying again. The fear of failure or of not being perfect is what stops us from doing great things and from becoming better versions of ourselves. We think the cost of trying again is too high compared to the cost of not trying at all.

The Confidence paradox

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Doctoral research Dilemma: Doubt & Delusion vs Discernment & Discipline

by Cherene de Bruyn
PUBLISHED: 16 October 2025 on Substack

Completing a PhD is a bumpy road. There are many highs and equally as many lows. Navigating the highs and lows while maintaining momentum is crucial for steady progress. Staying grounded despite the highs and lows is an essential skill for a PhD student. When things go right or horribly wrong, it is easy to get sidetracked. Usually, it is during these side quests that we get trapped in by our confidence or lack thereof.

Potatoes and gold

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

They have more in common with the PhD journey and progress than you think.

by Cherene de Bruyn
PUBLISHED: 08 October 2025 on Substack

PhDs are challenging. Let’s not pretend otherwise. They take time, effort and a level of self-direction that can feel both freeing and overwhelming. PhD life is flexible too, but that flexibility comes with responsibility. You control your time, your pace, and your achievement. Although it’s often assumed that PhD students already possess the skills to manage themselves, things get complicated when you fall behind or come face to face with mounting deadlines.

It not about what you know

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Purposeful writing should add value or challenge the perspectives of your readers.

by Cherene de Bruyn
PUBLISHED: 17 September 2025 on Substack

PhD and early-career academic writers find it hard to connect with their audience of readers. They find it hard because they haven’t realised that no one cares about what they know. It is a hard truth. One that many of us struggle with. Contrary to popular belief, the purpose of academic writing is not to persuade the reader in jargon-filled stanzas about your opinion on a subject matter. Or to prove that you know what you are talking or writing about. Honestly, readers don’t care. Not because what you are saying isn’t potentially important or interesting, it’s just that you failed to enlighten them about the value this information has for them, and how not having this information is costing them. There is a fine line between informing and enlightening your readers.

Change of Seasons

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The new PhD cycle begins. Like all cycles, it can be monotonous. Instead, break the cycle, start something new, and ask for directions.

by Cherene de Bruyn
PUBLISHED: 3 September 2025 on Substack

Like bears and chipmunks returning to the world after hibernation, campuses around UK universities are slowly starting to come to life as PhD students return to face another year. With the glow of summer still shining on their tanned skin, many are making the journey back into the lab. While still early in Autumn, this new season marks the next cycle in the PhD calendar.

One Step at a Time

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mastering the climb to the top of PhD mountain

by Cherene de Bruyn
PUBLISHED: 27 August 2025 on Substack

“A man on a thousand-mile walk has to forget his goal and say to himself every morning, ‘Today I’m going to cover twenty-five miles and then rest up and sleep.” ― Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace, 1867

The (hand)writing on the wall

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Writing is fun, but writing by hand is an art, and an important cognitive skill.

by Cherene de Bruyn
PUBLISHED: 20 august 2025 on Substack

There is a certain pleasure that comes from writing things out by hand. Nothing beats being on the receiving end of a personally addressed handwritten letter (while few and far between). We find joy in this experience, probably because we recognise that writing by hand takes a lot of effort.

Summer Retreat: Preserving cognitive performance and productivity within Academia

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Smart PhDs withdraw, using seasonal downtime to sustain focused work, prevent burnout and prepare for the next season.

by Cherene de Bruyn
PUBLISHED: 13 August 2026 on Substack

In academics, summer marks a distinct shift in tempo as things slow down. Hallways and lecture rooms echo with silence**.** Only a handful of PhDs and lecturers can be seen silently typing away in their offices as summer gives way to a quieter rhythm. For many academics, summer is the only time they get to retreat and take a proper break.

What does it take?

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Success in academia isn’t just about intelligence (IQ). It’s about your ability to persist regardless of pressure, failure, and discomfort.

by Cherene de Bruyn
PUBLISHED: 5 August 2025 on Substack

In this post, I am doing a bit of self-reflection. Specifically, I am reflecting on the value of grit, the kind forged through discomfort. And why it is the hidden advantage that top-performing PhD students rely on.

Beginner Every Day

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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

by Cherene de Bruyn
PUBLISHED: 17 July 2025 on Substack

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.

Blog on Cherene de Bruyn

Chase the Science

by Cherene de Bruyn PUBLISHED: 12 October 2026 on Substack

Become the Hero of your Research

by Cherene de Bruyn PUBLISHED: 23 July 2026 on Substack

Begin Again: A Year of Learning, Resilience, and Renewal

by Cherene de Bruyn PUBLISHED: 6 July 2026 on Substack

Reframe. Retrain. Regain.

by Cherene de Bruyn PUBLISHED: 25 May 2026 on Substack