I’m 31 and a PhD researcher in the Genomics Department and I find the DNA to be the most fascinating ever! I’m passionate about understanding cancer from a genetic point of view. I love boba drinks, and my favourite movie is The Holiday.
Yesterday, 9th January
I woke up around 7:30. I stayed in bed for a few minutes just staring at the ceiling. Eventually, I got up, changed into workout clothes, and did something light. I did a few squats, sit-ups and lunges. Some days it’s a proper session, other days it’s more of a stretch, and yesterday landed somewhere in between.
After that, I showered, made breakfast, and sat quietly for a bit before leaving. I didn’t rush the morning. By the time I headed out, everything felt manageable.
I got to work just before 9. I put my bag down, opened my laptop, and went through emails while the lab slowly filled up. By mid-morning, I was moving between the bench and my desk. Preparing samples, checking results, repeating steps that hadn’t worked the day before. There was a lot of waiting around machines and a lot of writing things down so I wouldn’t forget what I’d already tried.
At some point, I chatted briefly with someone in the lab. Sometimes it was about an experiment, sometimes about nothing important at all. Lunch happened around 12:30. Some days I ate at my desk, other days I sat with other PhD students. Yesterday, it was a quick sandwich from the cafeteria.
The afternoon was mostly data and reading. I worked through datasets, skimmed papers, and highlighted things to come back to later. I tried to make progress on a manuscript I’m working on. Time moved strangely in the afternoon. I was sure it was around 2 pm, then suddenly it was nearly 5.
Around 4:30, I started winding things down. I tidied my bench, backed everything up, and made a short list for the next day. I’ve learned that future me appreciates that.
I left at 5 and headed home. The evening was nothing new. Dinner, a bit of catching up with people, and later a film I’d already seen because I didn’t want to think too much.
I got into bed before midnight. I tried reading a book I’ve been at for the last month. I set my alarm and got ready to do it all again the next day.