Emily Spencer - The Hidden Work of Finishing a PhD episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 11, 2026 · 6 MIN

Emily Spencer - The Hidden Work of Finishing a PhD

from Dementia Researcher Blogs

Emily Spencer narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.In this blog, Emily reflects on being around four months from her planned PhD submission date, and the amount of work still sitting beneath the surface. She writes about the pressure of finishing complex analysis, using a Gantt chart to keep thesis writing on track, the boost of a writing retreat, and the sudden disruption of conference season. The blog also explores the tension between preparing presentations, writing journal papers, applying for fellowships, and protecting enough time to finish the thesis. An unsuccessful fellowship application becomes, unexpectedly, a relief, allowing her to focus on completing the current project and reaching the viva with less added pressure.https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-hidden-work-of-finishing-a-phd/--Emily Spencer is a PhD Student at University College London looking at improving how GPs communicate with people with dementia and their family carers about their future care. Emily previous had a 5 year career break to pursue a career as a musician, and has previously undertaken research on improving the care people with dementia receive from their GP practice, as well as end-of-life and palliative care provision in the community. Emily is also a new mum and will be writing about her experiences navigating motherhood and a research career.--Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.ukThis podcast is brought to you by University College London in association with the National Institute for Health and Care Research, Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.--Leave us a Tiphttps://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/supportFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.socialDownload and Register with our Community App:https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jun 11, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

Emily Spencer - The Hidden Work of Finishing a PhD

0:00 6:48

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Dementia Researcher Blogs?

This episode is 6 minutes long.

When was this Dementia Researcher Blogs episode published?

This episode was published on June 11, 2026.

Can I download this Dementia Researcher Blogs episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!