Being a PhD student and new to the research life, the rigorous process of ethical application for a complex study like mine pushed me to my limits.
Although I had very supportive supervisors, they did not spare me in being critical of my work. In fact, my principal supervisor Dr @endinequity will say "Aaron sometimes it is best to be blunt with you about your work".
The bluntness sharpened me and made me more resilient. I took these comments with a smile because I knew it was for my own good.
My study which involved Persons with disabilities living with HIV was already complex. With COVID-19, my supervisors made sure I had alternative plans and guided me to prepare my ethics application while anticipating the comments from the ethical committee.
We had countless emails (some attached) and meetings with my supervisors to ensure that all questions were answered. In some occasions, just when I thought I was done, my supervisors will return with more reviews๐.
It was indeed a tasking process but I was glad reading the feedback from renowned researchers in my field who reviewed my ethics application and approved it.
While there were many comments, few which make me smile are highlighted in words and pictures:
1. This is an excellent application addressing many complexities. The documentation is by necessity, extensive and well-executed. I note there is already Nigerian ethics approval and thank the applicant for submitting evidence of this.
I understand why the narrowing of the category of PWDs is required and appreciate the many steps required to manage adjustments that might be needed, including Covid related processes...
this is an excellent application that is thoughtful in design and planned implementation (Assoc. Prof. @DrHeatherF)
2. The potential benefit of the research is justified in capturing this important and often omitted group to understand barriers/challenges to ART compliance.
My learning from this process include:
1. Always be humble to receive guidance and direction from your supervisors. They have done this for years and know what to expect.
No matter your field experience, allow them to take you by the hand and guide you towards growth.
2. Do not frown at feedback or reviews, they only make your work better.
Special thanks to my supervisors Dr @endinequity and Dr @jodurham19 for seeing me through this important milestone of ethical approval.
Now it is time to collect data by listening to the lived experiences of Persons with Disabilities living with HIV in Nigeria.
I am still shocked that it is 15years already since you left me down here. How are you holding up and what is happening up there? It has been a crazy time for us this past year because of a deadly virus.
A lot of people died and the world is still suffering from it. At least you do not get to see all that now. I am sorry I always bring you bad news from down here even though I was hoping not to share any more bad news with you this year.
I am sure you, dad and step mum have all met up and perhaps living in the same house up there. I am sure God can organise that for you guys? Remember when I wrote you last year right?
I know you have been delayed by incessant ASUU strikes. I know you should have graduated by now but you are still stuck. While you feel down, I come with a few words that you can take note of:
1. You have not lost any time and you have not been delayed. This is the time to strengthen your skills.
Take up volunteering and internship positions while you are home and waiting to graduate. Remember that they will boost your CV and SOPs in the future.
2. Do not rush, we will not run out of international scholarships. They are always there for you. Make a deliberate list of the scholarships you want to apply for when you graduate.
Look at their eligibility criteria. What are they? Do they need IELTS, GRE, TOEFL?
Today, I offer you a few workable tips to assist you in the search for supervisors.
1. Go to the staff page within the department or school website and look up lecturers whose research interests align with yours.
2. Another trick is to use the search bar on the website and type in the key terms of your research or interest. E,g Professor in public health/accounting/English etc. You can then instinctively navigate the page through the results.
This VERY long thread will break down the process of writing an SOP using six questions that have worked for me in the several admissions and scholarships I have secured.
Get a drink and let us begin.
Writing an SOP requires thorough research and planning. Writing an SOP involves writing a story of your academic and professional experience.
Remember that volunteering or internship roles also count when you are writing your SOP.
It is important to tell a coherent story from start to finish of your SOP. This allows the assessors to link your passion with your academic and professional trajectory.
It is also very significant that you allow others (mentors, friends, professionals) to review your essays.