Vrinda Nair Profile picture
Apr 22, 2022 12 tweets 11 min read Read on X
Tools for your PhD Journey...

I have found a list of “22” things which I have found quite helpful over the years as a researcher, writer and designer.

A 🧵

@PhDVoice @ThePhDPlace @PhD_Genie @PhDspeaks @CouragePhD @AcademicChatter @OpenAcademics #phdchat #scicomm @PhDForum
1. Digital notebooks like @Labstep and a physical notebook: To write your experiments, short and long-term goals, updates etc.

2. Portable reading tools like @AmazonKindle or iPad. It's easy to carry (anywhere), read, highlight, and jot down notes.
3. Bibliography manager: Not a secret anymore! You can use @zotero and @mendeley_com. Also, @ConnectedPapers to build a graph of similar papers.

4. @unpaywall to access the full text of scholarly articles.
5. Whiteboard by @Microsoft365. It's a digital canvas where you can brainstorm your ideas and share them with your team too.

6. @NotionHQ to organise your work. Make a reading list, to-do list, and personal goals all in one place.
7. Attend #workshops, seminars, and #training(s) which are outside of your PhD program like leadership programs, public programs etc.

8. Join a #journal or writing club where you can learn how to write an abstract for your research, #thesis writing, scholarly articles etc.
9. Join #zen workshops and #mindfulness programs for your mental health. You can listen to study music or calmly sounds when you're working.

10. @audible_com is great to listen to books. I am currently listening to Algorithms to live by.
11. @canva it's my favourite when it comes to designing right from presentations, posters etc.

12. Individual development plan (IDP) by @ScienceCareers. This will help you define and pursue your career goals.
13. @github for the ones who work with codes. I don't have to introduce it!

14. For taking the various courses you wish to specialise in @udemy @coursera and many more.
15. @LinkedIn for your online resume, job postings, and various opportunities

16. If you want to improve your resume writing skills then I am attaching a link to a PDF by #Harvard Extension School.

It's a great guide!

hwpi.harvard.edu/files/ocs/file…
17. Join #student groups which will help you learn about work done by your peers and community.

18. #Google Calendar for the team and personal reminders, events etc.
19. @ResearchGate (social networking site for scientists and researchers) and @ORCID_Org (uniquely identify authors and contributors of scholarly communication).

20. @MicrosoftTeams @SlackHQ @discord platforms to work with your team and to connect to many other researchers.
21. @Grammarly your writing assistant and #Quetext (to check plagiarism)

22. If you're looking to create your website then @wordpressdotcom and @Wix.

Feel free to add to this list.

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More from @VnVrinda

Apr 11
How to improve your (scientific) presentation skills + a few sample rubrics for research talks.

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Giving presentations remains my least favourite thing (because I enjoy writing more than speaking) but being a researcher, you can’t escape it. Over the years, I have given journal club talks, and research talks and presented at conferences plus many more presentations.
I am always on the quest to improve my presentation skills. So here’s something I follow (at least try to) to develop better slides and presenting skills.
Read 14 tweets
Dec 19, 2023
Things I learned from my PhD supervisor when it comes to writing a thesis/paper

In a few weeks, I will be entering my fourth year of PhD. As a research student, you know one of the most critical skills you can develop is writing and it is not an easy feat! Image
Here are some points I keep on my checklist when I write my thesis, paper, or report
1. Start with small goals: Break down your big goals (which is your research question(s)) into specific questions. This will help you with writing your literature review and later your aim of the project.
Read 15 tweets
Nov 27, 2023
Research students: Here are all the resources and research tools that I have shared over time on this platform. Image
Here's a bunch of *Academic Phrases for your research papers*. Right from introduction to conclusion.



The science of scientific writing.



How to design a “Conference Poster”: A basic guide.



Read 5 tweets
Nov 6, 2023
The science of choosing a research problem…

Ever wondered how scientists select the research questions they investigate? It is crucial for any researcher to choose the right scientific problem to investigate. Image
Uri Alon's insights shed light on this intriguing process and the two contrasting research mental models.

Here are the key takeaways that I put together--

1. Take Your Time: Don't rush into choosing a research problem. Research isn't a sprint; it's a marathon.
The 3-month rule suggests spending time reading, discussing, and planning before diving into a project. This initial investment can save you tons of time and frustration later on. Patience is key.

2. Subjectivity Matters: The interest of a problem is personal and subjective.
Read 9 tweets
Jul 12, 2023
Research students - if you love writing, you can use your writing skills in these areas to work part-time and earn too.
1. Professional Note-taker: In universities, if you sign up as a note-taker. You will be required to attend classes for students who would have requested a note-taker for various reasons. So, if you have good speed in taking notes then working as a note-taker is for you.
The fascinating part of being a note-taker is that you get to attend lectures on different topics.

Fact: The word “amanuensis” (in Latin) means a servant from the hand. An amanuensis is someone good at taking notes when someone else is speaking.
Read 13 tweets
Jun 5, 2023
Some research tools/resources...
1. Mybib

mybib.com
2. MindMeister: Collaborative Mind Mapping

mindmeister.com
Read 6 tweets

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