Meet the PhDs

Vicky Loras
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Welcome to Meet the PhDs! This is a podcast where I talk with amazing scholars who are doing a PhD, have finished their PhD, or are thinking of doing one. We share our backgrounds, working and studying, what a PhD is like in each country, and so much more!

  1. JAN 10

    Meet the PhDs Episode 20 - Anna Herran

    In this episode of Meet the PhDs, I am joined by Anna Herran, a PhD candidate in History exploring the links between memory, identity, and statehood in twentieth-century East Central Europe and the Baltic region. We discuss her comparative research on Czech and Estonian experiences of statehood, the role of collective memory, national holidays, and how historical narratives travel within diaspora communities. A thoughtful conversation about how we remember the past - and why it still matters today.

    39 min

  2. 10/06/2025

    Meet the PhDs Episode 19 - Dr Kate Henry

    In this episode, I speak with with Dr. Kate Henry - productivity coach, independent scholar, and PhD graduate - about how academics can thrive without burning out. Kate shares her own PhD journey, what inspired her to move into coaching, and the strategies she uses to help scholars build sustainable, well-being - centered approaches to writing, research, and long-term projects. Whether you are just starting your PhD, deep in dissertation writing, or navigating life after academia, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration to keep moving forward with clarity, purpose, and balance! 🔗 Learn more about Kate’s work: katehenry.com

    34 min

  3. 09/08/2025

    Meet the PhDs Episode 18 - President Michael Schaepman

    In this episode of Meet the PhDs, I sit down with President Michael Schaepman, President of the University of Zurich and internationally recognized researcher in remote sensing and Earth observation. Our conversation goes beyond science to explore what it means to lead one of Europe’s top universities in a rapidly changing world. Professor Schaepman reflects on his path from scientific discovery to university leadership, sharing insights into building communities of collaboration, guiding institutions through uncertainty, and balancing academic excellence with social responsibility. We discuss how leaders can inspire innovation while staying grounded in values, and how universities can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of research, education, and society. Whether you are curious about academic leadership, the intersection of science and policy, or the challenges of guiding large institutions, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring look at leadership in action. Thank you so much, President Schaepman!

    37 min

  4. 08/18/2025

    Meet the PhDs Episode 17 - Alison Miller, PhD

    In Episode 17 of Meet the PhDs, I chat with the amazing Dr. Alison Miller, clinical psychologist, academic coach, and all-around guide for grad students and researchers trying to make it through the world of academia. We dive into the core of grad school life - from beating procrastination and quieting imposter syndrome, to finding a rhythm that actually feels sustainable. Alison brings honesty and practical strategies to the table, reminding us that grad school does not have to be a constant grind. Instead, she invites us to enjoy the ride! Check out more of her work and resources at: 🌐 https://www.disscoach.com 🌐https://www.theacademicwritersspace.com/ If you have ever wished for a coach and a spectacular presence in your corner during your PhD experience, this episode is for you!

    32 min

  5. 07/26/2025

    Meet the PhDs Episode 16 - Doğa Öztürk

    In this episode, I sit down with Doğa Öztürk, historian of the Ottoman Empire and author of the Substack newsletter A Few Thoughts On. Doğa earned his PhD in History from Ohio State University, where his research explored nationalism and imperial belonging in late Ottoman Egypt - a fascinating period of transformation, identity negotiation, and political change. He currently works as an independent research consultant in London. We discuss: His PhD experience and his journey after it ended How Ottoman imperial identity evolved during the empire and its final decadesWhy studying the Ottoman past matters for understanding modern Middle Eastern historyand so much more! Tune in for an engaging conversation that connects doing a PhD, history, identity, and the legacies of empire! The books that Doğa mentions in this episode are: Cemal Kafadar, Between Two Worlds: The Construction of the Ottoman StateColin Imber, The Ottoman Empire, 1300-1650Carter Findley, Turkey, Islam, Nationalism, and Modernity: A History.Franz Babinger, Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time.

    38 min

  6. 03/13/2025

    Meet the PhDs Episode 15 - Erin McGrattan

    For Episode 15, my guest is Erin McGrattan, from County Down in Northern Ireland. She did her undergraduate degree in Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) in Food Quality, Safety and Nutrition and completed a Master’s degree in Ulster University in Human Nutrition, which qualifies her as a nutritionist by the Association for Nutrition.  She completed a summer studentship at QUB in the Centre for Public Health, and following continuing working there part-time, she was offered to do a PhD. Her title is Identifying characteristics of asymptomatic oesophageal cancer and Barrett’s oesophagus patients to inform novel prevention and early detection opportunities. Erin and I discuss PhDing, mental health and so much more!

    34 min

  7. 03/13/2025

    Meet The PhDs Episode 14 - Dr Allen Roda and Dr Lauren Saunders

    May I introduce you to two AMAZING academics in Episode 14! Dr Lauren Saunders and Dr Allen Roda, Vice President of Editing and Research, and CEO and Editor-in-Chief of the Dissertation Editor respectively; and authors of the fantastic book PhDone, which I was given an ARC for and throughly enjoyed and found useful. It is a #2 Wall Street Journal best-seller! Enjoy this episode!

    44 min

  8. 03/13/2025

    Meet the PhDs Episode 13 - Dr Yuliya Samofalova

    In Episode 13 of Meet the PhDs my guest has a very interesting and multicultural background. Yuliya Samofalova is a third-year PhD candidate in Information and Communication at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. Her thesis is focused on analyzing climate change communication on social media in order to understand obstacles and barriers to pro-environmental behavior. Yuliya has a multicultural and interdisciplinary background. She got her Bachelor of Education Sciences in Kazakhstan, her first Masters degree in Linguistics in Russia, second Masters degree in Arts, Humanities, Civilizations in France. Besides her research work, she's passionate about teaching languages and digital communication, and learning more about art and how to do it. I met Yuliya on Instagram, and I started by asking her about her wonderful multicultural background.

    29 min
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About

Welcome to Meet the PhDs! This is a podcast where I talk with amazing scholars who are doing a PhD, have finished their PhD, or are thinking of doing one. We share our backgrounds, working and studying, what a PhD is like in each country, and so much more!

Information

  • Creator
    Vicky Loras
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Vicky Loras
  • Show Website
    Meet the PhDs