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!

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!

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 decades
• Why studying the Ottoman past matters for understanding modern Middle Eastern history
• and 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 State
• Colin Imber, The Ottoman Empire, 1300-1650
• Carter Findley, Turkey, Islam, Nationalism, and Modernity: A History.
• Franz Babinger, Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time.

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!

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!

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.

What could the podcast Producer/Creative Director, James Taylor, be talking about with the podcast creator, Vicky Loras?

Tune in for PhDs, podcasts and pop! Pop? Well, tune in!

In Episode 11, I am thrilled to have Dr Helen Kara as a guest! I have followed her on Twitter for years, read her books and learned so much from her! In this episode, we talk about everything: doing a PhD, writing books, working in academia with autism and so much more.

Let's introduce this amazing academic: Dr Helen Kara is a leading independent researcher, author, teacher and speaker specialising in research methods, particularly creative methods, and research ethics. With over twenty years' experience as an independent researcher Helen now teaches doctoral students and staff at higher education institutions worldwide.

Thank you so much, Helen and to our listeners: enjoy this episode!