As a PhD student in computer science, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on how I work best. The journey through academia isn't just about research—it's about discovering your own process and finding what works for you. Here's what I've learned about myself along the way.
My Approach to Problem Solving
I'm definitely someone who likes to take my time understanding a problem before diving in. There's something satisfying about surveying the landscape first, seeing how others have tackled similar challenges. I've noticed I'm particularly good at connecting dots between seemingly unrelated solutions—taking inspiration from one field and applying it to another.
When deadlines loom, I can shift gears. I'll focus on the core problem, ignore the peripherals, and stitch together a working solution surprisingly quickly. It's not always pretty, but it gets the job done.
As for collaboration? I'm selective. When I find someone who's intellectually in sync with me, working together can be magical. But I've learned an important truth: I'd rather work alone than spend precious time bringing someone else up to speed. The time investment of explaining everything often exceeds the benefits of having help.
My Ideal Work Environment
Home is my sanctuary. I need quiet spaces where I can focus without feeling watched. Ironically, while I don't like people hovering around me, I enjoy people-watching—which makes coffee shops and other public workspaces problematic for my productivity.
I used to be that person who woke up at the crack of dawn, ready to conquer the day. Now? I still wake up early (around 6-6:30), but often find myself trapped in the social media scroll hole. It's a habit I'm actively trying to break. These days, my peak productivity happens in the evening hours, though I rarely push past 1-2 AM.
I prefer deep focus on one task, though I've noticed my own avoidance patterns. When faced with particularly challenging work, I sometimes find myself mysteriously drawn to other tasks. It's a tendency I recognize and am working to overcome.
I'm definitely a "tools person"—I appreciate anything that helps visualize my thoughts or automates tracking. That said, I'm not chasing every shiny new app that comes along. When I find something that works, I stick with it. I’ll have a separate post about my favorite tools.
My Productivity Killers
Nothing derails my work quite like disorganized, frequent meetings. When my calendar becomes a patchwork of interruptions, my mindset shifts from "make progress on research" to "just survive until the next meeting." It's a toxic cycle that prevents deep work.
Social media is my other nemesis. I'm actively working to reduce my consumption—it's amazing how much those little dopamine hits can fragment attention throughout the day.
My Communication Style
When it comes to communication, I value efficiency. Instant messaging wins over email every time—it's less formal and gets straight to the point. For meetings, I prefer in-person over video calls when possible.
Feedback is essential, but I have a specific preference: don't just point out flaws. Anyone can criticize. I value feedback that comes paired with suggestions for improvement. Show me you're invested in the solution, not just identifying the problem.
What Keeps Me Going
I find inspiration in smart people who make difficult things look effortless—especially those who maintain balance in their lives. The stereotype of the socially awkward genius who does nothing but work? That's not my aspiration. I admire those who do brilliant work while still having fulfilling personal lives.
I'm especially motivated when I can see the real-world impact of my work. During a recent project developing software for biologists, learning that my work would directly improve their daily research energized me so much that I voluntarily spent a weekend building a proof-of-concept.
On the less inspiring days? Being honest, it's often about consequences. Deadlines, responsibilities, and expectations provide the external structure that keeps me moving forward.
The Shadow of Burnout
The specter of burnout looms large in academia. PhD work is filled with uncertainty—you can spend months on an approach that ultimately fails. This creates a particularly toxic mindset where any time not working feels like failure. I catch myself thinking, "I should be working now" during any moment of rest.
But I'm learning that this mindset isn't sustainable. Sometimes you have to work on uncertain projects, and sometimes you need to rest—even when outcomes aren't guaranteed. Finding that balance remains one of my biggest challenges.