The PhD Playlist puts the spotlight on a PhD student at the Norwich Research Park and gets them to share three songs in a desert island disc-style game: one song that captures their project (expect some very tenuous links), one song that captures their life as a PhD student and a final motivational song because – let’s face it – we all need it.
Lira is a 2ndyear PhD student in the O’Connor Lab. Her project is on enzyme evolution in plant biochemical pathways. She studies the mechanisms in which enzymes acquire or lose catalytic activity, and what effect that has on certain plant species.
Twitter: @FlatPalmTree
The Project Song– Stray Cat Strut by Stray Cats
My Project song is Stray Cat Strut, because one of the plants I work with is catnip. I study a pathway that was lost in the wider Nepetoideae clade, but convergently evolved again in Nepeta. To me, that screams being a cool and carefree cat, doing things your way. The general attitude of the song is relatable, that of being a broke and wild stray cat, but proud of it.
The PhD Life Song– Elastic Heart by Sia
Although Sia is singing about romantic heartbreak, a big part of the PhD life is experimental heartbreak. Eventually you get “a thick skin and an elastic heart” as you go back to revise your methodology, protocol or literature. Much like in love, science feels great when it is going well, but it’s tough to get through the hard times.
But just like Sia, I “won’t close my eyes
And I know that I can survive
I walked through fire to save my [PCR, protein purification, enzyme assay, …]”
The Motivational Song– Power by Helloween
This song has been my go to motivational song since I was applying for uni a few years ago. Power metal is the ultimate energizer. I particularly like Helloween since they have some cheesy cheeky songs, but for me this one talks about seizing chances and deal with the outcome as it comes. Having this type of “come what may” attitude has given me the strength to move countries several times, overcome my anxieties regarding my career, and reminds me to keep fighting for a life where
“You may achieve what can’t be simply done
Look back and there you are where we have been
And still there’s so much in between”
The PhD and The PI playlist is the brainchild of Millie, whose obsession with making playlists is almost as great as her obsession with science. Follow her on twitter: @milliestanton and drop her an email if you’re interested in being featured!