PhD Odyssey: Doctoral candidate Luke Conroy asks the Big Question: ‘Is a PhD the right fit for me?’

Image Credit: Luke Conroy - 'Presenting some really cool data earlier this year at the UCD SBBS 2024 Research Day'

Luke Conroy, PhD students at the Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research shares his experience being a second year PhD student studying pharmacology

“What do you want to do after college?” This is a common question we’ve all been asked countless times. It is certainly a question which I have received more often than I can count. One thing is for sure: that after completing a challenging four-year degree, the last thing on most people’s minds is to pursue another even tougher four-year degree!

My name is Luke, and I am now entering the second year of my PhD journey at UCD, pursuing a PhD in pharmacology. Our lab is based in the Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research at UCD, where I am researching diabetic cardiovascular disease.

Doing a PhD is actually more common than you may think, particularly in the sciences, and it doesn’t require a crazy 4.0 GPA. That said, it can be quite a daunting process. This begs the question: ‘Is a PhD the right fit for you?’

Some of you may be wondering, what even is a PhD? It is generally the highest achievable degree in a given discipline, awarded to an individual after completing a three-to-four-year research project. This project involves carrying out research to answer a specific research question (or hypothesis) before then submitting a formal thesis. You must then defend your thesis against a panel of experts, in a process known as the Viva voce (derived from the Italian for oral examination).

Though the project usually takes three to four years, it can theoretically take as long as it takes you to finish your research. In reality, most modern PhD programs, especially in science, are four year long structured programs. Those undertaking this type of programme receive funding (usually through a college or government body), including a monthly stipend for four years on which to live off (or at least try to!) 

My own motivations for pursuing a PhD were quite simple. I studied Cell and Molecular Biology here in UCD and graduated in 2019. I have always been fascinated by science, with a particular strong affinity for biology. Hence, the opportunity to continue learning about science seemed like a no-brainer. I have always enjoyed learning, and scientific research provides me with an endless opportunity for daily learning. One great quote usually attributed to Aristotle, which I think perfectly sums up scientific research, is “The more you know, the more you realise you don’t know”. So, any ego you have going in is quickly eroded!

If you are wondering what I do as a PhD researcher, apart from just drinking lots of coffee, I will do my best to paint a picture of it. Each day can be quite variable and weeks even more so. Most of your week does revolve around your individual experiments. Though before this can be done much preparation is needed. Protocols must be conceived and written, reagents must be ordered and prepared, cells have to be cultured, and time meticulously planned out.

As well as this many of us also tutor for undergraduate labs and supervise final year undergraduate students with their final year projects. Some other cool stuff we do is attend conferences and annual meetings, where we get together to present and discuss our research with other people in our field, and of course, drink even more coffee!

So far, I’ve painted a rosy picture of a PhD student’s life - this is because I genuinely enjoy my work and the lifestyle it offers. Here in the Conway institute in UCD, there is a great atmosphere with a large group of friendly like-minded folks. 

However, it’s only fair to also discuss the drawbacks. The main issue is that the money we receive is far from ideal. The current minimum wage salary is around €25,000, with most PhD stipends currently being between €18,500 to €22,500. I could earn more money working in hospitality or in a McDonalds. A PhD can also be very stress-inducing, especially when trying to meet various deadlines. You will sometimes have to work long hours and throughout the weekend. It can be difficult to take holidays and make plans with friends when you are working with animals or live cells that need to be managed, or if you have time-sensitive experiments. Another major obstacle is that, as a PhD researcher you are somewhat in limbo between an actual student and an employee.

Like an employee, you are paid to work a relatively structured timetable from Monday to Friday, and must ask your boss for time off. That said, you don’t pay tax and similarly exist in a grey zone for work-related rights. This means it can be problematic to avail of things such as government tax credits for renting or apply for paid sick or parental leave. Many postgraduate students do extra tutoring hours or have part-time jobs to supplement their income, though this fuels another problem where sixty hour work-weeks are far too common. 

All this considered, my friends and I do enjoy our work, and I certainly wouldn’t change my mind if I were to go back. Pursuing any post-graduate degree is a substantial decision where everyone needs to weigh the personal pros and cons. If you are keen to earn good money straight out of college, I’d say perhaps steer clear of a PhD, though if you’re interested in staying in science and developing your skill sets and knowledge in your field, maybe give it another thought!