"I have known for a very long time that I liked the academic world"

Why did you decide to go for a PhD?

- I have known for a very long time that I liked the academic world, just not what subject, choosing between physics and math. It was probably in high school when we both had great teachers in math and had a lot of inspirational talks and visits from researchers that I realized mathematics was my favorite subject and that I wanted to work with it. The final thing was probably when I started to work as a teaching assistant during my studies and got a small peek into the research world, which kind of pushed me over to wanting to stay, instead of doing research at a company for instance. 

Can you describe your research?

- My field is called computational science which is a fancy way to describe mathematics which relies on computers to carry out computations and simulations of different phenomena. I consider ways to combine previously existing tools to carry out these simulations to obtain a new and more efficient one which applies when you want to solve equations arising when considering wave motion. Now we are in particular trying to obtain a method simulating earthquakes in two-dimensional sections of the ground that have some internal geometric features, like cross-sections of rocks or some complex geometry.

Was it a big adjustment to get used to PhD studies compared to undergraduate studies?

- Yes, it was quite a big change, and frankly, I don’t know if I really have fully adapted yet. I think that the “old” way of thinking is so deeply rooted after 5 years of undergraduate studies that it takes a long time to re-adapt.  The main change I would say is the fact that you work mostly by yourself with only your supervisor, as in my case, or maybe in a smaller group.  Compared with undergraduate studies where you could work together with a lot of people to solve problems for instance.

What has been the most rewarding experience so far?

- It was probably the first time I finished a new proof, showing that the method we are developing actually works. Not only because it was nice to know that this method will yield something useful, but also because it was some sort of affirmation that I actually know something about the subject. 

And what has been the most challenging part?

- It probably has to be the fact that you are supposed to learn how to learn something new at the same time as you are researching, which might or might not work as you think it will. This also ties in with the previous point about the main differences compared with undergraduate studies, as this way of simultaneously learning the subject and solving problems is, at least to me, quite new.

Can you describe a typical day in your life as a PhD student?

- Most days I spend at the office, but if I have no obligations that binds me that day to be there I might work at home or downtown for example, just to get some change of venue. I do this in particular when I want to be creative and e.g. write. Usually, I get to work 8:15-8:30, something which remains from my undergraduate studies I suppose. Then if I have lectures to attend it is usually in the morning. If there are no lectures, however, I usually try to recall what I did the day before and start with the work I had planned to carry out that day. Usually, I work until 10 or so, when it is time for the first all-important coffee break, or for me, tea break. After this, I continue with the work until lunch which is around 12. In the afternoon, given that there are no meetings or other activities like teaching, I usually work until around 16 or 17. At this time I like to go to IKSU Sports to exercise before going home, not just for the exercise but also to clear my head if I have a lot of thoughts from the work during the day. Of course, during some periods I might work much later if there are any important upcoming deadlines for example, but I don’t think this really is typical for the work. During the evenings I also try to do something not related to work, for example playing games with some friends or just watching some TV shows, letting the mind rest until the next day. 

Have you been teaching? What is your experience of it?

- Yes I have, and I really enjoy it. I actually started working at the department during my second year of studies as a teaching assistant, which really helped to convince me that I wanted to stay in the academic world. I think that it is very fun and rewarding to teach. It might sound a bit cliché but I truly think that the lecturer learns, maybe not as much as the students, but quite a lot during the teaching, at least that is my experience. Both the subject itself but maybe first and foremost problem solving on the fly and the ability to discuss problems and talk in front of people. Also, as I might have been able to convey previously, research can at times be quite lonely work and it is therefore a welcome change to teach and be very social, at least it is for me. It also feels like it is good to be forced to think about something completely different from the research, as you might have gotten stuck in the same loops before, and this might help put you on a new track when you pick up the research again.

- What are your career goals post-PhD?

- My aim is to stay in the academy to research and hopefully continue teaching. I think that my field of work lends itself to naturally work together with e.g., companies and application experts outside the academy, which seems very fun and interesting. However, I don’t think I want to give up on teaching.

What do you like to do for fun when you're not working on your PhD?

- When not working I spend most of my time playing games of various kinds. Umeå has a great board-, card- and role-playing game scene. A large contributing factor is probably the fact that it is a university town. Also, it helps that we have two very good game stores in town. For example, every Sunday there is a weekly meetup at the board game store World of Board games where we play some card games. Also, I try to exercise quite a lot at IKSU, which is a great facility close to the university. I believe that this is a good complement to all the sitting still that the work requires.

What advice would you give to someone considering a PhD here in Umeå?

- First and foremost, I think that they should contact the person they want to work with and maybe talk with them a bit about the subject. Or at least someone in their group. I think that is one of the main advantages of this university, that it is quite open and at least most of the people i have talked with are willing to have a chat about their research. Also, I think that it is important to find something to do outside the work. As I mentioned, Umeå has a very blossoming gaming scene, the same goes for culture in general and sports if that is what you are interested in. So, I think it is important to find something to do when not working and maybe explore this before you start. I think people underestimate the importance of being able to relax and do something other than work, maybe extra so in the academic world where it is hard to leave the job at the job so to speak.