A day in the life of a Walsh Scholar with Elena Hayes
Elena Hayes is a Teagasc Walsh Scholar based in Moorepark in the Food Chemistry & Technology Department, she is currently in the second year of her PhD. Her research focuses on using spectroscopy and chemometrics to predict milk processing traits such as heat stability and rennet coagulation time.
What made you decide to undertake a PhD?
I didn’t want to continue a career in teaching and I enjoyed the research part of my degree. I had heard about the Walsh Scholarships and found one that interested me.
How did you find out about Teagasc and the Walsh Scholarship programme?
One of the lecturers in UL told me about it.
What does your research focus on?
Using spectroscopy and chemometrics to predict milk processing traits such as heat stability and rennet coagulation time.
What does your typical day look like?
I usually get up between half 6 and 7. I either go to the gym or go out to check on my horse. I then start work and work until 5-6 depending on the day. A lot of my work is data analysis so at the moment, I work half from home and half in work. In the evenings, I would usually do something outdoors, maybe go for a walk or go training.
What do you enjoy most about doing a Phd? And least?
The research is interesting and I enjoy going to conferences and meeting new people. The hardest part is being very independent. It can feel lonely sometimes when you are working on your own a lot.
What are your future career goals?
My future career goals would be to end up in a managerial role, possibly in the area of science communication.
What advice would you have for anyone considering a PhD?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, it makes everything much easier and make sure that you make time for other activities outside of work. It’s very easy to get bogged down in the work, so it’s important to have a balance.
Where are you based while doing your Walsh Scholarship? Who are your supervisors and host organisations?
I am based in Moorepark in the Food Chemistry and Technology department. My supervisor is Mark Fenelon here in Moorepark and Colm O’Donnell and Derek Greene in UCD.
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