From Chronic Illness Sufferer To PhD Student, Ellie Hurer
Ellie Hurer is a final year Ph.D. student studying at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. Her research is based on finding therapeutic compounds to slow down the growth of Pancreatic Cancer, to allow traditional treatments such as Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy to be effective. During her Ph.D., she has suffered from many chronic and mental illnesses, undergoing multiple major surgeries, ITU admissions, and harsh treatment cycles. This leads her to create a social media account (@myphdexperience) to share her Ph.D. journey, while suffering from illnesses, to inspire others to follow their dreams regardless of their circumstances, be a role model for young people in STEM, and to create a safe space for her and others. In early 2022, she took on the position of NATO Youth Ambassador for social media, representing the UK.
What is your inspiration behind advocating for chronic and mental illness? What made you become so invested?
I wouldn't say I had an inspiration. I became really poorly ill in the first few months of my Ph.D. and ended up needing major surgery. Once I returned to my Ph.D. I felt really lost and alone. I had only completed a month or so of my Ph.D., so coming back felt like I was starting my first day again. I had little help and no friends. This didn't change and I thankfully got the hang of working in the lab, and started to enjoy it, however, I still maintained this overwhelming feeling of loneliness as I had no-one to relate to, and I still hadn't made any friends. I didn't like posting about my health or Ph.D. on my personal social media, so I decided to create an account dedicated to my Ph.D. and health journey, so I could speak freely (without the feeling of being judged), while hopefully making new friends who I could chat to and relate to. My account quickly started to grow, and over time my main goal for the account has evolved, where I now hope to be the person I needed when I started the account. I hope to be someone who is real, non-judgemental, funny, and a role model
Why did you choose the Ph.D. path?
For my Undergraduate dissertation, I carried out research for the project I am working on for my Ph.D. but doing chemical synthesis. My UG supervisor offered me a Ph.D. place in this project but doing structural biology research as this is where my interests lie. I honestly, didn't have a clue what I wanted to do after my degree, so I accepted the Ph.D. position!
What is your #1 tip on pursuing the career you are interested in?
To keep going! Sometimes it's going to feel like it's not worth it, but you just have to always remember the reason(s) why you decided upon this career choice and this should help give you the push you need.
What’s the most important thing you have learned so far while on the Ph.D. path?
I have learned how to work independently, and how to self-motivate! These are very important skills to develop during a Ph.D.
How do you balance your work/life (work, social, self-care) during your Ph.D.?
I treat my Ph.D. like a 9-5 job, so I stick to those hours as much as I can. I also will not work weekends unless it’s absolutely necessary. I have set these boundaries from the beginning so it's just become a habit. For example, when I am healthy, my usual day looks like: 8 am - get into uni to start work, 4 pm - go to the gym, 5-6 pm - Self-care/social time, 11 pm - bed.
What do you do for yourself when you are having a tough day?
I watch my favorite tv programmes, make sure I have eaten enough, and allow myself time to cry/vent
What is your advice for someone wanting to do a Ph.D.?
Make sure you find the right supervisor, your relationship with your supervisor pretty much defines your Ph.D. in my opinion. Don't settle for any topic, make sure you're really passionate about it. Keep a strong support system, and work-life balance, and have fun! □
Article Credits
Ellie’s Instagram: @myphdexperience
Ellie’s TikTok: @ellie.science
Ellie’s Twitter: @myphdexperience
Ellie’s LinkedIn: @EllieHurer
Photo Credits: Ellie Hurer & NATO
