PhD Studies at the ANU
Lachlan Blackhall
A Little About Me
 Be/BSc (University of Sydney) – Completed 2006
 PhD (ANU) – Since March 2007
• Control Theory.
• Complex Systems/Networks.
• Electricity/Power Networks.
PhD - Philosophiae Doctor?
 Or:
• Patiently hoping for a Degree.
• Probably heavily in Debt.
• Piled higher and Deeper.
PhD – In Simple Terms
A Day in the Life of a PhD Student
 Research
 Classes
 Teaching
Opportunities
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Travel / Conferences
Collaboration
Intellectual Stimulation
Clubs and Sports
Requirements
 Dedication and Perseverance.
 Be able to live your PhD.
 Be good academically and prepared
to make yourself better.
 Have other interests to keep you sane.
Deciding to do a PhD
 Find a good supervisor:
• Talk to current students.
• Availability.
• More famous generally means less available.
• More famous means more contacts and resources.
 Find a good topic:
• Interests you.
• “Fun”.
• Relevant.
 Not Necessarily in that Order!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Final Thoughts
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Your PhD is one of the last bastions of intellectual freedom.
Use it to become a fuller person.
If you are only doing it for the qualification then think twice.
It is an adventure and a roller coaster.
Most importantly – HAVE FUN 