Marco (he/him) believes that science and education can change the world, and he is now starting his PhD in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University, North Carolina. He is affiliated with the Duke School of Medicine, an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment with a benchmark of scientific discoveries to improve human health. Marco majored in Food Engineering at the Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil, attended the University of Lorraine, France, as an exchange student in Biotechnology, and earned an MSc in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the State University of Campinas, Brazil. His research and teaching interests include biochemistry, bioinformatics, cell biology, and microbiology. Marco has received several national and international merit scholarships, authored four research papers, and collaborated on six other articles and two book chapters. He has also served in various research assistant roles, including undergraduate research assistant, research assistant, and teaching assistant positions. You can follow Marco on Twitter: @MarcoTPGontijo

15 Years in Academia: 10 Things I’d Do Differently If Starting My PhD Again

This article reflects on the author’s 15-year academic journey, detailing the lessons learned from disorganised PhD student to effective work habits as a postdoc and assistant professor, and applying these lessons to their current role at Paperpile. Suzanne offers practical advice on academic writing, productivity, and professional development, emphasizing the importance of daily writing practice, systematic note-taking, reflection, goal setting, and the use of digital tools like reference managers. She shares these insights to help current PhD students avoid similar pitfalls and develop productive habits early in their academic careers.

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Applying for a PhD in the Sciences: A 7-Step Guide

This article provides a step-by-step guide for people interested in pursuing a PhD, particularly in the sciences (though much of the advice carries over to other disciplines as well). It emphasizes the importance of identifying personal interests and goals, fully researching different programs, and knowing the key differences between doing a PhD in different countries.

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Preparing For Your PhD Interview

Ready to take the next step in your academic career with a PhD? Don’t miss out on these top tips for acing your PhD interview, from finding the right project to researching your supervisors and preparing for presentations.

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