Suzanne O’Regan got her PhD in Applied Mathematics from University College Cork, Ireland in 2011. She completed postdocs in the United States over 5 years before getting a tenure-track position, which she held for 4 years. She spent two years as a senior researcher before becoming a member of the marketing team at Paperpile, where she focuses on product communication and community engagement.

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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Anxiety in Academia: Using Anxiety as My Superpower  

Anxiety is a debilitating condition that can make the simplest of tasks difficult, let alone a PhD. This empowering article follows Jake’s experience with anxiety during sixth form and university, and how once he discovered research he began to view anxiety as a superpower to keep his PhD pushing forwards. He shares anxiety-reducing techniques for when it gets too much, including affirmations and breath control, and emphasises the value of accepting anxiety in your life.

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How Generation Z Can Thrive in a PhD

This insightful article highlights how young Gen Z academics can make the most of their unique skills and attributes cultivated by their generational upbringing, and propel themselves towards achieving triumph in their PhD programme and beyond.

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