Kathy McKay

Written by Kathy McKay

#whywedoresearch: more than a hashtag, it is the foundation of a way of life

July 24, 2017 by Kathy McKay

#whywedoresearch It’s a nice hashtag – #whywedoresearch. But what does it really mean in an uncertain, insecure academic climate? How do we answer that question when on the bad days…

How I found out, how NOT to be an academic

June 28, 2017 by Kathy McKay

Recently I’ve been following the narrative about working hours in academia. What we talked about on the blog, and what you told us in a Twitter poll. What the brilliant…

Academic articles and non-academic inspiration

May 8, 2017 by Kathy McKay

Academic articles can be inspired from some very non-academic places and sometimes inspiration can come from the strangest things… A little while ago, I wrote an academic paper examining the…

A Critical Ka-Pow – Researchers in popular culture

April 10, 2017 by Kathy McKay

Researchers in popular culture have not only kicked arse and saved the world but have also worn brilliant cardigans Inspired by the 20th anniversary of the cultural touchstone that is…

Have academic career goals, will travel

March 20, 2017 by Kathy McKay

Our correspondent, Kathy McKay explains her approach to the need for flexibility of location that so often comes along with having academic career goals. In my last post, I spoke…

The Academic Art of Minimalism

March 10, 2017 by Kathy McKay

Minimalism can be a strange beast. Right now, my life’s possessions consist of: 1. one small tortoiseshell cat; 2. one (admittedly squished) wardrobe’s worth of clothes; 3. four blankets; and,…

Before you say Yes: 3 questions to ask yourself (And I’m not talking about marriage!)

February 13, 2017 by Kathy McKay

Some academics do seem to be wedded to their research, but let’s leave the marriage metaphors aside. This post is all about choosing which academic work commitments you say ‘yes’…

Finding Your People: Mentors, Collaborators, and Guardian Angels

January 11, 2017 by Kathy McKay

Who do you need? It is not always easy to get by in the academic world, especially when you are just starting out. I’m not one to normally question Simon…

Saying No: Why it’s important to be brave

January 3, 2017 by Kathy McKay

As we begin 2017, perhaps some of you will have taken a seasonal break from your work. Or perhaps you worked right through: it can be hard to take time…

Going viral: 3 tips to help you through

December 6, 2016 by Kathy McKay

Recently an article I wrote with a colleague went viral. We had media interest over two days from all over the world. There was even an article by the…

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