Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

In her latest blog, Yvonne reflects on the pervasive impact of imposter syndrome in academia, particularly as a Principal Investigator (PI). She candidly shares her feelings of inadequacy, attributing her successes to luck and timing rather than skill, while confronting the competitive, often isolating nature of academic life. Yvonne explores the constant self-doubt that accompanies grant applications, lab work, and professional recognition, revealing the emotional toll this takes. Her insights will resonate with many researchers who, despite their achievements, continue to feel like "frauds" in their fields.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-imposter-syndrome-as-a-pi/

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Dr Yvonne Couch is an Alzheimer's Research UK Fellow and Associate Professor at the University of Oxford. Yvonne studies the role of extracellular vesicles and their role in changing the function of the vasculature after stroke, aiming to discover why the prevalence of dementia after stroke is three times higher than the average. It is her passion for problem solving and love of science that drives her, in advancing our knowledge of disease. Yvonne writes about her work, academic life, and careers as she takes a new road into independent research @dr_yvonne_couch

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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

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Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. For the past year Emily has been sharing her journey through pregnancy, maternity leave, and now the return to work! This month Emily shares the challenges and small victories she’s experienced since returning from maternity leave. With the academic year underway, Emily reflects on balancing her research with motherhood—navigating unexpected hurdles like last-minute childcare closures and the lingering self-doubt of revisiting past work. Despite the difficulties, she finds resilience in the support of friends and the flexibility to adjust her plans, learning that progress in academia doesn’t always need to be at full speed. Emily’s candid account highlights the complex yet rewarding journey of combining parenthood with doctoral study.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-unexpected-snags-and-small-wins-as-a-phd-mum/

#DementiaResearch #AcademicMother #Academia #MaternityLeave #Research

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Emily Spencer is a PhD Student at University College London looking at improving how GPs communicate with people with dementia and their family carers about their future care. Emily previous had a 5 year career break to pursue a career as a musician, and has previously undertaken research on improving the care people with dementia receive from their GP practice, as well as end-of-life and palliative care provision in the community. Emily is also a new mum and will be writing about her experiences navigating motherhood and a research career.

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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

--

Follow us on Social Media:

• https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
• https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
• https://x.com/demrescommunity
• https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

Rebecca Williams is PhD student at the University of Cambridge. Though originally from ‘up North’ in a small town called Leigh, she did her undergraduate and masters at the University of Oxford before defecting to Cambridge for her doctorate researching Frontotemporal dementia and Apathy. She now spends her days collecting data from wonderful volunteers, and coding. Outside work, she plays board games, and is very crafty. @beccasue99

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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

--

Follow us on Social Media:

• https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
• https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
• https://twitter.com/demrescommunity
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
• https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social