Emily Spencer - PhD Finances & Maternity: A Reality

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

If you're playing catch-up, let us recap... Emily is a PhD student at UCL and a new mother. In this blog Emily addresses the rarely discussed intersection of academia, parenthood, and finances. Sharing her personal struggle with the exorbitant costs of childcare in London, which exceed her PhD stipend.

Emily reveals the harsh realities of managing on a limited budget when extra expenses arise with a child. As she navigates the complexities of maternity entitlements and the lack of support for student parents, particularly PhD candidates who are not considered working parents for childcare subsidies.

Emily's narrative sheds light on the need for institutions to reassess how they can better support the unique challenges faced by early career researchers with caring responsibilities. Her candid account underscores the broader issue of equity in academia, especially for women, and the urgent call for change.

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

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-phd-finances-maternity-a-reality/

#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.

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