Ahead of National Astronomy Week, I sat down with a Durham Astrophysics PhD student, Dominic Taylor, to find out a little bit more about the postgraduate course.
Why did you decide to do a PhD in astrophysics and why Durham?
I have always been fascinated by all the images you see of the Universe, particularly images of nebulae. During the last two years of my integrated Masters program, I had the opportunity to work with a lecturer in their field of Astronomy and began conducting my own research. I loved working with real data and knowing that the work I was doing would contribute to bettering the research community.
Durham University is one of the leading Universities in Astrophysics, particularly when it comes to computational tasks. The University hosts a powerful supercomputer called COSMA, which enables us to run advanced simulations of the Universe to better understand how it was formed and how it evolves.
What opportunities have you had since studying astrophysics at Durham?
I’ve had the chance to present my research at some conferences in the UK as well as at an international conference in Bologna, Italy. I’ve also attended complimentary workshops hosted by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), who provide my funding.
I’ve been to La Palma, an island near Tenerife in the Canary Islands, where I stayed at the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory at an altitude of 2,400m. I worked solo during the nights to collect data using the Isaac Newton Telescope, having the chance to experience operating a large telescope and witnessing breathtaking sunrises from the top of the mountain every morning. Observing is an experience like no other.
What has been the highlight/proudest moment of your PhD so far?
The highlight of my PhD so far has undoubtedly been publishing my first journal paper of my PhD in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS), which was a significant milestone in my research journey. It was a proud moment to see my work formally recognised and contribute to the scientific community.
Another fulfilling experience came when I presented this paper in Bologna at an international conference. I had the opportunity to discuss my findings with other researchers whose work I had cited, and it felt a bit like meeting celebrities in my field. They expressed excitement about incorporating my results into their future studies, which made me feel incredibly validated and fulfilled in my work.
What does a day in your life look like?
A typical day in my PhD includes a mix of independent research and collaboration. I usually start with a meeting with my supervisor to discuss my progress, then spend a significant portion of my day analysing data. I also help demonstrate in Undergraduate modules, which gives me the opportunity to earn some extra money and improve my ability to explain technical concepts to others.
There are often seminars with invited speakers, where I get to hear about the latest developments in the field. These seminars are a great way to stay informed and engage in discussions with other academics.
What facilities and resources are available through the university?
One of the key facilities I use at Durham is the Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics, where I’m based. It provides a great working environment, with seminar and meeting rooms that are often used for small events like our weekly Journal Club. In these sessions, we explore two recently published journal papers on a relevant topic, with different people leading the discussions each week. It’s a great way to stay up to date with the latest research and engage in discussions with peers.
How does postgraduate study differ from undergraduate study?
The biggest adjustment from undergraduate to PhD study was the level of independence. I quickly realised that I couldn’t always rely on my supervisor for answers—I had to use my own intuition and problem-solving skills to tackle challenges and gradually become the expert in my research.
In some ways, the workload feels lighter because there aren’t constant deadlines like in undergraduate study. However, the nature of the work is different. For example, telescope time proposals have strict deadlines with no extensions, but for research projects, it’s up to me to set my own timelines and keep myself accountable. This level of flexibility means I’ve had to think more long-term, breaking projects down into smaller objectives to stay on track and maintain steady progress.
What are your top tips for future astrophysics students?
For anyone starting an astrophysics degree, I would strongly recommend seeking out research experiences during the summer or alongside your studies if you feel comfortable doing so. Many universities offer summer internships—some are well-advertised, but others may require you to be proactive in reaching out. If you find a particular module interesting, don’t hesitate to contact the lecturer to see if there are any opportunities to get involved in research. This can be a great way to develop your data analysis skills early on.
One thing I wish I had known earlier is how accessible journal papers are. Reading papers is one of the best ways to understand the current state of the field, but as an undergraduate, I didn’t realise how important this was. A great resource for this is the NASA ADS website, which provides a vast database of astronomy papers. The sooner you start reading and digesting papers, the better prepared you’ll be for research.
Finally, success in astrophysics isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about curiosity, intuition, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly. Having hobbies and activities outside of academia is also important for maintaining balance and staying motivated.
What do you do in your free time away from the office?
One of the things I really value in my postgraduate studies is the ability to separate work from my personal life, which is made easier by having my own office space. Maintaining a good balance is important, especially in a PhD, where it’s easy to overwork yourself when you’re passionate about what you do.
To unwind, I was eager to join my College football team when I started at Durham, and I also enjoy improving my fitness in the gym. Staying active helps with both physical and mental well-being, and I’ve found that using my free time wisely is essential for maintaining longevity and consistency in research. Burnout is a real challenge in a PhD, so having hobbies and activities outside of work is key to staying motivated and engaged in the long run.
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