Alexis Kaminski studied for a PhD in Maths and Theoretical Physics at Churchill College from 2012-2016, and since then has gone on to become Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. Working as a professional academic was her goal from the middle of her Masters degree onwards, and her at time at Churchill College helped launch her career.
The route to Churchill College
Between the second and third year of study for an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta, Alexis worked a summer job which provided insight into professional opportunities in research, and fuelled her interest in taking her academic study further. Her BSc in 2010 was followed by an MSc in 2012, with her studies focusing in on Fluid Dynamics as a particular area of interest. It was around this time that she decided that a path in academia was one she definitely wanted to pursue.
While Fluid Dynamics typically sits within Engineering in the US, in the UK it is not uncommon for it to be within Maths. Alexis looked at who else was working in the space which interested her, and the four people she wanted to work with were all currently working in Cambridge, in the Maths Department. Her MSc supervisor encouraged her to apply for the Edmonton Churchill Scholarship, which supports a University of Alberta Engineering graduate to pursue his or her doctoral studies at Churchill College, Cambridge University. With the recommendation and support of her supervisor, Alexis applied and was successful in being awarded a place at Churchill College for 4 years of study.
Reflections on life at Churchill
While working with leading academics in Maths at Cambridge was incredibly exciting, Alexis especially enjoyed her PhD studies at Churchill College for the community it provided. The College system made it easy for her to meet people outside of her area of study, and having people with whom she could discuss her work, who were not in the Applied Maths field, was a good opportunity to exchange ideas. It also meant that she was not siloed in Maths, and had opportunities to get involved in activities outside of research. Around her studies, Alexis found time to be an active member of the College’s MCR Committee (representing postgraduate students), both as Bar Treasurer and Secretary. She was also a member of Cambridge University Ballet Club, and noted that these activities were also beneficial in developing skills that she has found useful professionally. While MCR posts are not officially academic roles, looking back she sees that they had an effect on her career. For instance, she likens aspects of budget management that she developed as Bar Treasurer to those of managing budgets for her current students. Ballet was also useful in giving her confidence in performance which has been useful in her career when it comes to delivering talks and presenting on stage.
“It was easy not to be isolated”, Alexis said of her time at Churchill, “Any night of the week you could find people, and having these things in your life outside of research can be really useful.”
Life after Churchill
Alexis knew from mid-way through her Masters degree that she wanted to work with graduate students, mentoring and teaching them, as well as continuing to be active in research. She currently has 3 graduates and a post-doctoral researcher working with her in her role at UC Berkeley. Of the graduate students, they have different approaches to academic careers – one wants to work in a research lab in industry, another is undecided, while the third wants to continue in academia.
Mechanical Engineering is very diverse and, in terms of research, provides a balance between the exciting and the uncertain. Learning to balance the line between research that takes risks and research that is likely to have a known pay-off is part of the challenges of navigating an academic career. UC Berkeley hires on the basis that everyone is expected to get tenure, subject to passing their evaluations, which is helpful in providing a sense of professional security and stability. Alexis has recently submitted her mid-way evaluation and has been pleased with her feedback to date. Her work blends fluid dynamics and oceanography, and as she notes ““Pure fluid dynamics is very rare, as it sits at the intersection of fields. If you work in fluid dynamics in relation to energy, you will have different connections and knowledge than someone working in fluid dynamics relating to hydrology. This is one of the reasons it’s such a collaborative sphere in which to work, bringing different disciplines to the fore.”
Alexis’s day-to-day work looks at datasets and simulations, with some field work on occasion. While simulations can be made bigger and more realistic, she thinks that there is more potential in new and creative ways of evolving simulations beyond this, to make them better able to do things like mix in climate models and provide exciting new insights.
Advice for current students
In terms of advice for PhD students, Alexis says that it is important to remember nothing is guaranteed, and to acknowledge that luck plays a role. “You can do everything “right” and still not end up in the job. You can give yourself a good chance but luck is a good part of what works out.” If you want to have an academic career, she provides some surprising advice: “keep an eye on non-academic jobs!” Alexis explains, “If you want to be an academic, you’re going to get rejected a lot. Reminding yourself that this is what you are choosing to pursue, and having an eye on the big picture, knowing that other roles exist which can be a back-up plan, can help you navigate that.”
The importance of building connections has also been highlighted across Alexis’ career. “Conferences bring people together, and it is exciting to see friends and colleagues in the same place and getting excited about work again with them. It’s a very collaborative field, where multi-author papers are common and talking about work helps you move towards answers. It is great to have interactions with students, and talk about papers in an open environment.” Alexis also recommends getting involved in early career networking events at conferences as a good way to make connections.
One of the strengths of the collegiate environment is the ability to make connections and meet people from across a range of academic specialisms, sparking interdisciplinary ideas as well as friendships. It is a testament to that strength that Alexis is still in touch with many of her peers, having made lasting connections during her time at Churchill College.
