getting to know you: regan housley School/Area/Year: Psychology, I’m in my first year of a Ph.D by Research. Study interests: Sexualisation, social networking, adolescent mental health, social constructions of femininity. Thesis title and summary: “A virtual mirror? Young women’s construction of self on social networking sites.” My project aims to establish how young women use social networking sites to supplement and complement their offline world, with particular regard to body image, self-esteem and sexualisation. Positives/Negatives of Postgraduate Research: Positives: freedom, supportive environment, achievement.
Interesting fact about me: I am a collector of books, stamps and clothes. When I grow up I want to be... A librarian or book-shop owner (I really just wanted to be able to read all day). In my life outside of UWA... I love a good quiz night, a bit of baking, playing board games, watching television. I’m quite a homebody. My favourite form of procrastination: My favourite form of procrastination is cleaning, and I just go with it as it results in a clean house! My favourite study tool: I use multiple diaries, year planners and calendars. The best and worst things about being a postgrad: Best: My own office + kettle = cups of tea on demand! I’m most excited about the opportunity to travel with conferences etc. Worst: Loss of undergraduate holidays, I miss guilt free days in which nothing is done.
Negatives: freedom, which tends to lead to procrastination...
Life after completion... At the moment I’m just hoping to finish! Ideally, I hope to continue down my research path.
Why UWA? I completed my undergraduate degree here and liked it so much I stayed!
One sentence on your life as a postgrad at UWA: Incredibly exciting!
My average day at UWA... Check emails, write, have cup of tea, check emails, eat lunch, write, think for a bit, have another cup of tea, check emails (yes, again!).
Do you like the sound of Regan? Then follow her blog on postgraduate life! The Grad Chronicles http://thegradchronicles.wordpress.com/
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