Rox-Anne L'Italien-Bruneau

Tell us a bit about who you are and where you come from.

I am Rox-Anne, a doctoral student in the Department of Mathematics. I am originally from Montreal, Canada and moved here to complete my PhD. I am currently in the last year of my programme.

What is your PhD research about?

My research is about mathematical communication and, more precisely, mathematicians’ communication of their research. Building on theories from mathematics education and linguistics, I investigate the discursive moves of mathematicians when they communicate the mathematics involved in their own research projects to different audiences.

What motivated you to apply for ACAP?

When I first started my PhD, I was convinced I wanted a career in academia. In my second year, things started to change as my research was getting more difficult, and I was in full imposter syndrome mode. I was really struggling to see myself as an academic because of all the challenges it entails in terms of competition and work-life balance. When I heard of ACAP, I thought it would be a great way to learn about this career path and have a better idea of what it actually is. I decided to apply so I could eventually make a more informed decision about my own career.

What message would you give to doctoral candidates who are thinking about applying for ACAP?

Go for it! There is always something to be learned from the sessions. After ACAP 2024, I really feel like all aspects of an academic career were covered, and I now have a better understanding of what it entails. There are so many things that, as a PhD, we hear briefly about without really understanding. ACAP is a great opportunity to dive into the details of it, and ask all the questions you want to people who have been through the process of getting an academic career.

What if people are concerned about committing to a year-long programme?

The three hours every fortnight are most definitely worth it! I definitely enjoyed the opportunity to take a break from my research and hear the experiences of others. You also get to engage with other doctoral students who are supportive of one another.

What has been the best part about participating in ACAP?

The best part for me was meeting a bunch of different people from academia and hearing about their backgrounds and their paths to their current roles. We had established professors, we had early-career researchers, we had professional teaching fellows, and all of them shared insightful experiences about a variety of topics. In fact, I not only learned about careers in academia and tips to get there, but I also developed skills that will be helpful no matter what I end up doing after my PhD.

What skills have you learnt from ACAP?

Over a few sessions, a common theme that emerged was the one of communication. How do you communicate with students when teaching? How do you communicate in funding applications? How do you disseminate your research? Across all these sessions, I developed tools to tailor different formats of communication to my audience. I learned how to be more creative when teaching or designing a poster and I learned how to tailor applications for different things such as funding, promotion, or position.

Have you been surprised by any aspects of the programme?

I think I was surprised by everything other than the challenging aspects of an academic career. As I said previously, when I enrolled in ACAP, I struggled to see myself in academia because of the negative aspects associated with it. We often hear about how competitive it is, about how demanding it is and how difficult it is to get a role as an academic. While all of this is probably still true, the programme allowed me to learn more about all the other (more positive) aspects of a career in academia. I heard multiple successful stories, I received tips to deal with the more challenging aspects of academia, and I engaged with people who highlighted how a career in academia is so much more than competition and imposter syndrome!

What are your words of wisdom for anyone just starting out on their doctoral journey?

Trust the process. You’ll face challenges, it will probably not always be easy, but it’s all part of the process. And take one day at a time. With research, you never know what idea you are going to have or what you will find in your data. So, trust the process, take one day at a time and keep your mind open!

Do you have a favourite place in Auckland where you go to relax while doing your PhD?

Friday drinks at OGH are always a good place to relax after a long week! I also like to go for a walk by the waterfront. It is one of the first places I visited when I arrived in Auckland, and I regularly go back to check the numerous boats and the water. The view is not the best, but there is something very calming for me.

Outside of your research, what are your interests and passions?

My interests are always changing, and I do a bunch of different things outside of my research! I like to cook and bake and try new recipes. I enjoy going on weekend trips with my campervan to go to the beach and on hikes. I also enjoy staying home to take care of my houseplants and do puzzles. I also volunteer at a bike hub where I get to learn how to fix my own bicycle. I recently started kitesurfing lessons, too!

Where’s next on your travel bucket list?

The South Island after my PhD! I am very excited to spend a few weeks there, sleeping in my campervan, taking in the views and going on hikes!

What are your plans for the future, and how has ACAP helped to prepare you for this?

I am not sure yet what my plan for the future is. However, I know that with ACAP, my decision will be more informed as I now have a better idea of what an academic career entails. Again, no matter what I end up doing, I know that ACAP was useful to develop skills that are going to be helpful anyway!