We thought it was about time that we introduced you to the CONSPIRACY_FX PhD student Dylan De Gourville, to let you know how he is settling into the team (and the UK) and so you can learn a little bit more about him...
Q1. Where did you complete your studies prior to joining the CONSPIRACY_FX project?
- I completed both my undergraduate and master’s degrees at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago. Although this university and its staff hold a special place in my heart, I joined the CONSPIRACY_FX project to expand my research and statistical competencies and to gain exposure to a rigorous academic context outside of where I spent the first 5 years of my educational life. Throughout my time here I’ve developed a strong interest in conspiracy theory research and am thrilled to be working under Karen Douglas, a leader in this field.
Q2. What is your job role within the project?
- As the only PhD researcher on the project, I am responsible for leading the environmental package of research. This work package primarily focuses on the consequences of conspiracy theories surrounding climate change. Despite the recent surge in research on climate change conspiracies, there is still much exciting work to be done in this area. I am very happy to be involved in a project with a sustainability focus, as it allows us to explore broader implications of these conspiracy theories on individual sustainability behaviours and public perception. As a vegetarian and someone who places high value on environmentalism, this work package is particularly important to me.
Q3. How long have you been working on the CONSPIRACY_FX project?
- I officially started the PhD program in October 2023, so it’s been 8 months now. It’s been an exciting journey so far, with the usual ups and downs that come with undertaking a PhD and moving to a foreign country. I’m looking forward to the next 2 and a half years, especially as I have such an amazing team beside me.
Q4. How is your time usually spent as a PhD researcher during the week?
- As I’m in the early stages of the program, a lot of my time is spent reading research articles and making personal notes to consolidate the information into a coherent knowledge base I can refer to later. I often find myself going down various rabbit holes while searching through the literature, but it’s all fascinating and valuable. Aside from reviewing literature, I plan studies and brainstorm different research ideas. So far, I’ve completed one large correlational study examining different conspiracy correlates of various dimensions of sustainability behaviour. The findings from this study have guided a new line of research, and the second study has just been launched. I’m really excited to reach a place where I’m writing up papers and can see tangible output of all the effort. Of course, it’s not all work – many days after the office, I go to the pub or have a barbeque with other PhD students and postdocs.
Q5. What do you enjoy most about this project?
- My favourite aspect of this project is the collaborative research environment, both within the project and throughout the wider department. Especially within the political psychology lab, there is a very community-oriented approach to academia, which I love and had not experienced prior to joining this team. This model fosters continual improvement and learning new skills, as I can always feel comfortable approaching any member of my team or lab for feedback, assistance, or advice. This supportive atmosphere was a pleasant surprise, as I expected any PhD program to be rigorous, but I feel incredibly fortunate to have joined such an academically rigorous group who are also some of the nicest people I’ve met!
Q6. What are the most challenging aspects of the role?
- As I’m sure most PhD students would tell you, there is a hurdle of imposter syndrome to get over in the early phases of the program. Moving from a completely different environment, both socially and academically, was overwhelming at first. However, I’m at a place now where I feel much more confident and excited about how this journey will unfold.
Q7. What do you enjoy doing outside of your work?
- Coming from the Caribbean, I used to spend most of my free time either swimming and hanging with friends by the pool or beach, or hiking to waterfalls. I love swimming. Here in England, things are a bit different, but it has its own charm. I really enjoy photography and recently returned from a trip to the lake district which was breath-taking and allowed me to capture some great shots. Aside from that, I love music, creative writing, and reading-mainly fiction.