This was the “I should be more intentional” month. Child 1’s birthday and child 2’s end of school exams made me kick myself for not being more intentional about doing things with them over the years (as opposed to just doing things for them). Then, some pains and aches were stark reminders that I need to be very intentional about stretching and about keeping a good posture at my desk. And various work deadlines made me regret not being more intentional about breaking big stuff into small tasks and scheduling time to complete them over several weeks. I can do better!
On the minor wins’ front, I found that the “ice bath” is a great way to cool down during a heat wave. Alas, my attempt to make nut butter was a resounding fail. And the dishwasher is broken.
As for work this month, it was mostly about (generative) AI.
Research
Conducted additional interviews for the agentic AI project. And presented the findings for the project on using AI to support emergency call rooms.
One grant application was rejected – which, while disappointing, wasn’t a complete surprise. Another application was submitted (this one related to using chatbots to support effective food waste disposal practices). And kept working, with my colleague in Thailand, on the idea about using GenAI for automation vs augmentation in universities. We aim to submit our application in a couple of weeks’ time.
I was part of panel discussing the impact of generative AI on research practice, at the University of Sussex. And I went to a workshop at Royal Holloway, where – among other great presentations by established and new researchers – Ming-Hui Huang and Roland T Rus presented their paper “The GenAI Future of Consumer Research”. Catching up with other researchers – and meeting new ones – at these events was really energising and inspiring. It reminded me to be more intentional about attending face to face events and catching up with people in person.
Writing
The digital wellbeing paper was published. Hooray. This is great, because I keep referring to the findings in the paper, and now, I can finally direct people to where they can learn more about them.
I also worked on a paper about the digitalisation of financial services.
In addition, I had a great discussion with a co-author about a paper on the role of emotions in financial decision making. Plus, another great discussion with the team working on the paper about the use of ChatGPT in universities.
On the other hand, another research team agreed to park the paper about customer insight, for the time being. Because being intentional about writing sometimes means putting projects on hold.
Teaching
Marking. Moderation. And exam board meetings to confirm marks.
Meetings and report writing for programme accreditations.
Various meetings with dissertation students. And meetings with a colleague and a visiting researchers about trialling the use of custom GPTs to support student learning.
One of my intentions for this period between teaching semesters is to have a go at developing a custom GPT.
Service
I learned that the person for whom I wrote the reference letter, last month, got the (much deserved) promotion. I was so, so happy for them as they are not only brilliant professionally, but also a great human being. 100% deserved!
I also participated in various events related to my role with the SeNSS doctoral training network. Plus, I reviewed applications for placements.
What did June 2025 have in store for you?
Ana Canhoto 