Taking Science to the Xtremes: a unique PhD experience

Obtaining a PhD is a long and often rocky road. Now in my final year of doctoral study, I am taking a moment to look back at the successes and (far more frequent) failures of PhD life, particularly my first year experience. This was, quite literally, full of ups and downs as I found myself undertaking research as part of the Xtreme Everest 2 (XE2) expedition team.