Research · Education · Productivity · Lifestyle
Caitlin
Researcher. Planner. Curator
Welcome
A home for the things I research, plan, and curate.
Caitlin Mickles, M.S. is a public health researcher and PhD student who cares about good systems, thoughtful tools, and the small details that make everyday work run a little smoother. This is my space for research, resources, recommendations, and projects.
Featured
Start here
The PhD Edit
Planning systems, research workflows, tools, and lessons learned from doctoral education.
Explore →The Edit
Stationery and the tools I actually use, plus tech, home, food, and books.
Explore →Style
Professional style, workwear, and what I carry to work and conferences.
Explore →Projects
Creative projects, ideas, and collaborations I’m building.
Explore →On my shelf
Books I’m reading
Currently
Exploring & working on
Dissertation planning and research workflows
Systems and tools that make graduate work more manageable
New creative and digital project ideas
Let’s collaborate.
Open to professional inquiries, partnerships, speaking, and mentorship.
About
Hi, I’m Caitlin.
Public health researcher, PhD student, and lifelong organizer of things.
My research centers on nutrition, chronic disease prevention and survivorship, and health in rural and Appalachian communities.
Outside of research I’m a planner in every sense: I like systems that make big projects feel manageable, tools that earn their place on my desk, and the occasional deep dive into a good book.
This site is where those worlds meet: research, resources for graduate students, and a curated look at what I find useful.
Interests & hobbies
How I work
I plan on paper and in apps, keep one clear system per project, and review often. Reflection is part of the work, not a break from it.
Currently exploring
Better workflows for dissertation planning, digital and paper hybrids, and ways to share what I learn with other graduate students.
Work & Research
Research & professional work
A snapshot of what I study and why it matters to me. For my full professional record, find me on LinkedIn.
Research interests
Public health & nutrition
How what people eat, and what they can access, shapes long-term health.
Chronic disease prevention & survivorship
Reducing risk before disease starts and supporting people living well afterward.
Rural & Appalachian health disparities
Understanding why health outcomes differ by place, and what can close the gaps.
Approach
I care about research that is rigorous and usable: clear questions, careful methods, and findings communities can act on.
Beyond the lab
I share planning systems and workflows that help other graduate students manage long research projects. You’ll find those in The PhD Edit.
Collaboration
I’m open to research conversations, speaking, and mentorship. Get in touch.
The PhD Edit
Systems, tools & lessons from the PhD
A resource hub for graduate students: how I plan, research, organize, and set up my workspace.
Planning
PhD planning systems, comprehensive exam preparation, dissertation organization, and getting ready for committee meetings.
Research
Research workflows, literature review organization, software and digital tools, and AI tools that help without taking over.
Productivity
iPad workflows, time management, and conference prep, including what to pack.
Setup & supplies
Planner comparisons, stationery and office supplies, desk and workspace organization, and graduate-student-friendly budgeting.
Reflections
Lessons learned along the way in doctoral education.
The Edit
Things I find useful
Mostly what I actually use for work and for reflecting on it, plus the hobbies I enjoy.
Stationery & Desk
- Hobonichi, Jibun Techo, Midori & other planners
- Pens, notebooks & stickers
- Journaling & reflection tools
- Desk accessories
- Muji finds
- Office organization
- Hobby & creative supplies
Technology
- iPads & accessories
- Productivity apps
- Digital organization
- Research technology
- Useful electronics
Professional Style & Carry
- Professional & modest fashion
- Workwear
- Handbags & accessories
- Conference bags & travel essentials
- Everyday carry
Beauty & Personal Care
- Skincare
- Beauty products
- Haircare
- Personal care routines
Home & Organization
- Home office setup
- Organization systems
- Household essentials
- Practical purchases
Food & Everyday Living
- Gluten-free food discoveries
- Kitchen appliances & tools
- Meal planning
- Recipes & cooking products
Books & media
Books I’m reading
Also in rotation: podcasts, newsletters, YouTube channels, and long reads worth saving.
Style
Style notes
How I dress for research, conferences, and professional life.
My approach
Polished, modest, and intentional. I build a wardrobe from pieces that work hard: comfortable enough for a long conference day, put-together enough for a committee meeting.
Professional & modest fashion
Pieces that move from classroom to conference without a change.
Workwear & conference outfits
Dressing for presentations, posters, and networking.
Bags & everyday carry
Handbags, work bags, and travel essentials for busy days.
Projects
Things I’m making
Creative work, ideas, and collaborations, from finished projects to what’s still on the drawing board.
Creative & digital
Personal creative projects, digital resources, and personal branding experiments.
Stationery & product ideas
Concepts for planners, printables, and tools I wish existed.
Community & service
Volunteer work, community initiatives, and collaborations with people doing good work.
Work with me
Have an idea we could build together? Let’s talk.
Connect
Let’s talk.
The best way to reach me is by email. I’m open to the following:
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