Caitlin Mickles

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.

Public healthNutritionGraduate schoolProductivityStationeryTechnologyProfessional styleBooks

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

Planners & stationeryiPad & tech workflowsFood & cookingBooks & podcastsHome organizationProfessional style

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
See the Style page →

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

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:

Professional inquiriesCollaboration opportunitiesSpeaking & mentorshipBrand partnershipsCreative partnerships
contact@caitlinmickles.com