If I understood correctly... you're writing a thesis... which usually implies a PhD in the works...
"I am writing my thesis on arcade emulation"
Forgive me for being blunt... but it sounds like you are writting a thesis on a topic you are not expert in... which is usually the case. Your topic should be in your field of expertise, you demonstrate that by writting a thesis on your topic of expertise, and you are awarded a doctoral degree to acknowledge your expertise.
You've never written an emulator... you just follow an emulation forum. I want a PhD too, I've been following here longer than you.
ETA: Meh... the question comes across as mean spirited... I'd delete it but it's already replied to, so I'll just apologize for it. I was reacting from a disdain for the postgraduate training environment in general, not so much as a personal jab on you.