Meet your UGS Scholars (PGR)

Hello everyone! I’m Ryan, a part-time PhD student in the Department of African Studies and Anthropology, College of Arts and Law. I work mainly on Ghanaian and West African military governments during the 1970s and 1980s, though I dabble in history from all over. I’m about to enter the 6th year of my PhD, so I’m far too familiar with both the University of Birmingham and academia more generally. I’ve published a few articles and given my fair share of talks, and as rewarding as that experience is I definitely appreciate how stressful those first few steps into the post-graduate academic world can be. So if you’d like a little advice or reassurance on publications and presentations, or if you just need to vent about an unfair comment you received on a submission or mean question you got at a conference (trust me, I’ve received my fair share), then you’re more than welcome to collar me at an event or get in contact! In my free time I’m a bit of a nerd. I like watching films and playing videogames and board games. When I’m not doing interviews on farms in northern Ghana or lost amongst a pile of folders in the National Archives I’m probably wasting my time working through Akira Kurosawa’s filmography or losing games of Slay the Spire! I can’t wait to get to know you all and dive into some of the events at the Graduate School! 

Hi there! I'm Thea and I'm in the first year of my PhD in English Literature. My research is looking at narratives of human enhancement under and beyond neoliberalism. This is my fifth year at UoB after completing my undergrad and master's here. I was also one of the UGS PGT (postgrad taught) scholars last year.  I'm especially interested in interdisciplinary research and love making connections with people from across different departments and colleges. I look forward to getting to hear about what all of you are working on. Outside of my research I love to paint and write creatively. I also play Dungeons and Dragons and board games.   

Hi everyone! My name is Queenie, and I am a first year PhD student at the International Development Department. My research investigates polycentric institutional interactions in the governance of renewable natural resources, specifically small-scale fisheries in Nigeria. I am also a qualified lawyer by profession, holding an LLB, LLM, and a qualifying certificate of Call to the Nigerian Bar (BL: Barrister at Law). Before starting my PhD, I completed an MSc in Environment, Development and Politics under the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, and an MA in Social Research, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), both here at the University of Birmingham (UoB), I am passionate about building supportive communities and helping students navigate their academic journeys both in academic and non-academic ways. This is evidenced by my various student support and engagement roles across UoB, particularly as a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant. So, while I am happy to share tips on how to write an effective literature review or access university-wide resources, I am equally happy to share my secret recipe for the perfect jollof or offer tips for maintaining your locs hairstyles! When I am not teaching or studying, you will find me volunteering for environmental causes, cooking Nigerian dishes, traveling around the UK, or exploring Birmingham's diverse restaurants to experience new cultures through food. I am thrilled and looking forward to meeting and creating lasting memories with fellow PGRs! 

Hi everyone! I'm Fujia, a third-year PhD student in the School of Education, originally from China, I spent seven and a half years in Australia and one and half year in Durham before coming to  Birmingham. My research currently focuses on evaluating online English reading programmes for primary school students. I'm passionate about children's literacy, having previously worked as an English curriculum developer and a writer for children's books, and I'm always excited to support new postgraduate students on their research journeys. I love organising research events and bringing people together to share ideas, collaborate, and learn from each other. Outside of my research, I enjoy swimming, archery, travelling, jet skiing, photography. I also love volunteering to support children with learning difficulties, making inclusivity and community a big part of my life. Having been an international student myself, I understand the unique challenges of postgraduate life, and I'm here to help make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone. I’m excited to connect with you all, share my experiences, and contribute to a vibrant postgraduate community this year. Looking forward to meeting you soon! 

Hey there! I’m Ahsan, currently a few months into my PhD in Chemical Engineering. I’m originally from Scotland but came to Birmingham to expand my horizons. My research looks at materials to help promote/speed up scarless wound healing – very useful for helping with chronic wounds or burn wounds that just tend to leave a nasty scar. Having to move away from what you know to an unfamiliar place with 0 friends, I understand how important it is to have a support network. I’m still relatively new to the University but I have only positive experiences with the Graduate School and would love to spread that positivity to help support postgraduates.  Outside my research work, I tend to lean more heavily with my fellow introverts out there. I tend to find enjoyment in reading, swimming and playing games. I want to expand my horizons though, experience new places, people and new cultures. I am extremely happy to be a UGS scholar and I am looking forward to organising events and experiencing new things! 

Hi there! My name is Ying Tian, a first-year PhD student in the Materials and Metallurgy (Mat&Met). My research focuses on hybrid batteries, specifically looking into mixed electrolytes to develop sustainable battery systems. I am also a part-time research assistant for the Nextrode project, where I help optimize battery manufacturing processes. I completed my Master’s in Applied Analytical Chemistry at University College London in 2019, graduating with distinction. Language-wise, my TOEFL score is 118, IELTS 8.0, English proficiency certified at C2 by BEC Higher.  Beyond academia, I love mountain biking, traveling, and snowboarding in particular. Upon graduating from UCL, I gapped 2 years, fully dived into snowboarding and learnt everything from scratch. I split my time between UK indoor ski resorts during the summer and the Tirol region in Austria during the winter, eventually earned my BASI Level 1 and CASI Level 2 snowboard instructor certifications and met lots of likeminded friends / professionals. So, if you’re looking for snowboarding tips / ski resorts recommendations, feel free to ask me! As an international student myself, I understand the challenges of adapting to a new environment and expressing yourself in academic discussions, especially when English isn’t your first language (even now I still sometimes struggle with battery terminology). Luckily, since the start of my PhD, I received so much support from fellow PhD students and researchers in the group and would love to pass that care and support on to others as a UGS Scholar this year. Be it time management, improving English skills, or balancing work and life, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned or found on the university websites.  Fun fact about me, I learned Python from scratch recently and have progressed from a awkward beginner to now writing codes to process battery test data. What seemed daunting at first has now become a time-saving tool that helps me work more efficiently. So I guess in the end, it’s all about exploring and never stop learning. And I look forward to exploring all possibilities with you! 

Hello! I’m Holly, a fourth-year PhD student in the School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health. My research project, funded by MIBTP, focuses on the connection between the brain and heart, specifically investigating how listening to different types of speech can influence our heart rate. Outside of my research, I’m passionate about staying active through sports and fitness. I particularly enjoy dodgeball and currently play and coach for the England Lions Dodgeball team —it’s a great stress reliever and fun way to stay fit. As a UGS Scholar, I’m here to support fellow postgraduate researchers on their PhD journeys. I believe that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is key to thriving during your studies. That's why I encourage you to join our UGS PGR events—come take a break, recharge, and connect with others. I look forward to meeting you! 

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Hi, I’m Ally, a 3rd year PhD student in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, funded by the Humane Research Trust. With a background in Neuroscience, my research examines the neural mechanisms underlying impulse control issues in Parkinson’s disease, such as gambling and compulsive shopping. Outside of research, I enjoy nature walks, travelling, breaking a sweat at Sport and Fitness and all types of food (but especially sushi)! I have been at the University of Birmingham for over 7 years now, so I (just about) know my way around and I’m on hand for any queries you might have! Having started my PhD mid-way through the academic year, I understand the importance of having a support network to guide you in this new environment while you find your feet. Last year, I thoroughly enjoyed organising events for PGRs, including Dog Therapy for Well-being and Social Badminton. I am thrilled to return as a UGS Scholar this year and look forward to planning more exciting activities and contributing to our extraordinary postgraduate community! Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any event ideas you would like us to run! 

Hi there! I’m Maya, an international PhD student. I’m entering my third year of my PhD in cardiovascular sciences, where I focus on researching a common genetic heart condition often linked to sudden death. Throughout both my undergraduate and graduate studies, I’ve been involved in numerous events, supporting and representing fellow students. The skills and experiences I’ve gained along the way have fueled my passion for becoming a UGS scholar.

As an international student, I’ve encountered some of the challenges that new students might face. This motivates me to help new students integrate into the university community and make the most of their experience. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, working with clay, and creating art. I also love going on trips and adventures, exploring nature, and camping outdoors. I’m excited to meet fellow researchers, learn about their interests, and exchange ideas. I’m looking forward to connecting with you at the exciting events the University Graduate School has planned for the year ahead. Let’s make it a great one!  

Hi there! My name is Nahla, I am a third-year PhD student in the Cancer and Genomics program. My research delves into the intricate genetic pathways of cancer, aiming to uncover new therapeutic targets that could revolutionize treatment strategies. My journey has been enriched by a variety of experiences, including serving as a research assistant in my home country, Egypt. During this period, I had the opportunity to support postgraduate students, which helped me refine my mentorship and leadership skills. This role has also provided me with a strong foundation in genomics and a passion for advancing understanding of cancer. As an international student, I initially found the new environment and diverse culture to be a bit overwhelming. However, through active engagement with fellow postgraduate researchers and participation in enriching events, I was able to navigate these challenges successfully. Over time, these experiences allowed me to cultivate a warm and inclusive community, fostering multicultural friendships that highlighted our shared challenges and collective resilience. I'm enthusiastic about using my journey to assist fellow postgraduate students in successfully navigating university life and building a vibrant, supportive community both within and beyond academia. Beyond my research, I am passionate about community service, leadership development, and cultural exploration. My participation in initiatives like the Presidential Leadership Program and organizing committees for events such as the World Youth Forum has broadened my global perspective and enhanced my leadership abilities.