Meet your UGS Scholars (PGR)

Your UGS Scholars are here to welcome you into our Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) community and support you throughout your studies. There are two scholars from each college and your scholars will be organising PGR events throughout the year.

To stay up to date on the UGS Scholars' activities follow the University Graduate School on social media @UoBGradSchool and check out our events page. You can also reach out to the UGS Scholars via email for individual support at ugsscholars-pgr@contacts.bham.ac.uk 

 Katrina

College of Arts and Law: meet Katrina

Hello, my fellow PGRs, I’m Katrina, a part-time PhD student in English Literature exploring the sexualisation of Jack the Ripper in literature and culture from the 19th century to the present. My research examines the sustained surge of sexualised and romantic Ripper fiction against the increased advocacy for women’s rights in the mainstream media, including twenty-first-century feminism and the #MeToo movement.

Alongside my studies, I have worked at the University for the last five years, in a variety of departments and roles. I'm currently a Research Support Officer at Birmingham’s Medical School.

I also co-founded Gothica, Birmingham’s postgraduate reading group. We meet monthly to explore the Gothic genre in fantasy, horror, and science fiction, often hosting guest speakers from staff, and students, to writers and independent researchers across the globe. You can see some of our past sessions here: uobgothica.wordpress.com/past-sessions/ and follow us @Gothica_Uob. Also, if you’re into your serial killers, do check out my new online network, @CerealKillerNet where we’ll be bringing in the experts to delve into the minds of the most notorious serial murderers of all time. All welcome!

I'm also neurodivergent. My disabilities include dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. Always happy to chat with anyone who identifies as any of the above. I really loved being a scholar last year and particularly enjoyed leading the monthly PGR Film Club and I am grateful to be back with a whole new team.

I'm a local Brummie and enjoy a good brunch! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me @jan_katrina

 Yordanka

College of Arts and Law: meet Yordanka

Hi everyone! My name is Yordanka and I am in my 4th year of PhD studies in Modern Languages. My research focuses on the experiences of terrorist violence in France since 2015 and the complex way trauma, affect, and grief shape how the attacks are remembered among victims and society. I also teach French at the University of Birmingham and hold an Advance HE Fellowship.

In my free time, I take photos of mountains and coasts. You can find me hiking in Wales with the university society almost every weekend or wild camping in the Bulgarian mountains during the summer months. Alongside my passion for photography, I love learning new languages. I am currently fluent in 4 languages and my goal is to learn Spanish in the academic 2023/24. Thanks to fact that the University of Birmingham hosts students from all over the world, I can easily practise my multilingual skills and make friends from all continents.

I am excited to meet fellow research students in the Graduate School and learn about their research projects and hobbies. I hope that I can help new PhD students feel at least as welcomed and supported as I did last year thanks to the fantastic team of Westmere Scholars and all the activities they organised for the research community. I am looking forward to meeting you soon and sharing with you my top tips about how to make the most of your PhD journey at the University!

 

 Gilanis

College of Social Sciences: meet Gilanis

Hi there! My name is Gilanis Changachirere and I am a second year PhD student in the International Development Department (IDD).  My research sits at the intersection of gender and politics. Specifically, I am looking at how women exercise their agency and influence political outcomes in authoritarian political systems, focusing on case studies of Uganda and Zimbabwe. I completed my MA in International Relations (Gender) as a Chevening Scholar at the University of Birmingham in 2019.

Having joined the university as an international student, I know it can be difficult to integrate in the university and new community you live in. I am keen to use my experience to support postgraduate scholars to find their way both within and outside the university and make postgraduate life enjoyable.

Outside my research work, I volunteer my knowledge, skills and experience in non-profit organisations globally, supporting social justice causes. This gives me an opportunity to travel around the world. I also use part of my time to do yoga, meditation and connect with nature, so I am excited to tell you more about the amazing parks around. 

 Zainab

College of Social Sciences: meet Zainab

Hello there! I'm Zainab, an Egyptian third year PhD student in the Finance Department at the Business School, where I’m researching a very interesting topic of how natural disasters can impact banks.

My academic background has paved the way for my current journey. I'm wholeheartedly committed to continuing in academia after the completion of my PhD, fueled by my passion for teaching.

It brings me great joy to support fellow researchers, especially those who are new to this realm. I've already shared my experience and advice with newcomer friends from Egypt who are going to settle in the UK. This experience has not only been rewarding but has also led us to form a close-knit community that helps us overcome homesickness and challenges together.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I find joy in cooking, reading, walking, cycling, and swimming. Exploring new places, cultures, and connecting with people fuels my spirit. I believe in the power of sharing thoughts and experiences to overcome life's challenges.

Can't wait to connect with all of you. Let's embark on this journey together!

 

 John

Engineering and Physical Sciences: meet John

Hi everyone! My name’s John, I’m in the second year of my Ph.D. studying materials science. I’m originally from the US but came to Birmingham last year to try something new. My research looks at the materials used to build fusion reactors – a very sci-fi energy source that will hopefully one day give us lots and lots of clean electricity!

Outside of the lab I love experimenting in the kitchen (if you’re looking to make a foray into sourdough baking, hit me up!), getting out in nature, playing “soccer”, and doing yoga.

It was a tough transition moving to a country I’d never been to before and had zero friends in, but I feel like now I have a home in the postgrad community, and I want to help other postgrads find their homes as well.

I’m excited to get to know the postgrad community even better as a UGS Scholar, and if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me!

 Victor

Engineering and Physical Sciences: meet Victor

Hey there! I'm Victor, currently diving into the world of PhD studies in Civil Engineering. 

My research revolves around boosting the resilience of forests against climate change, which is as exciting as it sounds. I'm all about that interdisciplinary approach, weaving together different threads to tackle giant challenges. I'm not just about business– I'm a fitness enthusiast too. You might find me at the gym on a good day or on an aimless walk about campus (getting my steps in). 

When I'm not wrapped up in research or chasing the elixir of life, I'm a big advocate for creating a vibrant postgraduate community. Whether I'm setting up events with free coffee and snacks for PhDs in the School of Engineering or just soaking in the atmosphere, I'm all in. 

That's a sneak peek into my world, and I'm genuinely interested in hearing about yours too. So, catch me at the welcome bashes, seasonal celebrations, and the whole roster of exciting events the University Graduate School has lined up. Let's create some remarkable memories together!

 

 cameron

Life and Environmental Sciences: meet Cameron

Hi everyone! I’m Cameron, a 3rd year PhD student in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences. My research project is funded by Liverpool Football Club, investigating the use of Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography as a method of measuring muscle stiffness changes in response to exercise.

If I’m not in the lab you’ll probably find me playing hockey, socialising with friends or cooking! I have been at the University of Birmingham since 2017, having done my undergraduate and master’s degrees here before starting my PhD – so I’d like to think I know a thing or two about the university and city!

I’m super excited to be a part of the UGS Scholarship team and look forward to putting on some great events for the PGR community this year!

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 Aliya

Life and Environmental Sciences: meet Aliya

Hi, I’m Ally, a 2nd 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.  

I have been at the University of Birmingham for over 6 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. 

Outside of research, I enjoy travelling, breaking a sweat at Sport and Fitness and all types of food (but especially sushi)! I also love organising events, whether they’re academic, as a student rep, or social, as Vice-President of Cocktail Society. Most recently, I have developed a Careers Series, aimed at assisting fellow PGRs who are uncertain about their future career options. Keep an eye out for more of these events in the coming months!  

I am absolutely thrilled to be a UGS Scholar this year and look forward to planning some exciting activities and contributing to our extraordinary postgraduate community! Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or just want to chat.

 

 

Michael

Medical and Dental Sciences: meet Michael

My name is Michael. I am a specialty trainee in General Surgery in the West of Scotland and have taken out of program research (OOPR) to pursue a higher degree, PhD (Research) in Cancer and Genomics at University of Birmingham. My career inspiration is to become a transplant surgeon with an academic interest.

I am one of the members of the Moynihan Academy and the Education and Training committee at Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. I am passionate about surgical training and teaching. Outside of academia, I love to stay active and play sports. My hobbies are hiking, swimming, badminton, and kayaking. I was a national player for volleyball.

Feel free to get in touch and reach out to me if you have any questions.

 

Medical and Dental sciences: meet Nada

Information coming soon.

 

 

 

 

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