Meet your UGS Scholars (PGT)

Hi, my name is Lindsay and I’m doing a full time Master's in Comparative Literature and Critical Theories. My dissertation will be looking into the interpretation of queer people and relationships in British folklore, and how these readings change based on political and cultural contexts.

I’ve been working for a bookshop for the last 4 years and that has been a driving force behind me wanting to study further, as I graduated from my BA in English Literature and Language 7 years ago. As you can imagine, I’m a major bibliophile, and also love to draw, paint, watch films and play D&D.

I’ve come to describe myself as an extroverted introvert; I love being around people and making new friends but my anxiety can make me struggle to make that first step, and that’s something I want to help others with.

I do have experience planning events and organising meet ups so I’m very excited to get stuck in and meet you all!

Lindsay is a Returning to Education Champion for 22-23.

Hi there! My name is Emen and I am a Master's student studying Philosophy, Theology and Religion. I recently completed my undergraduate degree from the University of Manchester in Theology and Religion and my research interests are in Islam and Gender, in particular Islamic Feminism.  I also am a recent ParliaMentors alumni and have a passion for politics.

Outside of academia, I am an avid gardener, nature-lover, keen pool player (although I am not an expert!) and love travelling to new places! I am a foodie, so I also enjoy cooking, trying new foods and learning about other people’s cultures.

I know how difficult it can be to balance studies with extra-curriculars while also making time for yourself, but the University Graduate School and the UGS Scholar team can certainly support you through this! Having been a student representative in academia for 5+ years, I am really keen to hear what you would like to see. So do get in touch!

Emen is a Wellbeing Champion for 22-23.

Hi! I’m Lauren, and I’m a part-time, distance-learning Master's student in my first year of study! I’m studying my MA in Inclusion, specialising in Social, Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties.

I’m a History Teacher in a secondary school, teaching year 7-11. My long term goal is to complete the Educational and Child Psychology Doctorate!

I have recently had my first baby; a little girl called Knoxi so a lot of my time is spent nurturing her development! Aside from this, I love to read, go to race days, travel (which is not as flexible with a baby) and I love going to bingo!  

I'm so excited to start as a UGS Scholar! One of my passion projects is event & party planning! Please feel free to get in touch, if you need anything at all!

Lauren is a Part-time and Distance Champion for 22-23.

Hi everyone! My name is Jessie and I was born and raised in Ireland but I’m originally from Nigeria. I came to Birmingham to study my Master's in International Relations, after completing my undergrad in Politics and International Relations at Lancaster University. I’m really interested in understanding people and the political ideology that influences them. 

Outside of academics, I spend a lot of time reading, watching shows, or talking with people. As both an international student and someone new to the city, it’s important to put yourself out there so I also try out different societies and events run by the university.  

I’m really looking forward to working with you guys as a UGS Scholar and contributing to different ways we can make our community feel more active and integrated. Happy to have a chat with anyone that needs one!

Jessie is an International Student Champion for 22-23.

Hello! My name is Sairah, I am a Master's student studying Materials Science and Engineering. I love socialising and meeting new people, I am looking forward to getting to know more postgraduate students through the events that will take place throughout the academic year. My hobbies are doing bhangra dancing, watching cooking shows and running. Fun fact about myself, I am scared of lifts. My worst experience was getting into a lift with a stranger and the doors didn't open so I panicked and grabbed the person's jumper! 

I am looking forward to meeting you in the upcoming months and do not hesitate to drop me a line if you have any questions!

Sairah is an International Student Champion for 22-23.

Hello there! I’m Akshay and I’m pursuing MSc in Advanced Computer Science in the School of Engineering and Physics. I’m from Nizamabad, India. I have an undergrad in Computer Science from BML Munjal University, India. After that I worked with Deloitte as a Software Engineer. My areas of interest are Distributed Systems, Software Engineering and Cloud Computing.

As an international student in the Birmingham, I know the challenges that we face settling into the new environment and I look forward to sharing my experiences with the PGT community and assist in any way possible.

Apart from Software Development and Computer Science, I play badminton and cricket. I was on University Badminton team during my undergrad days. I love watching cricket and a huge fan of Virat Kohli. Feel free to talk to me about these topics, I know I’ll bring these topics into our conversations!

Akshay is a Returning to Education Champion for 22-23.

Hello! My name is Mary, and I am a full-time Master's student currently studying Molecular Biotechnology MSc. My course focuses on the molecular and cellular aspects of biotechnology. 

I’m a local of Birmingham and outside of my studies, I enjoy various activities such as going to the cinema and bowling. I am also an avid reader always looking for something new to read. 

I am excited about becoming a UGS scholar and hopefully taking part in fun activities that create a community feeling so always feel free to contact me if you have any feedback on improving any events. I’m looking forward to meeting you and hopefully having a great chat! 

Mary is a Commuter Student Champion for 22-23.

Hi, I’m Sophie I study MSc Applied climatology and meteorology! For my undergraduate, I studied Geography BSc at the University of Sussex and became interested in learning the physical underpinning of the climate system during my 3rd year.

Alongside my interest in Climate Change, I’m very passionate about widening participation in Higher Education. I’m originally from Hastings and am the first person in my family to go to university. I come from an area where it is not common for people to go to university, so I understand feeling out of place at times.

After graduating from Sussex, I worked for a year, so I lived in Brighton for 4 years and built many friendships. I didn’t know anyone before moving to Birmingham so understand the struggles that come with moving to a new city.

I feel passionate about building an inclusive PGT community and I look forward to meeting you at upcoming events. I love to chat, please don’t be afraid to approach me if you have any questions!

Sophie is a Sustainability Champion for 22-23.

Hi, I’m Lily and I’m in the first year of the MSc Adult Nursing course. I was previously at Oxford Brookes University where I studied for my BSc in Biomedical Science. I moved to Birmingham this academic year to start the course and I have really enjoyed exploring the city so far! The course is quite demanding due to long placement shifts at various hospitals across Birmingham but, I have managed this well and I am happy to share good tips for balancing a social life alongside studies.

 Outside of lectures and placements I like going to the gym, cycling and keeping active. I’ve been playing volleyball every Sunday here at the Uni which has been great fun. Socially, I love spending time with friends whether that’s having a chill night in or trying a new pub!

 I am really excited about being part of the UGS team and meeting other postgrad students who are looking to starting their next chapter at UoB.

Lily is a Wellbeing Champion for 22-23.

Hello, I'm Goodnews; a commonwealth shared scholar from Nigeria currently studying for MSc. Clinical Oncology at the College of Medical and Dental Sciences. I graduated from Delta State University, Nigeria, with a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree as the Faculty Valedictorian. Before the commencement of my studies, I was a teaching assistant in the department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, as well as the Delta State coordinator for the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria- Young Pharmacist group; responsible for facilitating developmental workshops and professional training for early career pharmacists, and public health campaigns.

My hobbies are making new friends, playing table tennis, singing and listening to music.

As a UGS Scholar, I shall work collaboratively with my team members and the postgraduate school to champion intellectually stimulating, educative, and social programs to create a robust postgraduate community.

Goodnews is an Academic Champion for 22-23.