The PGR Development workshops are delivered by a team led by the Postgraduate Development Officer working with four Postgraduate Teaching Assistants from across the University. Teaching materials are prepared by the Postgraduate Development Officer and delivered by all members of the team. The workshops aim to provide a framework and suggestions for development in a non-prescriptive way, and are designed to capitalise on the diverse and interdisciplinary PGR population at the University of Birmingham by encouraging discussion and experience-sharing around the topics.
Georgina Hardy, Postgraduate Development Officer
Since completing her PhD in Chemistry at the University of Liverpool in 2004, Georgina has been supporting skills development for students and researchers through her career in academic libraries. She joined the University of Birmingham as Postgraduate Development Officer in 2016, and really enjoys working with the diverse, committed, and inspiring PGR population at the University. She obtained Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in 2020.
Matthew Bruce, Postgraduate Teaching Assistant
I’m Matthew, a third-year part-time PhD in French Studies student, looking at the portrayal of ‘anachronistic heroes’ in French comedy cinema. I have a longstanding relationship with the University, having previously completed a BA Modern Languages (French and Spanish) with Film Studies here (2013-17) before proceeding to undertake a MA by Research in French Studies (2017-2019). In the intervening period between finishing my Masters and starting my PhD, I worked for a time with Teach First tutoring languages to secondary school pupils as part of the National Tutoring Programme (2021) and, currently, alongside my PhD, I work as the part-time Marketing and Communications Coordinator of Billesley Research School, Birmingham, one of 38 of its kind in the country which disseminates evidence-based research conducted by the Education Endowment Foundation to educational leaders in the pursuit of closing ‘the disadvantage gap’. Back at UoB, I’m also a PGTA for AWAS (Academic Writing Advisory Service) in the College of Arts and Law and a Postgraduate Student Ambassador. I’m looking forward to working with peers in delivering workshops, which have proven very useful to me so far as a researcher. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and anything cinema-related!
Caroline Burgon, Postgraduate Teaching Assistant
Hello everyone, my name is Caroline. I am a fifth-year part-time PhD student at the Shakespeare Institute, a School of English, Drama and Creative Studies department. My thesis explores the presence of physical and mental health diagnoses in performances of Shakespeare’s characters.
Before starting my PhD, I had only ever studied via distance learning while working. I also had a long gap between my BA and MA. I was terrified to start my MA as it had been such a long time since I wrote an essay, and I felt I didn’t know how to research and write a university-level essay anymore, especially not at postgraduate level. So, I signed up to as many Research Skills courses as the UoB library could offer, and it not only helped improve my grades but it gave me confidence in myself as an academic. Everything I have learned in the Research Skills courses is transferable across subject disciplines. I love learning new skills and sharing them with others.
I also have an interest in assisting peers with hidden disabilities or studying with depression/mental health conditions. I look forward to seeing you at the Research Skills workshops.
Michelle Michel, Postgraduate Teaching Assistant
Hello, I'm Michelle, a Stanley Ray Scholarship holder studying my part-time distance learning PhD from my home near Milton Keynes. Having completed my Shakespeare and Theatre MA in 2020, I was pleased to be able move on to PhD study and hone in on my own academic interests that bit more. My work focuses on the printing of early modern texts, specifically by printer-publisher John Danter. This project uses close bibliography enquiry to examine the tiniest of details in Danter's printed work, alongside a broader historical account of the culture in which he operated.
My own experience of distance learning from A-Level to a fully-funded PhD whilst raising my family means that I am eager to reach back and support those who may be experiencing similar challenges. I restarted my academic journey after the birth of my daughter and have since had three sons whilst studying for my two degrees. My responsibilities as a mother and bill-payer have meant working alongside my education - a balance that can be quite difficult without the right advice and support; which is precisely why I want to support you, even if your experience differs from mine!
Chimeta Mulambia, Postgraduate Teaching Assistant
Hi! My name is Chimeta, and I am currently a second-year PhD student at the Birmingham Centre for Rail Research and Education in the School of Engineering, specializing in Strategic Railway Capacity Planning. I am passionate about supporting early career researchers by offering training and skills transfer sessions, as well as creating an encouraging environment where they can ask questions and receive assistance towards their goals.
Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy playing my acoustic guitar and staying active, especially through parkruns. I also watch way too much Formula one.
I look forward to connecting with others and contributing to our collective growth and development.