My name is Bayan Masoud, and I am a PhD student in the Law School. My research explores police investigations of domestic abuse cases in Saudi Arabia. I started the PhD a little overwhelmed, as I had been away from academia for around 10 years. I also moved to a new city where I didn’t know anyone and needed to navigate my way in new surroundings
I was initially very focused on my own discipline. I enjoyed engaging with related research groups and my fellow colleagues from my department, but I also wanted to take part in the wider university community and started looking for new opportunities. My first step was to volunteer at an anthropology conference at my college. Volunteering broadened my academic network and showed me the power of interdisciplinary research. I also signed up to run a 10K with the university team in a city run. It was an exciting experience. It lifted away my feelings of isolation as the running team bonded right away. Throughout the race, the cheers and high fives from other runners were my greatest motivations, showing me that identity building is not limited to my department or thesis, but extends to the wider university community.
I was eager to take an active part in the Guild of Students to ensure my time at the University was not only about gaining knowledge and experience, but also giving back to a place I am proud to be part of. I became a scrutiny panel member and I got to know my fellow panelists so well. It was refreshing to meet students from other colleges with diverse perspectives and experiences, and we worked wonderfully as a team.
All these activities allowed me to be awarded the Birmingham Award for demonstrating exceptional commitment to developing my skills outside my studies.
I took part in the University Doctoral School's Research Poster Competition, and I was thrilled to win the Special College Award. It is incredibly validating to be appreciated for my communicating my research in an engaging way.
As I start my third year and reflect on my time here at the University of Birmingham, I am glad it has been an all-rounded experience. I have met so many interesting people and made connections that made my journey much richer and more rewarding. My advice to fellow PGRs is to put yourself out there and seek new experiences, because it truly makes your time here more fulfilling.