Embedded Files
The suite of videos explains why we need researchers with different skills and lived experiences to solve the world's current environmental challenges. The introductory animated video is followed by a number of themed videos featuring our current students talking about their journeys into research, addressing some key questions you may be asking yourself.
So if you have a non traditional background, take a look at our case studies and don't discount pursing a career in research!
These videos have been produced in a joint project between 3 NERC funded Doctoral Training Programmes: the ECOSOLUTIONS DFA, ECOWILD CDT and ECORISC CDT.
Can I make a PhD work for me?
Meet our students who have responsibilities and challenges outside of academia, including those caring responsibilities and those with long term health conditions.
Why different perspectives make better research
Our students explain why having different lived experiences gives them a different perspective and why this is so important to research.
Is a PhD for someone like me?
Meet our students who have returned to academia after time in employment, who are affected by illness and disability and those who have caring responsibilities.
There is not one route into a PhD
Meet students who have had different career paths, working in different sectors before deciding to study for a PhD.
If you want to learn more about our students, listen to their individual case studies where they explain more about their jourey into reserarch.
Andrew Joseph
ECOWILD CDT
Andrew is a mature student and father to a young daughter. He returned to academia after a decade working at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). He sees his professional experience and time away from formal study as valuable foundations for his research.
Gabriella Goodridge
ECOWILD CDT
Gabriella is non-binary, biromantic asexual and neurodivergent. Moving away and starting something new was a challenge that they overcame. Gabriella believes having learning difficulties makes her think more about how to communicate research so it is accessible to all.
Holly Mellor
ECOSOLUTIONS DFA
Holly was diagnosed with a long term health condition and spent considerable time in and out of hospital whilst studying for her undergraduate degree and worried about how this would look on her CV.
Jayde Broadbent
ECOSOLUTIONS DFA
Jayde suffers from a long term health condition and also supports her mum who suffers from the same condition. She feels its your passion, motivation and drive that make a good researcher, not your personal circumstances.
Nic Mortimer Cook
ECOWILD CDT
Nic returned to research two years after finishing their undergraduate degree and worried other researchers would be more academically qualified. Nic is trans, non-binary and bisexual and believes these experiences contribute to their interest in things that don't always get seen or presented.
Ola Dosunmu
ECORISC CDT
Ola returned to academia as a mature student after having a career in industry. He believes that his professional experience, cultural background, and academic journey provide a unique perspective that strengthens his research and helps him address real-world challenges.
Ulrika Goodwin
ECOSOLUTIONS DFA
Ulrika spent 10 years in the finance sector before changing her career path after having time away from work to raise her family. Ulrika feels that her experiences make her look at problems from different angles, make connections and consider the wider context.
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