Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting our Winter Showcase 2024, and we’re excited to share that it was a wonderful success.

The Winter Showcase is more than just an event—it’s a platform designed to empower researchers giving them the opportunity to connect, learn from each other and practise their presentation skills. Whether you’re drawn to insightful research talks, captivated by the diversity of research posters, or eager to present your own findings, the Winter Showcase offers something for everyone.

This year’s programme featured a lineup of thought-provoking presentations that highlighted the diversity and depth of research in our community:

• Chris Payne “Are e-scooters active transport? Measured physical activity outputs of e-scooter riding vs walking”
• Shiyu Yuan “The Power of Two: Couples’ Combined Work-from-Home Status, commuting time, and Childbirth in the UK”
• Inah Okpa Okpa “Mitigating Carbonwashing in ESG Marketing: Can Artificial Intelligence Adoption Enhance Corporate Climate Governance?”
• Yeshu Kadiri “Informal Urbanism and Gendered Infrastructure in the Global South: Ethnography of a Basti in Hyderabad, India”
• Emily Su “Visualizing a ‘Synergy of Greatness’: A Study of the Sublime through Napoleonic Battle Painting, c. 1800-1815”
• Yvonne Cullen “How to relearn creative and collaborative learning”
• Hugh Robertson-Ritchie “Epistemic Injustice in ME (Myalgic Encephalomyopathy or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) is Exacerbated by Uncertainty”

The event also featured a variety of impressive research posters created by our talented PhD students. Covering a wide range of themes, these posters sparked engaging discussions and gave the opportunity to learn about the innovative projects being conducted at Kent.

It was really uplifting. I enjoyed connecting with other postgraduate students and building my self-confidence to speak about my research. The Graduate and Researcher College really works for the students and that it’s an amazing asset to the PhD experience.

Barbara Denuelle

If you weren’t able to join us this year, don’t worry—there will be plenty more opportunities to get involved. Whether as a presenter or attendee, your presence can make this event even more exciting and impactful in the future.

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events and ways to connect.

Last week, we hosted our annual Exploring Global Cultures PG Talk—an event that has become a highlight of the year at the Graduate and Researcher College. This eagerly anticipated talk brings together postgraduate students to share fascinating insights into their unique cultural backgrounds.

This engaging event invites Master’s students to share insights into their unique cultures through 7-minute presentations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the traditions, values, and perspectives that make our community so diverse.

This year’s event was no exception, as four incredible students transported us to Grenada,  Mauritius, Nigeria and Cyprus.

The PG Talk: Exploring global cultures was fascinating. It was lovely meeting the other speakers and listening as they talked us through their histories, from tragic stories of slave trade to the beauty of diverse cultures, landscapes, and carnivals.

Aderonke

Each presentation offered a unique perspective, reminding us of how much we can learn from one another and how wonderful it is to celebrate our differences and connections.

I am always very proud when I am able to shine the spotlight on Grenada because being from this island has shaped a very large part of my identity. I am happy to introduce a piece of my culture and history to the other students. And if I am able to spark curiosity through my love and pride of my homeland, then I have successfully represented Grenada to the best of my ability.

Kamille

Events like these offer us a glimpse into the worlds of our peers, fostering a sense of connection and togetherness.

Presenting Nigeria was particularly special for me, as in recent years, Nigeria has grown significantly in tech, fashion, art, film, and music, and sharing these beautiful aspects of Nigeria with others was quite fulfilling.

Aderonke

Stay tuned for more exciting events from the Graduate and Researcher College.

*Disclaimer: This article discusses my recovery from a substance use disorder and provides resources at the end, if you or someone you know is struggling.

Who am I?

My name is Katelyn, and I am a first-year PhD student in Sociology at the University of Kent.  Originally from a small town outside Columbus, Ohio, my journey to the PhD has brought me around the world.  From growing up in the Swiss suburbs to studying at university in five different countries, my academic journey has been all but straightforward.  In this article, you’ll read more about my path from brick uni to distance-learning and back again.  It has not been easy, but I hope I can inspire others that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.

My Undergraduate Journey

Like many people, I began my university journey at the age of eighteen, freshly graduated from my International School in Switzerland, where I grew up.  Also like many people, I was uncertain which direction to take, so I went with my safest bet, which was to study English Literature and Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh.  However, near the end of my first year, I realised the course wasn’t right for me.  I have always loved reading and creative writing growing up, but I didn’t have passion for my course.  That’s when I decided to transfer unis and took the leap to study back in my home country, at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

My time in D.C. led to a similar fate, and by the end of my first year there, I was ready to return to Europe.  Even though I looked and sounded like my peers, my time living abroad for so long left me feeling disconnected from the American experience.  I wanted desperately to move back to Europe and be closer to my family, who were still in Switzerland, so I transferred yet again to the American University of Paris, in France.

For the most part, I enjoyed life in Paris.  It was a hustling and bustling city with lots to do, and my professors were very knowledgeable about their subjects.  However, I fell in with the wrong crowd, and my academics started slipping.  I developed a substance use disorder and eventually withdrew from my studies there.

In February 2020, I went to treatment to get the help I needed.  Although it was the most difficult experience of my life, I came out clean and ready for a new beginning.  That said, I couldn’t help but feel like my university destiny was shattered.  That is, until I heard about the Open University.

After three failed attempts at uni, I felt nervous embarking on a distance-learning journey with the OU.  What if I wasn’t meant for university?  What if I failed again?  I also didn’t have a lot of support from my family when I announced that I wanted to finish my Bachelor’s degree online; however, they did let me move back home to Switzerland to give it one last go.

The first few months were an adjustment.  I had gone from very structured learning to structuring my own learning, and it was a learning curve to say the least.  However, I persevered and I made it through.  I graduated with my BA in Criminology and Sociology from the Open University with first-class honours, and to this day, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities the OU provided me.

Transferrable Skills for the Future

Distance-learning gave me skills that have translated directly to my PhD, such as time-management, organisation, independence and self-motivation.  It allowed me time to focus on myself and my recovery while still pursuing my academic passions.  Distance-learning with the OU really helped me rebuild my life and restore my confidence – so much so, that I ended up pursuing a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Policy from the London School of Economics.

Once again, I found myself country-hopping, hoping to find success as a young academic.  I won’t lie – going to LSE scared me, because my first several attempts at brick uni were unsuccessful.  Not to mention I was leaving behind my closest friends and family in Switzerland.

However, despite the challenges that I faced moving to London, I am so glad I did, or else I would not be in Canterbury today.  Pursuing my MSc in Criminal Justice Policy solidified my interest in, and passion for, criminology and sociology which led me to apply for a PhD at the University of Kent.

Why Kent?

 Something I’ve been asked a lot is, Why Kent?  Firstly, I chose the University of Kent because their motto stood out to me.  “We stand for ambition” was something that resonated with me, because despite facing adversity, I did feel like I had no ambition necessary to succeed at a PhD.  Secondly, I found a PhD supervisor whose expertise aligned very closely to my proposed research – an interdisciplinary study of the gentrification of sexual geographies in London’s Kings Cross.  Mentorship is something I really value, and I firmly believed that the guidance I would receive at the University of Kent would be unparalleled to any other.

So, I began my PhD in Sociology in January of 2024 as an international and mature student.  Moving to Canterbury has been an amazing experience for me so far.  Despite London’s influence on my academic journey, the city was overwhelming to me.  I find Canterbury much more bite-size, and my studies so far have been nothing but satisfying.

Mentorship is something I really value, and I firmly believed that the guidance I would receive at the University of Kent would be unparalleled to any other.

In particular, the student support at the uni – including that from my supervisor – has been extremely helpful for me.  A few months before commencing my PhD, I was diagnosed with ADHD and was finding it hard to come to terms with what that meant for my future studies.  Yet, the support I’ve received has helped me learn to work with my ADHD, rather than against it.

I also really value the diversity at the University of Kent.  I feel like I belong, and I think that is what I have been searching for all along.

I also really value the diversity at the University of Kent.  Despite living in a different country and being slightly older than my peers, I feel at home here.  I feel like I belong, and I think that is what I have been searching for all along.

What’s Next?

Now, as I head into my second year of the PhD, I am excited for what lays ahead.  I have the tools I learnt from the Open University and four years in recovery under my belt, and I have never felt more prepared to face what comes my way.

Of course, PhDs aren’t easy.  In fact, I’ve faced lots of challenges already such as recruiting participants for my ethnography.  But, it’s all part of the learning experience, and I’m so glad I’m experiencing it at the University of Kent.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my diverse route to PhD studies.

Katelyn Owens

Resources

The InSpire Group is excited to announce the expansion of our monthly networking days for Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) at Kent. These non-compulsory, PGR-led full-day events are led by doctoral researchers and designed to foster collaboration, engagement and a sense of community among PGRs. Originally initiated within the School of Social Sciences, we are expanding the outreach to incorporate PGRs across the university. The next upcoming event will take place on Thursday 7th November 2024 (see programme below) in the Cornwallis East Boardroom on the first floor and online. 

A New Initiative for PGRs 

Scheduled for the first Thursday of every month during the academic year, InSpire Group days offer PGRs a chance to connect through writing sessions, discussion groups, seminars, research panels and social activities. Each event is planned in advance, enabling participants to manage their commitments related to work, childcare and travel. 

 Background 

The InSpire Group was born from discussions at a recent LSSJ Writing Workshop, where the need for stronger collaborative connections within our PGR community was highlighted. Fostering these ties and encouraging networking is essential as we navigate the often isolating journey of research. A key proposal was to establish a designated day each month for on-campus PGR activities, leading to the official formation of the InSpire Group (Integration and Networking of Scholarly PhDs in Research and Engagement). 

 Why a Pre-Arranged Day? 

The underlying principle of our monthly meetings is to provide a predictable schedule that facilitates planning to arrange childcare, take time off from part-time jobs and book travel in advance, thus making participation more feasible. While attendance is not mandatory, our goal is to create an environment that is supportive and easier to join on campus or online. Where possible, all sessions will be hybrid, accommodating those who may not be able to attend in person.  

Topics of Interest 

Our monthly events will cover topics relevant to the PGR experience, including but not limited to methods, supervisory relationships, ethics, academic expectations, wellbeing and self-care, individual working groups and writing sessions. These discussions will include contributions from faculty, GRC representatives and our community of doctoral researchers. 

Get Involved 

All PGRs are automatically part of the InSpire Group, but we encourage you to join the organisational team, which currently includes 15 doctoral researchers from the School of Social Science. Your participation will enrich our collective experience. If you’re interested in contributing, please fill out our Organisational Team sign-up form: https://forms.gle/7anXFcCfNXyiYnNf7. This doesn’t require a monthly commitment; it signals your interest in engaging in discussions about topics, event formats and logistical support.  

Upcoming InSpire Days 

Mark your calendars for the following InSpire days this academic year: 

7th Nov, 5th Dec, 9th Jan, 6th Feb, 6th Mar, 3rd Apr, 1st May and 5th Jun.  

Please see below the Programme for the upcoming 7th November InSpire day. We look forward to seeing many of you there.  

Download Programme

Microsoft Teams  

Join the meeting now 

Meeting ID: 312 162 837 306 

Passcode: bJfDyx 

For any comments or questions, please contact organiser Katrine Callander at kac45@kent.ac.uk. 

Katrine Callander

Hi! My name is Becky and I am a second-year PhD student studying Forensic Psychology at Kent. My research focuses on exploring a new theory of paedophilia which suggests that this sexual interest falls into two pathways: one that is more biologically created, and another that is more environmentally created. I am using a combination of questionnaires, scales, and interviews to gain an idea of how a sexual interest in pre-pubescent children develops, and how it is perceived by those who have it.

I entered the 3MT competition after seeing it advertised and being encouraged by my supervisor to take part. Since I haven’t had the chance to attend many conferences so far in my PhD, I haven’t really been able to showcase my research or practise my presentation skills, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to do so. Even if you are lucky enough to attend plenty of conferences during your studies, the 3MT competition is a great chance to demonstrate an ability to present your research in a clear, succinct manner to an audience who may not be experts in your field, or may not even be that familiar with it at all. Once I started practising my talk, I realised just how short a time 3 minutes is to try and get across something that I’d been working on for nearly 2 years!

Some advice I would give to those considering taking part:

• One way I found helpful was to imagine that I was at a social event meeting strangers, and they had asked me what my PhD topic focuses on. That way, I could figure out how I could explain it in a simple manner, while getting across the important information.
• Draft a speech to start with – even if it is in bullet points, this will form the basis of the speech and make sure you are hitting the key points that are outlined in the guidance for 3MT. Only focus on the really key parts – it might be tempting to go into detail, particularly with complex research, but that’s part of the challenge: how well can you present your PhD to someone who doesn’t study your subject, in a very short period of time?
• Read it aloud while timing yourself – it’s best to not look at the timer while doing this as it can be quite off-putting! This will give you a good idea of whether you are way over or under in terms of time, and you can tweak your speech accordingly
• Even if you don’t have solid findings yet, or feel as though your research isn’t quite developed enough, that’s fine! I didn’t have any findings at the time I applied for 3MT, and I presented what I expected to find
• If you have the opposite problem, and you have too many things to talk about in your speech, that’s fine too! I only spoke about one part of my research as I wouldn’t have had time to talk about the other part – the judges don’t need to know every aspect of your PhD, just a bit of it is enough, and they are focusing on your ability to present your research clearly, enthusiastically, and professionally
• Try to think about the really key parts of your research when creating your slide. I found the slide one of the hardest parts, and in the end I went for a very simple, fairly vague message, which I explained in my speech. There are various approaches you can take to creating your slide, which are in the guidance resources for 3MT, so I definitely recommend taking a look at them. The main thing is to make sure you don’t overcrowd your slide or make it look dull; the judges won’t want to read a lot of text alongside you talking, and things like images are more eye-catching than a graph or table!
• It doesn’t have to take ages, for those who might be worried about balancing 3MT alongside their studies – I would honestly say it took me longer trying to perfect my powerpoint slide than creating and recording my speech!

The 3MT competition is a great chance to demonstrate an ability to present your research in a clear, succinct manner to an audience who may not be experts in your field, or may not even be that familiar with it at all.

I was thrilled to hear I had won the Kent competition, and after doing so, I was very pleased to receive the prize (£200!), and my entry has been submitted to the UK semi-finals for the national 3MT competition. While I don’t know yet the outcome of the semi-finals, it is fantastic to have got this far, and I will at least be able to say that I was a contender in the UK semi-finals for the 3MT competition. Taking part in something like this will look great on a CV in terms of showcasing presentation skills – not only to a room full of experts in the field at a conference, but to a lay audience with a very strict time constraint.

I would thoroughly recommend taking part – you never know, you could be the next UK 3MT winner!

The Global Skills Award Ceremony took place on 11 June 2024, recognising the outstanding achievements of postgraduate taught students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to enhancing their global awareness and employability.

The GSA, an initiative designed to foster a deeper understanding of global issues and improve the employability of students through a series of engaging workshops and postgraduate talks, has once again showcased the dedication and hard work of students from diverse backgrounds.

The Global Skills Award programme is a unique opportunity for PGT students to broaden their horizons and develop essential skills that are highly valued in today’s global job market. By attending a variety of workshops and postgraduate talks, students are exposed to a wealth of knowledge and perspectives that prepare them for the challenges of a globalised world. These sessions cover a multitude of topics, including intercultural communication, leadership skills, consequences of conspiracy beliefs, the benefits of biodiversity for our health and wellbeing, the future of AI and much more. The flexibility of the programme allows students to choose sessions that align with their interests and career goals, making the learning experience both personalised and impactful.

The GSA Awards Ceremony 2024 was filled with excitement, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. Congratulations to all the 2024 Global Skills Award recipients! Your achievements inspire us all.

“You are not alone!”

This is the message of solidarity and shared experiences that resonated with me during the two-day ‘Career Beyond Academia Retreat’ organised by Graduate Researcher College.

Every day, we start with a blank page and aim to fill it with our opinions, findings, and analyses. Hidden behind our screens, we type away a million words. ‘Scroll and click’, ‘copy and paste’, and ‘delete and undo’ are our best friends. A PhD journey is a solo journey, with researchers facing their anxieties, doubts, and reflections in isolation. As we reach the end of this journey, we find ourselves pondering the following steps while navigating the complexities of our current state.

As researchers, we are taught to question the status quo, appreciate the knowledge, distil information into meaningful insights and produce something coherent, applicable or valuable. However, in the process, we often forget to balance the needs of our research with those of ours. The retreat helped bring focus back to our strengths and skills by providing a safe space to self-reflect as a group and encourage each other. It focused on two main aspects: the ability to identify our skills (direct and indirect) and how to articulate them effectively in our CVs and cover letters.

The retreat helped bring focus back to our strengths and skills by providing a safe space to self-reflect as a group and encourage each other.

Starting with an energising group exercise, we quickly got to know each other in the room and formed a strong sense of group. From understanding the skills we’ve accumulated during our PhD to learning to voice our career aspirations clearly, the first day was spent translating our research-specific knowledge into industry-relevant essential skills. With interactive exercises that fostered group collaboration and communication, we discussed common topics like procrastination, self-worth and goals. My biggest takeaway from the day was acknowledging my accomplishment as a PhD researcher, documented in the form of a short story, and the five values I cherish (using an individual card-sorting exercise). Though seemingly simple, these small tasks, separate from research activities, were fundamental to the day as they provided an objective perspective of our individual experiences and visions. The individual CV review sessions (I had a revelation!) and pizza dinner were the cherry on top of the exceptional first day.

Having had much to think about and reflect on from the first day, the Yoga session to start the second day was a great way to calm our busy minds ahead of another action-packed day. While the first day had been about identifying our vision, objectives, and values (regarding the next steps and in general), the second day was about working on actionable steps to achieve these goals. The main aim was to tackle the omnipresent question we all felt: how do our previous experience/ education and current PhD skills combine to respond to a job application/ description? Often, while working solely on one (PhD) project for an extended period, we become short-sighted and focus on the immediate actions and skills we’ve utilised to produce our thesis. However, gathering evidence of our skills across the timeline (using prompts provided by the facilitator), discussing it with our peers and then using the STAR method to craft our success stories to add to our CVs or cover letters shed a different light on our skills and achievements.

Although, as PhD students, we might sometimes struggle to negotiate or use influence in communication and interaction, we are also resilient and self-motivated (mostly!). The three “Get Ready for Job” stations, that is, LinkedIn, CV, and networking station, helped us understand this and articulate it in industry-friendly language. With a “how-to” for an active LinkedIn profile, practical examples of CV responses to job descriptions and tips for ‘staying in touch’ (networking), I felt more equipped to tackle my job application process. My biggest learning that day was that I’m not a PhD student but a PhD researcher with experience.

As the day ended, I left the room feeling a bit more confident about myself, connected with others, and generally positive.

Whether I move beyond academia or stay within this realm, the retreat helped me understand what values drive me and, thus, what work would bring the most meaning to me.

I know this is said often but equally often forgotten, “Do the Job you want to!” and that is what the retreat helped me remember.

Goodbye for now. But let’s stay in touch!

I attended this excellent event for two days of stimulating activities designed to help finishing PhD students at the University of Kent work out their next steps in employment outside academia. We were hosted by the Graduate and Researcher College and the Careers Department, as well as an external facilitator, who all kept us literally on our toes from the first morning session of the conference.

We started with group interactive sessions that helped break down any initial nerves and introduce us to each other in a light-hearted way. Then we were asked to challenge our conventional thinking and reflect on how this had shaped our own approaches to our lives and careers. After that we set about recognising and converting the skills we had acquired during our PhDs so that we might become more desirable employees.

There was plenty of team work during the day, an important work-related skill, as well as an increasing focus on our ideals and values for the perfect job. We were invited to set ourselves big challenges for the future, stretching our imagination. All this hard work was topped off with pizzas and one-to-one sessions with advisors – mine helped me tailor my CV better to the needs of future non-academic employees, who don’t want pages of detail (like mini theses), but focused messages.

On the second day of the conference some of us first relaxed in a yoga session, while the rest joined them afterwards to reflection on our collective achievements on Day 1, which seemed considerable! We then examined our transferable skills in more detail to see how they could be highlighted in job applications, particularly covering letters, using the STAR(R) method (situation, task, action, result and reflection). This was followed by sessions on:

• making the most of Linked In as a search tool for career opportunities;
• assessing model CVs and cover letters to understand better the employer perspective, and;
• networking approaches to connecting more and building closer relationships with key people who might have a decisive impact on your career.

Having been an engaged student member of my own specialist international associations for the length of my doctoral studies, I would certainly recommend this as a good way of networking widely, even globally if that fits your career needs.

But for me one of the simplest but stand out features of the whole conference was having to write a letter to myself which would be posted to my home address. What would I tell my other self in three months? What was I expecting to have changed as a result of all this new knowledge gradually seeping in over time?

Nick von Behr, Doctoral Researcher, University of Kent School of Architecture, Design and Planning

Kent Postgrads – we need to hear about your positive experience as a Master’s or PhD student. Send in a short video or blog and earn yourself some Amazon vouchers or funds on your KentOne card.

We’re looking for new and fresh content for our upcoming marketing campaign, and we know potential students love to hear from our current students. Our postgraduate community are an amazing diverse bunch with some interesting stories, so we’d love to hear yours.

Here are a few key themes below, if your story fits one of these profiles, please do get in touch.

• Budget and money managing – how are you managing your money? How has Kent supported you especially during the cost of living crisis
• What does an average week of study look like for a Master’s student – how many hours a week do  you study? What days are you on campus? How do you manage your time?
• Studying for a Master’s whilst working – how are you managing the work, study and life balance ?
• Are you a postgraduate student who has young children? – How do you balance study and childcare? Do you use the creche facilities on campus? Have you been given any additional support?
• Do you commute to campus for your degree? How easy is the campus to get to? How often do you need to come in?  Are there certain discounts you receive?
• Do you live on campus? Why did you choose to stay on campus? How are the facilities? How is the postgraduate community on campus? How much does it cost? Are there any benefits or perks of staying on campus?
• We’re you worried before doing a Master’s? How have you been supported in your studies at Kent? How did you overcome your concerns?
• Did you receive a scholarship? What was the application process like? How did you prepare for your studies ?

Content we would need, either of the following:

Blog post – Ideally up to 500 words with an image of you as the author (head to shoulder shot) and up to two relevant images.

Video post – Ideally 60 second video clip in portrait format with a Kent backdrop i.e. on campus, society club, etc.

You will also need to sign a consent form for use of your images on the Kent website and marketing channels.

Deadline for student stories will be 30 December 2023.

If you’d like to share your story and earn Amazon vouchers or funds on your KentOne Card, please contact Yasmine from Marketing. Email: Y.Wahid@kent.ac.uk