This reflection was written by Eleanor Mullings-Pendergast, a fourth-year PhD researcher in Chemistry, and looks back on their experience at the Graduate and Researcher College’s Annual PGR Winter Showcase on 9 December 2025. Drawing on a PhD journey shaped by project changes and personal challenges, the piece explores what it meant for Eleanor to present her research to a general audience. The showcase emerged as a meaningful moment of connection and confidence, highlighting the value of inclusive research spaces and the sense of belonging that can develop through shared academic experiences. You can find details of all presenting opportunities for PGRs on our PGR Opportunities page.
“I have not had the easiest experience during my PhD, which will not come as a shock to people in research. Despite it being my third funded year, I have often felt I have passed each review by the skin of my teeth. Due to difficult circumstances, I have only recently begun to find my flow — producing good work and correctly understanding what I am doing.
Partway through my PhD, I had to switch projects and learn an entirely new area of chemistry, while also navigating a late ADHD diagnosis, alongside autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, and significant personal challenges. Presenting in front of people has always felt daunting. I worried about saying the wrong thing, stumbling over my words, or reinforcing the quiet fear that I did not belong.
I thought that, as the presentation was for a general audience, it might be easier, which it was, but it was also really challenging. It was tricky to explain my research on photovoltaic materials without resorting to scientific jargon and to convey its societal impact. Because the audience was not made up of academics or other chemistry students, it gave me the initial boost I needed to stand and actually present. Usually, I’m scared of questions, but I was glad someone asked a fascinating one about 2nd-generation solar cells and why perovskites are essential in the field. I realised in that moment that the other researcher was not trying to catch me out but was actually interested in my research. Also, my friend’s additional support was necessary, and they told me that I had done well. It was the confidence boost that I genuinely needed. That day, I actually felt, ” Yes, I belong”.
The other presentations and posters were incredibly fascinating; I learnt some new information, and it was interesting to see how research protocols vary depending on the subject and the research. Also, the fact that there are different stages, part-time and full-time, and hearing other people’s experiences helped me realise that I was not alone. From a networking perspective, it was lovely to listen to what other departments were doing, and to hear that people from engineering were eager to get some advice. I could not give the advice directly, but it was a great experience to signpost. I would suggest, if time allows, that you produce a poster or speak at the next summer event. Even attending would be an excellent experience for all research postgraduate students.”