Over the summer of 2023, I presented at an academic conference in Cardiff, which was a simultaneously nerve-wracking and validating process. Being surrounded my fellow researchers studying such a vast array of topics was lovely.

I enjoy the freedom of the PhD process – as long as my supervisors are on board, I can take my research wherever I fancy.

I’ve completed all my higher education at UoB, and wouldn’t be where I am – most of the way through a research degree – without the English department here. As an undergrad, they supported and mentored me, and I attended so many postgrad reading groups that it felt inevitable I would continue with my studies. As neither of my parents attended uni, getting to know postgrads in my department was crucial to even knowing what a PhD looked like.

As I was undertaking my masters, I found myself really enjoying the research elements of my programme, and the process of writing my dissertation. I was keen to spend more time in academia, and stay in the wonderful English department at UoB.