Blend theory with practice
Aliza Murtaza is proud to be a PhD student at the University of Greenwich. She came to the UK from Pakistan to complete her project in Nutritional Immunology at the university, exploring the relationship between diet and the immune system with regards to seaweeds under her supervisor Dr Agnieszka Jaworowska.
It was the prospect of a practical approach to research that cemented her decision to pursue her PhD at the university, and she has appreciated the opportunities she has been given to carry out lab work as part of her research, and opportunities she has been given outside of the classroom to gain skills as a PGR student ambassador.
I believe that to excel in futuristic research, scientists must have a perfect blend of theoretical study and practical experience. I have also gained work experience, assisting the university with Open Days and carrying out lab demonstrations.
Aliza Murtaza, PhD in Nutritional Immunology
Support from the start
Meanwhile, for Louise Usher and Bradley Cory, the University of Greenwich was a no-brainer as they had already studied their undergraduate degrees at the university in Human Nutrition and Biology, respectively, and found their experiences positive and empowering. Both Louise and Bradley have been involved with, and have highly praised, the university’s acclaimed STAART initiative, which supports students with a disability, long-term health condition, specific learning difficulty, and/or mental health conditions.
Louise is researching the effect of lockdown (and beyond) on the quality of life for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Like Aliza, she values opportunities offered by Greenwich to challenge themselves, and was recently involved with the university’s Doctoral Society with the creation of a new photography competition for PGRs known as Capture. As for Bradley, he is studying wound healing and the effects of natural products under Professor Joshua Boateng, whilst dedicating his free time to innovating technologies to support disabled people through his social enterprise.
Dad used to joke about me being ‘Dr Usher’ and it feels crazy to think that could be a reality when I complete my PhD.
Louise Usher, PhD in Science
Reputation for world-leading research
For Cyrille Kiaku, a student from France, it was the prospect of studying under Dr Kevin Lam, whom he had learned about back home, that convinced him to study his PhD at the university. He is able to work alongside Dr Lam in his lab on the Medway Campus, gaining insight and in-depth knowledge.
The university recently received outstanding results in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) results, showing significant improvement in its research quality and volume across all subject areas.
PGRs can join the University of Greenwich through externally advertised projects or self-funded projects. Students are encouraged to research the academics of the university and make contact with the academic they would like to supervise their project prior to submitting an application.
