The MRC Centre hosts around fifty PhD students at any one time, with students working on a wide variety of research topics across the Centre programmes and themes. We recently asked our students what they like about the MRC Centre Studentship, what made them choose the Centre for their studies, and about their activities and achievements.
Meet our PhD students
Sophie Hamilton
Before joining the centre I was working as a Research Assistant in the Department of EBS.
Why did you choose the Centre and how did involvement with the Centre contribute to your project?
I got to learn about a lot of the research going on at the centre through my previous role and found it really fascinating, I found a medium-sized group of people working on Machine Learning applications which I wanted to be part of. With this specialised group, there is a lot of exchange, from methods to conferences to the pitfalls of training!
What do you enjoy most about your day to day work and the people you work with?
I enjoy tinkering around with structures and thinking up experiments. I like to be creative with my work and working with such a diverse range of peers really helps with that. There are so many variations in our ideas – and that can be a lot of fun.
What are your plans after graduating?
I have no idea what my plans are after graduating.
What opportunities have you benefited from outside your PhD?
Opportunities within the centre outside my PhD have to be fun and creative chats with colleagues and friends.
Do you have any tips for future MRC Centre Studentship applicants?
My tips would be to find something in your work which you really truly get enjoyment from, it doesn’t have to be the entire field, it doesn’t have to be the exact model, but if you know that there are some things which you really do love then that will help so much. For me, I love GIS mapping and algorithms – all of ’em.
Arinbjorn Kolbeinsson
What were you doing before joining the Centre?
I did an MRes in Biomedical Research – Data science at Imperial. Before that I did an MEng in bio-engineering, also at Imperial.
Why did you choose the Centre and how did involvement with the Centre contribute to your project?
I was drawn to the Centre due to its benevolent goals and research objectives, and how well they align with my own.
What do you enjoy most about your day to day work and the people you work with?
The diversity of topics and projects that I get to collaborate on and contribute to. My colleagues are working across a range of fields, but the projects all have something in common: using science to research the environment and improve public health.
What are your plans after graduating?
I will continue in research.
What opportunities have you benefitted from outside your PhD?
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to do a research internship at Samsung AI where I worked with and learned from some of the leading experts in machine learning.
Do you have any tips for future MRC Centre Studentship applicants?
Talk to your potential supervisors and make sure the proposed project is something that you are passionate about. Think about the broader impact of the work you want to do, understanding how your research will benefit society is important to defining a successful project.
Joseph Levermore
What were doing before joining the centre?
Before joining the centre I was studying for an MSc in Biochemical and Environmental Toxicology at Lancaster University.
Why did you choose the Centre and how did involvement with the Centre contribute to your project?
I have always been interested in how the environment impacts human health, a research area the MRC Centre for Environment and Health epitomises. The Centre members have emboldened me to continue to develop as a scientist and as an individual which has resulted in drastic improvements in my project.
What do you enjoy most about your day to day work and the people you work with?
The opportunity to interact with pioneering, enthusiastic, and supportive individuals on a day-to-day basis is something I find truly inspiring.
What are your plans after graduating?
I wish further hone my skills as a researcher and develop into a leading public-health toxicologist.
What opportunities have you befitted from outside your PhD?
Participating in this PhD studentship has given me an invaluable skill set applicable to various aspects of life.
Do you have any tips for future MRC Studentship applicants?
Read wide, do your best, and always be yourself.
Emily Muller
What were you doing before joining the Centre?
Before joining the centre I was working as a Research Assistant in the Department of EBS.
Why did you choose the Centre and how did involvement with the Centre contribute to your project?
I got to learn about a lot of the research going on at the Centre through my previous role and found it really fascinating, I found a medium-sized group of people working on Machine Learning applications which I wanted to be part of. With this specialised group, there is a lot of exchange, from methods, to conferences to the pitfalls of training!
What do you enjoy most about your day to day work and the people you work with?
I enjoy tinkering around with structures and thinking up experiments. I like to be creative with my work and working with such a diverse range of peers really helps with that. There is so much variations in our ideas – and that can be a lot of fun.
What are your plans after graduating?
I have no idea what my plans are after graduating.
What opportunities have you benefitted from outside your PhD?
Opportunities within the Centre outside my PhD have to be fun and creative chats with colleagues and friends.
Do you have any tips for future MRC Centre Studentship applicants?
My tips would be to find something in your work which you really truly get enjoyment from, it doesn’t have to be the entire field, it doesn’t have to be the exact model, but if you know that there are some things which you really do love then that will help so much. For me, I love GIS mapping and algorithms – all of ’em.
Michael Hedges
What were you doing before joining the Centre?
I worked as a London Taxi driver, having completed the famous ‘Knowledge of London’. Driving everyday on London’s polluted roads made me realise that action needed to be taken in tackling the dreadful effects that air pollution has on the health of professional drivers.
Why did you choose the Centre and how did involvement with the Centre contribute to your project?
I knew that obtaining a PhD Studentship at the MRC Centre would enable me to learn from world renowned experts providing me with a unique environment in which to undertake research that I am passionate about advancing. I wanted to change my career path to develop my research interests and being part of the MRC Centre has provided me that opportunity.
What do you enjoy most about your day to day work and the people you work with?
The studentship has provided me the chance to meet people and interact across a number of cross disciplinary areas and projects. Being a member of the MRC Centre has allowed me to regularly attend conferences and seminars and to be inspired by the incredible work that goes on in the Centre.
What are your plans after graduating?
At the moment I have no definite plans although I am enjoying this amazing experience and can see myself carrying on my research.
What opportunities have you benefitted from outside your PhD?
I have been able to obtain a network of a wide range of people from many different fields of research providing a new way in which to interact with people outside of my everyday experiences. I am a committee member of the Researchers Society, which offers a fun, social way to engage with fellow students and the MRC Centre.
Do you have any tips for future MRC Centre Studentship applicants?
Firstly, discuss your research project with your supervisor and ensure it is the project you want to undertake. Once you are at the Centre make use of all the opportunities that the MRC Centre offers. Attend the events that the Centre organises to network with people outside of your field and hear about the work of others, join the Researchers Society and get involved in every collaboration opportunity that becomes available. The MRC Centre provides a unique environment in which to learn and enjoy yourself and you will get the most out of it by being involved.
Barbara Bodinier
What were you doing before joining the Centre?
I spent a year working as a Research Assistant with my PhD supervisor before finishing my MSc in 2016-2017. After finishing my MSc in late 2018, I got a position with my PhD supervisor to work as a Teaching Fellow for a year. I was awarded the PhD studentship in 2019 and could start my PhD in late 2019.
Why did you choose the Centre and how did involvement with the Centre contribute to your project?
During my time as Research Assistant and Teaching Fellow at Imperial College, I became familiar with the research conducted at the MRC Centre and was involved in some of their projects (on the Exposome). The research conducted within the Centre contributes both to methodological developments and applications in the field of Health and Environment, which was perfectly in line with what I wanted to do for my PhD. It also constitutes a great opportunity to interact with leading scientists in the field and develop a broader culture by getting to know more about other projects.
What do you enjoy most about your day to day work and the people you work with?
What I enjoy the most is constantly having new challenges, not a single day is the same. I have already learnt a lot by interacting with other researchers, seeing how they would go about a problem or what they take out of the statistical analyses is very instructive.
What are your plans after graduating?
I would like to stay in academia after my PhD, I would probably look for a post-doctoral position in the field of Biostatistics or Health Data Analytics in general.
What opportunities have you benefitted from outside your PhD?
I have been doing some teaching for the MSc Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning at Imperial College, which helped me a lot in developing my presentation skills and yielded very interesting discussions with students from different backgrounds. I have also been involved in other projects outside of my PhD (IDlung, Expanse), which is a great opportunity to work with collaborators from other institutes.
Do you have any tips for future MRC Centre Studentship applicants?
I would recommend taking advantage of the extra layer of community that arises from involvement in the Centre. In addition to the interactions in the everyday research environment with supervisors and colleagues, attending the events (socials, courses and seminars) organised by the Centre is a great opportunity to meet other researchers and engage in fruitful discussions.
Brendan Bos
What were you doing before joining the Centre?
I was a Research Assistant in Air Pollution Exposure in the Environmental Research Group at King’s College and Imperial College. Before this I completed my Master’s degree at KCL.
Why did you choose the Centre and how did involvement with the Centre contribute to your project?
I worked with the Centre previously and really enjoyed it. I had come to know lots of people and everyone was friendly and encouraging, it was too good an opportunity to pass up. The Centre now provides me with the contacts and expertise required to complete my project.
What do you enjoy most about your day to day work and the people you work with?
Most of my enjoyment comes from day to day interaction with my colleagues and fellow students, it gives me a lot of energy and inspiration. Being able to spend the rest of my time learning new skills and contributing to research is also very satisfying.
What are your plans after graduating?
That depends on where my project takes me. If there is a natural continuation leading to a Research Fellowship or Research Associate position, I would choose that, but if that doesn’t happen I’ll have to see what other opportunities come up.
What opportunities have you benefitted from outside your PhD?
I used to be the head of a committee at a student union during my bachelor’s degree which was a great learning experience. I was also very fortunate to have my master’s degree lead to a Research Assistant position at KCL.
Do you have any tips for future MRC Centre Studentship applicants?
It’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the Centre before you apply and maybe even reach out to a few members so they can get to know you and you can ask questions. Be confident when presenting yourself – you are more capable than you think you are!
Rosemary Chamberlain
What were you doing before joining the Centre?
I was working as a biostatistician at the University of Dundee, having completed a MPH degree at the University of Edinburgh in 2019.
Why did you choose the Centre and how did involvement with the Centre contribute to your project?
The Centre is conducting some of the most advanced air pollution epidemiological research in the UK and globally, so it was the ideal place to pursue my career in this area. While I have only just started my PhD, I am looking forward to working with and learning from the many world-renowned experts at the Centre.
What do you enjoy most about your day to day work and the people you work with?
I’m currently really enjoying the chance to immerse myself in the literature and taking the time to plan my project. I’m also enjoying interacting with and learning from scientists working on a wide range of research topics.
What are your plans after graduating?
At the moment my focus is on my PhD. After graduating I hope to continue working in environmental epidemiology within academia, with a particular focus on research that is directly policy-relevant.
What opportunities have you benefitted from outside your PhD?
I’m looking forward to getting involved in the Researchers’ Society. I’m also hoping to make the most of the opportunities for public engagement, to communicate with the wider public about the exciting research being conducted at the Centre.
Do you have any tips for future MRC Centre Studentship applicants?
Focus on communicating why you are interested in the research topic you are applying for. Being able to communicate the importance of your research area is critical.