STUDENT VIEW

WHEN 34 YEAR-OLD RICHARD KIRWAN SAW A PHD STUDY ADVERTISED AT LJMU HE COULDN’T BELIEVE HIS LUCK. THE GLOBE-TROTTING NUTRITIONIST FROM WATERFORD WAS OVERWHELMED THAT AN OPPORTUNITY SO IDEALLY SUITED TO HIS EXPERIENCE HAD BECOME AVAILABLE JUST AS HE WAS LOOKING TO START HIS DOCTORATE.

Richard originally studied Biological Sciences with Microbiology at University College Cork. Life after graduation was a globetrotter’s dream with time spent teaching English in Japan, working at the Japanese embassy in Ireland and translating and teaching in Colombia. In 2014 Richard decided to return to his passion for nutrition. “I wanted to study for a masters and, to maintain my proficiency in Spanish, I decided to go to university in Barcelona,” he explains. After his masters, Richard worked as a freelance Nutritionist specialising in weight loss and muscle gain. “I soon realised what was missing for me was the teaching element,” he says. “I decided to look for a PhD opportunity with a view to moving into academia.” Exploring many different options, Richard knew LJMU was the place for him as soon as he saw the ad for a PhD in Nutrition. “It was just as if it had been tailor-made for me,” he smiles. “I contacted the Supervisor and told them how keen I was and asked what I could do to ensure my enthusiasm was reflected in my application.” Richard’s experience and approach paid off and he was successful in his application. “The PhD really encompasses everything I am interested in,” he explains. “It covers: protein metabolism and how it applies to health as we age; the Mediterranean diet and exercise and nutritional strategies to improve the quality of life in an aging population.” Richard started his PhD in October 2018. “I really like the independence that comes with PhD study,” he smiles. “There is probably a little more to do than I expected but I am loving building up the relationships with the organisations I am going to work with.” As to the future, Richard would like to take on a Postdoctoral study and move into research and lecturing. So what advice would he give to others who are considering a PhD? “Just make sure you are studying something you are passionate about,” he says. “You will spend at least three years of your life consumed by your topic and motivation is not easy to maintain without passion. I really couldn’t be happier with my PhD. I am studying a subject I am hugely passionate about and am very excited about the future.” Richard has now taken up a role at Leeds Beckett University as a research officer.