GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN Issue 6 | June 2015
Welcome to the Summer 2015 edition of our Graduate School Bulletin. It seems no time at all since I was introducing the last edition. Since then, a lot has happened.
IN THIS ISSUE What Reading staff have achieved 2 A Postcard from Alessia Pirro in Italy 3
At the end of the Autumn term, we held our Seasonal Celebration, with the increasingly popular quiz and also a Christmas jumper competition. During the Spring term, we ran our highly regarded Leadership Programme in collaboration with the Henley Business School, and we held our second Fairbrother Lecture. Nadya Ali, who has just completed her PhD in Politics, gave an amazing presentation on ‘Governing Britain’s Muslims: how effective is counter-radicalisation’ to a packed lecture theatre. More recently, we have held our first ‘Keep calm you’re almost there’ afternoon tea, which was attended by doctoral researchers who were writing up. There were also experienced staff on hand, from academic schools, Study Advice and Student Wellbeing, to give advice and encouragement. You can read about these events and others in the pages which follow. By the time this issue is printed, we will also have hosted our second event for our overseas doctoral researchers who are lecturers / senior lecturers in their home institutions. Around 40 students attended a lecture on the effective use of social media in teaching and learning and maintaining professional networks, followed by discussion and tea with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement. We will also have held our Summer Tea Party, with a no-doubt very popular Graduate School quiz.
NEWS Fairbrother Lecture 3 PhD Researcher of the Year – Finalists 4
Professor Dianne Berry, Dean of Postgraduate Research Studies
FEATURES Spotlight on Student Wellbeing Service 6 A practice-based PhD… but what comes next? 7 COMING UP New online statistical methods programme 8
Nadya Ali with Professor Dianne Berry and Professor Steve Mithen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Travel Bursary and Student-led Event Schemes 8
Graduate School Bulletin
WHAT READING STAFF HAVE ACHIEVED Doctor of Science Congratulations to Mathew Almond, Professor of Chemistry Education, who has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) by the University of Reading. This award is in recognition of his published contribution to the advancement of research and learning in Chemistry. Mathew has also been appointed Dean of Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS).
PhD by Publication Helen Bilton, Associate Professor, Institute of Education, has been awarded her PhD by Publication. The PhD is awarded based on published works, and is for academic staff an alternative route to a traditional PhD by thesis. Helen reflected on her journey from teacher to doctor: ‘My first lecture when I was training to be a teacher was on something called the ‘nursery garden’. This was about young children working and learning in an outdoor environment and I became hooked by the potential of this approach to teaching. When I got my first job in London I was lucky to have staff who were like minded and were happy to work outside with me and the children. It naturally happened that I became a teacher – researcher. Years later I was lucky enough to become a university lecturer and completed more formal research. In 1998 I published the first research-based text book on the early years outdoor environment. This was a very successful publication and led to my running in-service training for schools and being invited to speak at conferences about my work across the UK. This led to a local authority asking me to run a year-long project to improve outdoor provision and from this came another publica-
tion. And so it went on – with my researching, publishing books and articles, speaking at conferences and running training for schools. In 2011, I embarked on the award of PhD by Publication. This involved more research and writing and then putting together all my publications; books and papers with an overarching commentary. In March of this year I had my viva and passed. I feel very honoured and blessed that the PhD by Publication is a recognised route for achieving a doctorate. I also feel very pleased that my concerns about the young child have been acknowledged through this award. I will continue to research about the young child learning outside as I feel it has such potential to enable all children to be successful.’
CARD T S O A P SIA ALES PIRROLY IN ITA
NEWS
… FROM
FAIRBROTHER LECTURE
hool ate Sc ouse Gradu ights H n k e hit W ld O s knight White g in Read
Located in Naples, the old family house of the writer Michele Prisco (1920–2003) holds priceless archival material in private custodianship together with a very well-provided library. Prisco occupied a central position in post-war Italian culture. As part of my PhD in Italian Studies, I have chosen to study his extensive correspondence to focus more sharply on his role within the European debate on the post-war novel, in order to throw light on his relationship with important figures of the Italian literary scene such as Italo Calvino, Leonardo Sciascia, Giorgio Petrocchi, and to assess how these multiple dialogues impacted on Prisco’s poetics and literary practice. Studying an author’s correspondence is one of the most exciting activities for a scholar, since it allows you to access the author’s most reserved voice. However, it is also extremely challenging. In fact, not only does the scholar have to supersede an archivist when the material is largely uncatalogued (which is partly my case), but in order to track all the sides of a correspondence, the scholar needs to move across locations, as the correspondence is usually split between different collections. Apart from Prisco’s archive, I have also conducted research in the house-museum of the poet Marino Moretti (1985–1979) in Cesenatico, and in the Contemporary Archives Bonsanti, in Florence. I feel very privileged to access these places and their memory.
Dr Helen Bilton
Children learning in an outdoor environment (image courtesy of Helen Bilton)
Alessia Pirro is a first year doctoral researcher in the School of Literature and Languages. Her thesis focuses on the development of the debate on realism in Italian culture between the 1950s and 1960s.
‘KEEP CALM YOU’RE ALMOST THERE’ AFTERNOON TEA The Graduate School hosted a ‘Keep calm you’re almost there’ afternoon tea on Tuesday 28 April 2015. Recognising that the final writing up phase of the doctoral journey can be stressful, doctoral researchers, due to submit their thesis within 6 – 9 months, were invited to attend. The tea allowed students to chat with fellow doctoral researchers from across the University who were also in the process of writing up, and to mingle informally with academic members of staff who deliver relevant Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP) sessions, Surviving the viva, How to write a thesis, Managing academic pressure, etc. We wish our doctoral researchers well in the writing up phase of their doctoral studies and encourage them to…keep calm! 2
‘GOVERNING BRITAIN’S MUSLIMS: HOW EFFECTIVE IS COUNTERRADICALISATION?’ Dr Nadya Ali (PhD Researcher, Department of Politics & International Relations) On Wednesday 11 March, Dr Nadya Ali delivered the annual Graduate School Fairbrother Public Lecture to a packed lecture theatre in the Henley Business School. Nadya’s engaging talk addressed a topical and thought-provoking subject, and was based on her doctoral research into British Governments’ counter-radicalisation policies in the UK over the last ten years. Nadya provided an insightful overview of the policy changes under successive administrations and how these have manifested in British society and reflected in the media. Following the 45 minute lecture, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steve Mithen, chaired a Q&A session from the audience. Nadya expertly fielded a range of diverse and challenging questions and the post-lecture reception gave audience members the opportunity to speak to Nadya in more detail about her work. Nadya undertook both her BA and MA at Reading and her doctoral research was supervised by Dr Andreas Behnke (Dept. Politics & International Relations). She submitted her thesis in autumn 2014, subsequently passing her viva without revisions in January 2015. Nadya has published on topics including counter-radicalisation practices, the female jihad and British mosque reform. The Fairbrother Lecture was itself established to bring to wider attention the quality and scope of postgraduate research taking place at Reading. Nadya’s talk demonstrates that Reading doctoral researchers are engaged in work that addresses global challenges and issues facing us in the 21st century. The lecture is named after Jack Fairbrother, who was the University’s first PhD graduate in 1929. Information regarding the 2016 Fairbrother Lecture will be available in the next academic year.
The st hall in udy Cont the e Arch mporary iv Bons es anti
Michele Prisco’s desk
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Issue 3 | November 2013
Graduate School Bulletin
NEWS
PhD RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR – FINALISTS 2015 The PhD Researcher of the Year award recognizes and celebrates excellence in postgraduate research at the University of Reading. The four PhD researchers featured here have been selected to represent their Faculty in the competition. Each School is asked to nominate one student for the award and the four Faculty winners/ finalists were selected based on the candidate’s ability to meet the following criteria: proven academic excellence; good academic progress and expected to complete on time; proven communication skills and the potential to be successful in their future career. All four finalists will talk about their research and their experience of studying at Reading at the Doctoral Research Conference on Thursday 18 June 2015. The overall winner of PhD Researcher of the Year 2015 will also be announced at the conference. www.reading.ac.uk/graduateschool/events/ gs-phdconference.aspx
Graeme Marlton
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I would encourage new PhD students to take part in the activities happening in your department. This can help give a new direction to solving a problem…
Title of PhD: Comparison of balloon observations of clear-air and in-cloud turbulence with model predictions
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Kristina West
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Make sure you love your subject…dedicating so many years of your life just for the qualification…for me, is not enough – you have to be prepared to make the most of every moment…
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Adeyinka Adewale
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My biggest challenge has been managing my studies alongside the great opportunities and extra-curricular activities Reading offers.
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Rui Catarino
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I wanted to find a strong theoretical basis to support my research...I felt the urge to read every single paper in literature around my topic. Now I know this is not feasible. This has taught me that literature/journal selection is crucial.
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Faculty of Science Department of Meteorology, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science Department of English, School of Literature and Languages Title of PhD: ‘The boy eternal’: Locating the child in the literature and criticism of Ralph Waldo Emerson
Every year, atmospheric turbulence costs the airline industry around $100 million and seriously injures hundreds of passengers worldwide. Most of the costs arise due to compensating passengers for injuries when encountering unexpected turbulence, as well as damage to aircraft and post-accident investigations. Patches of strong turbulence can be forecast in advance, but usually with less skill than a standard weather forecast, due to our understanding of the generation mechanisms being incomplete.
One of my main research aims is to fill the above gaps in our understanding, by improving observations of atmospheric turbulence. To achieve this, I have flown accelerometers on approximately 70 standard weather balloons, funded by a £50k grant from the Royal Society. The aim of my project is to use these unique observations to improve turbulence forecasts and make flights safer and more comfortable for everyone.
My thesis focuses on analyses of childhood in Emerson’s 19th century American Transcendentalist writings. Criticism of his work often focuses on the question: ‘What is a man?’ While Emerson explores this issue through a comparison between manhood and childhood, his question of ‘What is a child?’ has never been considered.
the child in his work is merely biographical, by instead reading constructions of the dead child, grief and the child as body; child, absence and the archives; and the child as location.
I offer an exploration of Emerson’s works that critiques the extant critical assumptions that
Henley Business School School of Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour Title of PhD: The interaction between corporate bureaucracies and individual moral identity in explaining moral behaviour
Faculty of Life Sciences School of Agriculture, Policy & Development Title of PhD: Modelling the effect of the introduction of Bt crops on multiple pest population dynamics and economic returns to farmers
How do organisations make ‘good’ people do ‘bad’ things? With rising cases of corporate scandals, there is a greater need to understand how individuals make ethical/ unethical decisions at work. Assumptions that maturity in moral reasoning comes with age and is consistent have been challenged by research: first, senior executives are often at the centre of these scandals and secondly, employees are found to operate at lower levels of morality at work than at home.
New technical innovations in agriculture, such as the employment of genetically modified (GM) crops, have the potential to influence agro-ecological interactions. The effects may be positive (e.g. higher profits and lower pesticide applications) or negative (e.g. rise of non-susceptible pests and impact on non-target organisms). Presently, no research has been conducted on the ecological dynamics of pests and their economic impact. This research fills this gap in the literature by examining the long-term
In my view, an understanding of Emerson’s constructions of the child in this sense has the potential to significantly impact future Emersonian scholarship as well as research on theoretical ideas of childhood and literature more widely.
These findings have led researchers to question the role contexts play in rendering individuals insensitive to their own morality over time. One major contextual feature is bureaucracy, widely theorised to have the capacity to limit employee morality in various ways but for which we have little empirical evidence. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature using a case study research design of six multinational pharmaceuticals studied within a corrupt context in Nigeria.
ecological interactions on which the sustainability of GM crops depend. As part of my research I have developed a bioeconomic model that demonstrates the population dynamics of two competing insect species, and the resulting economic impact on conventional and GM maize. The model allows for the assessment of different pest management options (such as insecticide applications or the use of biological control – natural enemies) over time.
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Issue 3 | November 2013
Graduate School Bulletin
FEATURES
SPOTLIGHT ON HEIKE BRUTON WINS RAYMOND STUDENT WELLBEING SERVICE WILSON POETRY Undertaking a doctorate can be challenging, and supervises a team of peer supporters COMPETITION – some of whom are current doctoral frustrating, exciting and ultimately Heike Bruton, a first year doctoral researcher from the Institute of Education, was awarded £200 in prize money and a collection of poems after winning the annual Raymond Wilson Poetry For Children Competition. Heike’s winning poem:
I am the love for you When you are feeling sad I hold you tight You may not see me but I’m always true When life feels as if no one’s on your side My darling child I am the love for you When things get tough and effort seems in vain I know that you can do it come what may When you don’t ever want to try again I pick you up and set you on your way When down your face stream waterfalls of tears I softly dry them with a gentle kiss When something stops you conquering your fears I guide you by the hand from the abyss I’m all around you, I will keep you strong For now, tomorrow, and for everlong.
Heike Bruton
rewarding. Along the way, however, many doctoral researchers find that they experience some kind of difficulty: it can be something related to the academic research or writing up, or something more technical in nature – how to access data or present it effectively. The mentoring relationship between students and supervisors is critical and can be immensely rewarding. Sometimes, however, working with supervisors can be problematic – particularly if there are unclear expectations on either side about this relationship. There are also times when something more personal in nature– a personal illness, a family crisis at home (sometimes overseas) or a sudden unexpected event such as bereavement – can make continuing to study extremely difficult or at times feel almost impossible. The most important thing to remember with any of these problem areas is that seeking help early on can alleviate the problem before it becomes too overwhelming. One doctoral researcher told us: ‘My advice to all students is to solve your problems at an early stage – don’t wait.’ He continued, ‘My health became better and I started to enjoy studying again.’ In Student Wellbeing, we often find that doctoral researchers are reluctant to seek support from a member of their departmental staff. International students, in particular, can find it daunting to ask for help particularly if their cultural background or home system of education is one where personal problems are never discussed. Dr Alicia Peña Bizama, herself a former international student and Head of Student Wellbeing at the University comments, ‘We regularly meet PhD students who contact the Service, where we can provide a confidential and supportive space in which to discuss any issues which are impairing their ability to study. When it is helpful, we can also liaise with the students’ department – but only when the student specifically asks us to do so and gives their written permission.’ The Student Wellbeing service also trains
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researchers who are well aware of the challenges of undertaking a research degree. Kate, a second year PhD student peer supporter says: ‘ We all have such individual journeys as students. I know first-hand how important it is to have an impartial listener who ‘gets you’, and I’m very glad I’ve had such excellent training so I can offer the same support to others.’ Doctoral researchers often comment on feeling concerned at the start of their PhD as doing research independently is very different to their previous experience of academic studies. With any problems along the way, Dr Peña Bizama’s view is that prevention is better than cure: ‘Not responding to communications or avoiding problems are indicators that problems are developing so seeking support promptly is necessary. It will prevent difficulties from becoming large obstacles limiting potential and affecting health. Of course, talking to your supervisor can be an option; but if the issue is one that you would feel more comfortable talking about with a member of the Student Wellbeing team, please do contact us as early as possible. Our counsellors and mental health advisors are professionally qualified and are experienced at working with students at all levels to help resolve any difficulty quickly so that you can return to your studies and work effectively.’ One PhD student who accessed support commented: ‘My family, my supervisor and I all feel the positive progress. I’m back in control again.’ Student Wellbeing is based in the Carrington building on the first floor, room 106. A wide range of support material, talks and event details and links to useful webpages can be accessed via their website: www.reading. ac.uk/internal/counselling/cou-home.aspx Peer supporters regularly meet with students. Find out more about the support on offer and the training to become a peer supporter at: www.reading.ac.uk/peersupport
A PRACTICE-BASED PhD… BUT WHAT COMES NEXT? Reina-Marie Loader was awarded a PhD in Film Studies in December 2011. Reina came from Austria to undertake both her BA and MA degrees in Film, Theatre & Television (FTT) at Reading, and then stayed on for her PhD. Her doctoral thesis argues for a less problematic view of subjective interpretation within the genre of docudrama, and included the making of a film on the siege of Sarajevo.
What have you been doing since you were awarded your PhD?
Reina-Marie Loader
After lecturing at the University Exeter until 2013, I have focused on my production company Cinéma Humain, and made a documentary about rhino poaching entitled HORN. I am employed as a research associate at the University of Pretoria to investigate film’s social potential and I am also a lecturer in Film Studies at the University of Vienna. Overall, my work is driven by the desire to bring academia and the industry together within an independent framework – and Cinéma Humain is the platform.
Was there anything that you did at Reading that you feel has helped you in your new position? I developed into an independent mind at Reading. I started thinking outside the box in terms of academia and filmmaking. I was encouraged to challenge conventional forms of PhD practice, which inspired the creation of Cinéma Humain. Like a PhD itself, it is a slow process, but pays off in the end – and is personally very rewarding. In the Graduate School I engaged with people from different backgrounds, which is valuable for filmmaking. I am constantly placed in positions where I have to work with people from all walks of life – and that is invaluable in whatever industry you work.
What did you enjoy about studying at Reading? I particularly enjoyed how approachable my lecturers were throughout my time at the University. The community experience was therefore something I deeply appreciated. The opportunity to teach as part of my PhD was also very gratifying as it directly contributed to obtaining my first lectureship at the University of Exeter. Additionally, the research groups set up by the FTT staff helped me hone my skills alongside established lecturers. In this regard, my whole research experience was enriching, because I was treated as an equal within the University’s research environment
What were your biggest challenges during the PhD and how did you overcome them?
doing a practice-based degree. The funding from the AHRC was of course very helpful, but did not cover the additional expenses a film production incurs. I had to do paying projects in addition to my research, which in terms of time management was difficult. Another challenge was finding a place I could work without being interrupted – a place to concentrate. I did not have this for the first year of my PhD, but things became much better when I was given a desk in the Graduate School.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give a new 1st year PhD student? During my PhD, I suffered from ‘PhD syndrome’, which caused me to constantly feel guilty for not working, for taking a break and enjoying meeting people within the Graduate School. It took me about a year to realise that engaging with other doctoral researchers informally during the working day did not mean neglecting my research. On the contrary, it was enriching because fellow students from other disciplines were always excited to discuss my work over coffee. Being a doctoral researcher does not mean sitting at the computer or behind a book 24/7.
Where do you want to be in 5 years? I hope that I will have completed a film in the Congo by then. But most importantly, I hope that Cinéma Humain will be well on its way towards becoming a leading platform that values academic and critical engagement with film in a practical context. The hope is that what I started at Reading, namely to think independently and differently, will have made a valuable contribution to the betterment of society.
My biggest challenges were mostly financial due to the fact that I was 7
COMING UP NEW ONLINE STATISTICAL METHODS PROGRAMME Some of the most popular Reading Researcher Development Programme sessions are those on the use and application of statistics in research. To supplement these face-to-face sessions, all doctoral researchers at Reading can now access a suite of online statistical methods training courses, free of charge for the duration of their registration. The ‘Statistical Methods for Research’ programme has been designed specifically for doctoral researchers as a foundation programme in statistics and is produced by Epigeum, one of the leading providers of online training for colleges and universities.
TRAVEL BURSARY SCHEME / STUDENTLED EVENTS SCHEME
The Graduate School & Henley Business School Leadership Programme ‘Making a difference as a leader’ is now in its third year and is proving as popular as ever. In February 2015, 39 doctoral researchers from a range of academic disciplines and professional backgrounds took part in this three-day programme, which aims to improve participants’ understanding of leadership and help them develop their own leadership skills. Taking place at University’s Greenlands and Whiteknights campuses, the programme also enables researchers to meet with those outside their School and subject area, take a step back from their studies and recognise the skills and abilities they have already gained whilst undertaking their research. As one participant commented this year ‘It was very refreshing. I reflected on things, got new ideas and had fun.’ Dr Claire Collins
GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN For more information, please contact: Graduate School Old Whiteknights House University of Reading PO Box 217 Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6AH gradschool@reading.ac.uk www.reading.ac.uk/graduateschool
B13398 06.15
Doctoral researchers can access ‘Statistical Methods for Research’ and other online courses via the Graduate School’s Blackboard site. For more information on the programme, go to: www.reading.ac.uk/gs/Online_skills_training.aspx
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME 2015 GRADUATE SCHOOL & HENLEY BUSINESS SCHOOL
So far this academic year, the Graduate School’s Travel Bursary Scheme has awarded funding to 17 doctoral researchers to contribute to the cost of conference travel or research visits. This scheme is highly popular and successful applicants received awards up to £100. The next deadline for applications is 1 December 2015. The Graduate School also provides funding via the Student-led Events Scheme, to support doctoral researchers who want to organise mini-conferences, seminars and workshops. This year, the fund has supported four applications from doctoral researchers.
The online programme is available in five discipline areas: Biomedical Science; Business; Engineering and Technology; Natural Science; Social Science. The programme is compatible with the most commonly used statistical packages and covers key areas such as confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and statistical modelling.
Details of the next Leadership Programme will be announced in autumn 2015.