Author: cu19879

Why I stayed at the University of Bristol for my PhD after my Masters

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University of Bristol graduate Jasrael Stokes recently completed her doctorate, earning a PhD from the School of Education. We caught up with her to discover what encouraged her to continue studying for her PhD at Bristol after completing her Masters in Psychology of Education with us, and where she hopes her academic achievements will take her next.

Jasrael on her graduation day, celebrating her MSc in Psychology of Education.

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Jasrael. I’m from Seattle, Washington, in the United States, but have now lived in Bristol for eight years with my two lovely cats. Before coming to Bristol for my Master’s, I taught English in public elementary and junior high schools in Osaka, Japan for four years. I’m passionate about language learning and teaching, and I am constantly learning languages as a hobby. I am fluent in Japanese, have a pretty good understanding of Spanish, and can comprehend Korean, Mandarin, and German to varying degrees!

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Doctoral Student Spotlight: Timothy Lai, Doctorate in Education (EdD) graduate

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What is studying at the School of Education like when you live abroad? Our recent Doctorate in Education (EdD) graduate, Dr Timothy Lai, reveals what studying for his degree while living in Hong Kong was like, and dives into his groundbreaking research into how virtual reality (VR) can impact the learning of nursing students.

Timothy Lai celebrating on his graduation day in 2024.

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am a nurse by profession in Hong Kong and have been an educator of nurses for over 10 years at a university here. I am interested in technology and would like to apply it in teaching.

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In Conversation with Ahanah Bhatnagar, BSc Education Studies Alumna

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In 2021, Ahanah shared her top tips for new students starting at the School of Education during the final year of her Education Studies degree. Four years on, we caught up with Ahanah to see what she’s been up to since graduating from the School of Education and to find out about her favourite moments while studying with us.

Ahanah standing in front of the Wills Memorial Building on her graduation day.

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Ahanah, I came to the University of Bristol as an international student from Hong Kong! I was one of the first few cohorts of the Education Studies course and during my time at university, I got involved in a lot of the activities within the Student Union. (more…)

Doctoral Student Spotlight: Antonia Voigt, Education PhD Student & Best Full Paper Award Winner

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Antonia has been paving the way for greater sustainability management in UK universities after choosing to explore the topic for her doctoral thesis. Her work was even recognised for a prestigious award last year! 

We caught up with Antonia to learn more about her area of research expertise, her journey as a PhD student at the School of Education, and what her hopes are for her groundbreaking research after successfully defending her doctoral thesis.

Antonia presenting her PhD findings at the 84th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, the preeminent professional association for management and organization scholars.

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am a passionate researcher, and for the last nine years, I have immersed myself in the world of academia. I believe in the power of lifelong learning. Every year, I have pushed myself a little further beyond my comfort zone and tried out something new. Whether through presenting my research at a global conference or serving as the Faculty PGR representative at the University of Bristol, I am striving to have a positive impact on people’s lives. On the rare occasions when I am not at university, you will probably find me folding intricate origami figures or watching the latest K-drama series.

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In Conversation With Dr. Siân Ephgrave, Education PhD Graduate & Faculty of Social Science and Law Doctoral Prize Winner 2024!

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We spoke with Dr. Siân Ephgrave, a former Education PhD student at the School of Education, who was recently awarded the Faculty of Social Science and Law Doctoral Prize for 2024! We found out all about her reaction to winning the prestigious prize, Sian’s experience studying with us, and what she plans to do now.

Dr. Siân Ephgrave with her daughter on her graduation day.

Tell us a little bit about you!

My name is Siân Ephgrave and I live in East Bristol with my daughter and partner. I grew up in North London and attended my local state primary and secondary schools, and sixth form college, before completing my undergraduate degree in English at Swansea University.

I was a secondary school teacher of English from 2003 until 2015 when I was awarded a full scholarship by the Economic and Social Research Council to undertake doctoral research into teacher wellbeing.

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In Conversation With: Pen Williams, Education PhD Student & BERA SIG Best Presentation Award Winner

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We spoke with Pen Williams, an Education PhD student and doctoral researcher at the School of Education, who recently won the Nature, Outdoor Learning and Play Special Interest Group (SIG) Best Presentation Award at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Annual Conference. She told us all about her journey at the School of Education so far – progressing from her Masters degree to her PhD – to her specialist research interests and her reaction to receiving the prestigious award this year.

Tell us a little bit about you!  

I’m currently in the third year of my PhD at the School of Education and am busy analysing the data I collected earlier this year! Before returning to full time study, I was a secondary teacher for about 20 years, teaching English in schools and colleges in and around Bristol. I also work with the Global Goals Centre on delivering their workshops based on the sustainable development goals. Other than that, I’m a mum, proud Bristolian and season ticket holder at Ashton Gate for the Bristol Bears! 

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In conversation with: BSc Psychology in Education graduate Gayathrie Sunil

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Have you ever wondered what it might be like to study an undergraduate degree at the School of Education as an international student?

Gayathrie Sunil recently graduated from the School with a BSc in Psychology in Education. Now, she is here to tell you all about her experience of studying with us for the past three years.

Gayathrie on her graduation day in July 2024

Tell us a bit about you!

Hi! I’m Gayathrie Sunil, a third-culture kid, born and adopted in Kerala. I lived in China, Madras, and Nigeria before moving to Bangalore for high school. My undergraduate degree in Psychology and Education is from the University of Bristol.

One of the most significant aspects of my life is my passion for teaching and working with children, a passion that was ignited early on when I was growing up with two brothers. This passion, coupled with my diverse upbringing, has not only shaped my perspective but also instilled in me a deep joy in connecting with and supporting others. (more…)

In conversation with: BERA Undergraduate Award Winner 2024, Em Quinton

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We spoke with Em Quinton, a BSc Psychology in Education graduate, who won the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Undergraduate Award 2024.

She told us all about how she ended up studying at the School of Education, her favourite modules and her  reaction to receiving the prestigious award from BERA.

Em Quinton on her graduation day last year.

Why did you want to study for a BSc Psychology in Education degree at the University of Bristol?

In the very beginning, I actually wanted to study neuroscience. Covid meant I couldn’t take my A-Levels, so I sort of happily fell into the course. I was desperate to be in Bristol, and wanted to do something psychology-related. It turned out that Psychology in Education was far, far better suited to my skills and interests than my original plan would have been, so I’m glad I carried on with my plan B!

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