I’m so happy to have recently won the poster competition at our university’s 18th annual postgraduate researcher poster competition. As a current PhD student focusing on inclusion, particularly in culture, race, gender, and dyslexia (disability), I find this acknowledgement encouraging and energising.

My academic journey began at the University of Northampton (UON), where I earned my Master’s in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion (SENI). It was also at UON that I received support in being identified as dyslexic and subsequently excellent assistance in completing my Master’s. This emotional and challenging experience of being diagnosed late with dyslexia nurtured my passion for exploring this area and questioning why I was not identified earlier. It motivated me to pursue a PhD to explore the awareness of dyslexia in education, particularly concerning culture, race and gender.

When the poster competition was announced, I saw that one of the themes was methodology. I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to showcase my research on how I am exploring the educational experiences of Black African women with dyslexia within the UK educational system in a visual and accessible manner, as there is limited research in this area.

The application process was refreshingly straightforward, requiring only a brief abstract and a few details submitted via a Microsoft form. Designing the poster was enjoyable, although it was challenging to avoid overloading it with excessive information, and using Canva proved helpful. Printing the poster was equally straightforward. I used the recommended printers, Merland, for the printing service, and they were quick to print the poster and incredibly supportive throughout the process. The staff knew UON’s poster competition guidelines and offered guidance on layout, ensuring the final print appeared professional. Although there is a cost to print the poster, the university reimburses it.

I felt excited yet nervous on the day of the competition as I did not know what to expect. However, the atmosphere quickly calmed my nerves. The standards set by the other competitors were remarkably high; they conveyed their research in a manner that showcased their passion for it, and it was wonderful to observe the diverse approaches people took with their research. The judges were approachable and genuinely engaged with the work presented. Their questions were differentiated and engaging and resembled a conversation more than an interview or interrogation, making the experience enjoyable and enlightening. It was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on my work and gain fresh perspectives.

Although winning the competition was a proud moment, it was about taking part, getting exposure, and thinking outside the box for my research, which can sometimes be a lonely journey. I am thankful for the encouragement of my supervisors (Dr. Emel Thomas and Dr. Cristina Devecchi), ASSIST (Katie S), and the support of The Graduate School and the team at Merland.

If you are a student considering entering a poster competition, I highly recommend it. It is a fantastic way to share your work, build confidence, and connect with others passionate about making a difference in whatever field you are in.

Blog post written by: Aina Amure