Category Archives: Doctoral journey
PGR publication – ‘Saccharomyces cerevisiae’ as a Model for Reprogramming of Eukaryotic Cells: Implications for the Study of the Relationship Between Metabolism and Inflammation in Chronic Disease
Neill Friedman is a biochemistry Ph.D. candidate at the University of Northampton, researching mitochondrial function and metabolic health. A former telecoms entrepreneur, Neill entered higher education at 52, completing a Sport and Exercise BSc at UON, after overcoming obesity and a late-diagnosed learning disability. His journey from personal transformation to scientific research reflects a deep commitment to lifelong learning and the power of second chances. He is passionate about demystifying science for mature learners and exploring how lifestyle influences cellular health.
The published paper, a collaboration between Neill his supervisor Dr Alexander Lehner and UON Biochemistry undergraduate student Glirstar John De Britto, details a novel model for examining mitochondrial reprograming in eucaryotic cells and discuses the possible implications for developing a better understanding of the relationship between lifestyle and health.
Here is the link to the paper: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12013-025-01844-w
My UON Journey and Experience of the Images of Research (IOR) 2025
My educational journey at the University of Northampton (UON) has been a long and fulfilling one. I began with a BA in Business Entrepreneurship and Management, followed by an MSc in International Marketing Strategy. I am now pursuing a PhD focused on the Adoption of Responsible Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (AI) in UK and Maltese Agriculture. My research explores the perspectives of agricultural professionals on adopting AI technologies and responsible AI practices.
Recently, I entered the Images of Research (IOR) 2025 competition. Although my research is rooted in the social and business aspects of AI adoption in agriculture, translating those concepts into a single, accessible visual image was a unique and creative challenge. The competition brief invited participants to design a distinctive image (whether a painting or photograph) that artistically captured the essence of their research, along with an engaging title and a 150-word summary.
The Graduate School provided clear guidance, including a rules and guidelines document and examples of previous entries. Lina was also incredibly helpful in answering any queries I had throughout the process.
This year’s competition featured 11 submissions and included two awards: the People’s Choice (won by Clare Moss) and the Judges’ Choice, which, to my surprise and delight, was awarded to me. I had entered with no expectations, only a desire to gain experience and learn from the process. I never imagined I would be selected as the judges’ winner.
Creating my IOR image gave me a chance to express my research visually, in a way I hadn’t done before. I used a photograph of a vibrant Maltese pomegranate field as the backdrop, rich in colour and symbolic of tradition and cultivation. The image is split into two halves, like a visual balance scale. On the left stands a traditional Maltese farmer, seated on his tractor with his dog by his side, a warm, human moment that reflects the heritage and hands-on nature of conventional farming. On the right, in contrast, is a more modern Maltese field featuring an AI-powered irrigation device, symbolising the forward-looking potential of smart agriculture.
The image invites the viewer to consider how tradition and innovation can coexist. I aimed to keep the composition simple yet meaningful, ensuring that anyone, regardless of academic background, could grasp the essence of my research at a glance.
To my fellow PGRs: I wholeheartedly encourage you to take part in opportunities like this. Events run by the Graduate School are fantastic for expanding your research visibility, building your confidence, and connecting with others in the PGR community. Even if you don’t win, the experience itself is invaluable. You never know what you’re capable of until you try.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisory team: Associate Professor Dr Tatiana Gherman (First Supervisor), Dr James Mshelia (Second Supervisor), and Dr Nadeem Aftab (Director of Studies). Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental throughout my PhD journey so far.
Blog post by: Henrietta Farrugia
Re-defining, Re-exploring and De-claiming methodological research. Yes, to De-claiming
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
Dr.App: NEW video support for postgraduate researchers & their supervisors
The Graduate School has purchased licences for Dr.App., designed for PGRs and staff supervising research degrees. Dr.App is an online video resource covering everything from working with supervisors and preparing for the viva examination to coping with stress and mental health challenges, from research impact to presentation and networking skills. It has content PGRs should find helpful at every stage of a research degree, in any discipline. For supervisors there are a number of videos on good, supportive supervision. More than 8 hours of videos are organised into topics for easy reference and are developed in association with academic consultant Prof John Wakeford of The Missenden Centre. To access the resource follow the information in the flyer attached below.
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Call for Posters from PGRs! Enter the Postgraduate Researcher Poster Competition 2024
The Graduate School has launched the call for entries for the 17th Annual PGR Poster Competition, which will be held on campus on Thursday May 23rd. Our Poster Competition is open to all doctoral students at UON and is an excellent development opportunity for presenting research, for improving communication and for networking with other doctoral researchers & visiting staff. The Entry Form is here, the new deadline for entering is April 29th. You have until May 23rd to produce and print an A1 landscape poster, which you need to bring with you. There will be Amazon voucher prizes to win – £100 for the winner and 2x £75 for the runners up!
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Call for Posters from PGRs! Enter the Postgraduate Researcher Poster Competition 2023
The Graduate School has launched the call for entries for the 16th Annual PGR Poster Competition, which will be held on campus on Thursday May 25th. Our Poster Competition is open to all doctoral students at UON and is an excellent development opportunity for presenting research, for improving communication and for networking with other doctoral researchers. The Entry Form is here, deadline for entering is April 27th. You have until May 25th to produce and print your A1 landscape poster. There will be Amazon voucher prizes to win – £100 for the winner and 2x £75 for the runners up!
The aim of the event is for PGRs to create a research poster that explains complex research to a mixed audience of non-subject specialists. Your paper poster will be displayed on traditional poster boards in an exhibition in the Owl’s Nest, Learning Hub at Waterside Campus, with an in-person judging session. Entrants must be available from 10am on the day until 2pm.
At whatever stage in the research process you are, do take this opportunity to share your work with others and gain valuable feedback. For further information on the rules of entry, please see the Guidelines.
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PGRs. Are you getting the most out of your supervisory relationship?
Your working relationship with your supervisor is so important and getting the best out of the relationship can really help you to progress in your doctorate, making your life much easier. This workshop, run by Professor Ian Livingstone, who runs UON’s Supervisor Development Programme, helps you to consider what you want to get out of your supervisors and how to manage that. He will help you to gain a deeper understanding of the working relationship and what you need to do to to maintain a good relationship, thinking about how to communicate assertively and consider how to recognise and manage constructive and non-constructive criticism. A must for all Postgraduate Researchers.
The session will run from 10am-12noon at Waterside, Northampton on 24th January 2023. But there will also be an opportunity for PGRs to join remotely via Collaborate. You will be able to register and find the Collaborate link in the Gateway page below.
Phone-a-Thesis! Round 2 of a great initiative for PGRs is open!
It’s time for round 2 of Phone a Thesis! The proactive “Phone a Thesis” project promotes additional peer support for PGRs, with the aim of giving us opportunities to talk to other PGRs about our research, to get us used to practicing this with like-minded other students in a supportive way.
Read the rest of this entryThe Graduate School’s New Coaching Programme for PGRs
The Graduate School are offering six Postgraduate Research Students the opportunity to have a course of professional performance coaching sessions to support and help them progress in their doctoral studies. If you are a UON Postgraduate Researcher and are interested in applying for these sessions, you have until Friday 29th April to apply. Read on if you are interested…. Read the rest of this entry
Call for Entries; Graduate School Research Poster Competition 2022
The Graduate School has launched the call for entries for the 15th Annual Research Poster Competition and the call for entries closes on May 3rd. The competition is open to all PGRs at UON. Posters will be displayed digitally in an exhibition at Waterside, with an in-person judging session, on May 24th at Graduate School Update Day. The competition will be held from 12:15pm through to prize giving at 3:30pm.
The aim of the event is for PGRs to create a digital poster that explains their research to a mixed audience of non-subject specialists. At whatever stage in the research process you are, do take this opportunity to share your work with others and gain valuable feedback. For further information on the rules of entry, please see the Guidelines.
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