Student profiles
Guy Birkin
Research Project: Aesthetic complexity: Practice and perception in art and design
"The aim of my research was to measure the complexity of 2D images including: painting, drawing, graphics, and woven and printed textiles. The research investigates whether the complexity of images has anything to do with judgements of artistic quality. One of the main findings was that the perception of value in a work of art increased with the complexity of the images.
"The School of Art & Design has excellent facilities, specifically the large-format scanners and graphics software.
"I've become a Research Fellow for the University. This is a new career path for post-doctoral research and it is a way of assisting academics with their research. My longer term goal is to become a lecturer at the University, whilst continuing my own research."
Martha Glazzard
Research Project: A qualitative design approach to creating weft-knitted technical textiles: A case study in auxetic fabrics.
"My project is interdisciplinary working across both the School of Art & Design and the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment. Using my experience and knowledge in knit design I aim to come up with a design approach to making functional textiles. I am looking at how technical textiles are made as currently this doesn't always involve traditional design knowledge or considerations.
"Before I started my PhD I was working as a Senior Technician at the University. I found transferring my knowledge to the students really enjoyable. I decided to do a PhD so I could enhance these skills and I hope to go back into an academic institution as a lecturer in the future.
"NTU's wonderful facilities and there is nowhere better to study knitwear. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, which has been very important to me. I've had access to research and theoretical training, which is really interesting and gave me the chance to look at my project in a different way. Having an office specifically for PhD students means we can work alongside each other whilst having all the IT facilities and support we need. I know that if I need something then the team will do their best to make it available for me and that's really great to know.
"NTU has a great city-based campus, excellent facilities and a good blend of staff and subjects. Nottingham itself is a really lively creative city with a lot going on. I would definitely recommend doing a PhD here."
Mohd Kassim Noor Mohamed
Research project: An in-depth investigation into organised kidnap for ransom and a study of a successful Triad kidnapping group
"The knowledge, skills and expertise that I acquired from my undergraduate degree at NTU equipped me to undertake my postgraduate course and then my research PhD. The collaboration between the Division of Criminology and the Graduate School is very transparent and the progression process clearly identified. The level of engagement and support gave me the confidence to embark on and complete my research successfully.
"My career has progressed a lot since I graduated. I took the opportunity to become a Sessional Lecturer in Criminology at NTU after graduating from my undergraduate degree in 2005 which prepared me with the skills and attributes needed to embark upon a permanent academic career. I then became a Tutor with the Nottingham Trent International College and in January 2010 became a Lecturer in Criminology at Birmingham City University. This is testament to the employability of NTU graduates.
"My career highlight has been travelling to Malaysia to enter into negotiations on behalf of Birmingham City University with the Royal Malaysian Police Colleges in December 2010 for the possibility of academic collaboration. This trip was very successful and being a new member of the institution, the trust shown in me was a great honour.
"For the future, I plan to become more deeply involved in scholarly work and further research into organised crime and corporate fraud - the two areas that I am passionate about. My thesis was on Triad organised kidnapping for ransom where I interviewed a kidnapping group who are still at large and very successful and I plan to conduct more research with successful criminals. I feel that the interpersonal skills and academic grounding that I acquired throughout my time at NTU have given me the confidence to deal with problems that may surface in a positive manner. I would not be where I am now without NTU and most importantly, the people within this excellent institution."
Louisa Richmond-Coggan
Research project: Comparative habitat use and ranging behaviour of brown hyaena (Parahyaena brunnea) inside and outside protected areas in South Africa
"My work involves a large section of field work based in Southern Africa and the aim of the project is to advance the understanding of the study species and feed it back into the adaptive management plan.
"My greatest achievement so far has been completing my orientation trip to South Africa, which involved practical things like buying a car, finding a place to live and making contacts as well as seeing the direction and relevance of my project first hand. The most exciting moment was seeing my study species for the first time in its natural habitat.
"Postgraduate study is very different to undergraduate study as it does not involve a set of assignments and exams that have to be done within a certain timeframe - it involves continuously working and developing your own ideas through reading and interacting with a variety of people. You get to know certain topics in great depth and it is your decision which path you follow, so it allows for more free thinking."
Ehsan Asnaashari
Research Project: Developing a guideline for managing logistics in construction projects
"The aim of my research is to provide advice for practitioners in the construction industry, to reduce the time and cost of their projects, by implementing effective logistics management.
"The best things about NTU are the supportive staff, effective methodology training, friendly environment and research community; not to mention the availability of financial support for presenting papers in international conferences and teaching opportunities for PhD students.
"After finishing my PhD, I intend to work in the industry. I am eager to link my theoretical knowledge to real practical situations. However, as I love the academic environment, I hope to teach at university on a part-time basis."
Oluwole Olusegun
Research Project: The urban housing crisis; a culturally informed framework for the development of housing policies, a case study of Lagos, Nigeria
"My aim is to offer a framework for the development of future housing policies and deepen the understanding of the issues related to the urban housing crisis in Nigeria.
"My innovative project explores sustainability through cultural aspects of the built environment whilst looking at social, political and environmental factors.
"I have enjoyed the immense support which I have received from the administrative and academic research team, their expertise in the field has definitely opened up my research capabilities.
"I am also a part-time lecturer at NTU and am particularly interested in teaching methods which blend academic fun with learning to enhance the students learning process."
Rebekah Wood
Research Project: The Knitter's Tale: a contemporary interpretation of traditional machine lace patterns, skills and stories
"I did an MA in 2006 in Textile Design and Innovation at NTU and specialised in historical patterns and how they can be symbolic and meaningful. During my course I built up a really good working relationship with my supervisor who informed me of a possible research project that I would find challenging and interesting.
"My project is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council in collaboration with the Ruddington Framework Knitters Museum. During my three year PhD I'll be looking at existing knowledge on framework knitting and exploring how this can be used within contemporary design innovation for knitted textiles.
"I think doing an MA gave me the foundation that was needed to take on research like this. I find I have been pushed in new ways and have developed in new areas. I've started to think about things with a fresh perspective.
"NTU is fantastic, the support and encouragement I have received has enabled me to carry out this research to a much higher level. There is a really good working environment with a diverse selection of researchers from different countries and ages."
Shaima'a Albardawiel
Research Project: Graphic communication in a multilingual environment
"In July 2008 I completed an MA in Branding and Identity Design at NTU. I achieved a distinction and become more confident about my design, research and learning abilities; a PhD then became a possibility in my mind.
"I'm intending to finish my PhD in three years time and go back to Jordan to start my academic career in the department of Graphic Design at the University of Petra.
"In the global village we live in, the design for multicultural audiences is becoming a common need. The idea of exploring the visual communication requirements for multilingual audiences came from my previous interest in the function of graphic design in communicating and engaging international audiences."
Joy Buttress
Research Project: Capturing space and unravelling beauty: The materiality and value of lace in contemporary art
"The aim of my research is to investigate and analyse the significance of the changing use of lace patterns and structures in contemporary art and design. I am using the Nottingham Trent University Lace Archive as a historical resource to study and explore new ideas in my own art practice that will lead to a new body of work.
"My PhD has deeply enriched my creative practice as an artist, increasing methods for self-reflection and critical analysis.
"I would like to use some of the skills I have gained to teach part time in a university setting.
"NTU has given me a strong theoretical framework of knowledge that has built my confidence and developed my skills as a researcher. I have also been given the opportunity to build links with leading lace specialists and national museums that have helped me gain a deeper understanding of the subject".
Naomi Braithwaite
Research Project: Ethnographic study of contemporary shoe design
"My PhD is an ethnographic study of contemporary shoe design, researching shoe designers who are niche and not mass market or big label brands. I am looking at their creative inspirations and how they respond to materials and the commercial pressures they are under.
"I am following the shoe through the whole process; looking at the material selection, designing and making, as well as the commercial side; the pricing of the shoes and how they are marketed to commercial buyers and shops.
"NTU has aided my project by providing a positive environment in which to study. The facilities are excellent and the academics and support staff are invaluable. The people in the School o f Art & Design are from such varied backgrounds, there are always alternative opinions and perspectives."
Jenna Pitchford
Research project: Writing US identities: Literary perspectives on the Persian Gulf and Iraq wars
"My thesis explores the different forms of literature that emerged from the US Gulf and Iraq wars, from conventional novels to internet blogspots. I aim to form a literary criticism which reflects the multiple identities and fragmented experiences of combatants and civilians in the literature of these conflicts.
"Whilst working on my PhD, I have taught seminars on undergraduate modules in English Literature. I am also the recipient of a three year Nottingham Trent University studentship for postgraduate study.
"I value the friendly and supportive atmosphere at NTU. I have further developed my time-management skills, my analytical skills, and my communication skills. Most importantly, I have learned a lot about how I work as a researcher and about how to motivate myself."
Elhussein Elmashay
Research project: English as a foreign language
"I feel that during my time as a research student at NTU my research skills have improved a lot and I am sure my study will be more than helpful in my academic future. I feel I have learned how to think as a researcher.
"The NTU staff I have met have been more than helpful; starting with my supervisors and the graduate office team, to the librarians and registration office.
"Being a research student is different from undergraduate study or a postgraduate taught degree because research students are more dependent on themselves. Learning to cope with managing studies and life commitments is the hardest part, but I am doing my best to save the maximum time for studies."
Munetsi Mandere
Research project: International relations development
"During my study I have learned to understand more about the practical application and implication of theory. Additionally I believe there are skills needed to ensure arguments make sense to a person viewing this from outside.
"NTU has friendly staff who are always happy to help, offering tailor made resources and individual levels of support. The most difficult part of being a research student is that it entails a critical life style change. You have to cut on social engagements and really tell yourself that the three or four years are a time of sacrifice.
"I have financed my studies through a healthy and generous student overdraft facility that is interest free. I then make monthly instalments to service the overdraft."
Roxanne Warwick
Research project: The work of Laura (Riding) Jackson
"I found out about the work of Laura (Riding) Jackson through my supervisor while studying for my undergraduate degree. I am interested in the modernist period and women's writing, especially iconoclastic writers who challenge orthodox thinking. My work is fully funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
"I have learned how to plan and carry out large research projects, and greatly extended my skill set. I can express myself with different digital media (presentations, posters etc) and am much more confident in speaking about my research.
"Postgraduate research is more like working than undergraduate study. Managing is all down to effective planning, but it gives you the freedom to really get to know yourself and also to trust yourself to be self-motivated and reliable. I love having the time to develop my intellectual abilities and knowledge base. I also like to meet new people and undertake what I feel to be important work."
Serah Akelola
Research project: Fraud in Kenya's financial sector
"I was working out an admission to a South African University when a friend of mine told me that I should send my research proposal to Nottingham Trent University. At first I thought I wouldn't be able to afford it. But I decided to put in my application. I was pleasantly surprised when NTU responded within a short space of time and before I knew it the admission process was over within a month and I was here.
"I'm so glad I made the decision to join NTU. I've received great support from my supervisory team which is such a wonderful blend of people with different skills, expertise, experience and knowledge, all shaping my PhD thesis in a unique direction. I enjoy a serene personal working space, excellent facilities and access to all kinds of information. There is strong IT support in the University which makes my research experience a fruitful one. Other than academic support, the non-academic administrative support has been excellent, efficient and effective. Studying for a PhD in accounting, my areas of interest are fraud and forensic accounting.
"NTU has opened up a world of opportunities to me, affording me a chance to also teach in the undergraduate and graduate programs as I pursue my research degree. Being a career lecturer, this opportunity has kept me in touch with the classroom, providing me with continuity in my career even as I attend the research program. The combination of research and teaching has been an enriching experience."
Sheilagh Burnell
Research project: Concepts of age and its effect on motivation to learn after the age of 65
"I study part-time and only have to come into the University about once a month. Aside from this I also teach in further education and am sponsored by my employer.
"There are very good IT facilities at NTU, but if you spend most of your time studying at home like me you will also need adequate IT facilities there too. Juggling study and life commitments can certainly be quite difficult, but help and support from family is essential.
"Postgraduate research and undergraduate study are as different as chalk and cheese. You have to be more self-motivated on a research project and for me it is much more enjoyable."
Samuel Etuakpan
Research project: Insolvency law
"Insolvency law was one the LLM modules that I studied. During my time on the LLM programme this area of law appealed to me not only due to its relevance to the prevailing economic situation where businesses are failing, but mostly due to the expertise available in this field at NTU.
"I have received tremendous support from my supervisory team. The speed with which they respond to issues is, based on my experience in other places, unprecedented and very encouraging. Financially I am a recipient of the Nottingham Trent University Vice Chancellor's bursary.
"There are various career development opportunities available to all NTU research students. These include workshops, conferences, research seminars and teachings. Expert guest lecturers and speakers are often invited to speak about their specialist areas."
Mei-Keat Liang
Research project: Inorganic chemistry
"I received a scholarship for my fees (home student fees only) and a monthly bursary of £1000 from my supervisor's research grant obtained from the American Air Force (USA). I used half of my bursary to pay the fee difference that I need to top up since I am an overseas student. Overseas students should also check if their home country offers scholarships or loans in any form before they proceed with their application.
"I found out about the opportunity and the availability of the studentship on jobs.ac.uk. The area that I am currently working in is nanobiotechnology and how peptides influence the formation of inorganic material. This research is multidisciplinary which is very good preparation for me in terms of advancing my career in scientific research.
"My work is supported by research group discussions with post-doctorates and other research students, lecturers that specialise in certain techniques and my supervisor. I feel I have learned much about critically reviewing scientific publications and looking at research work from different perspectives.
"To do a research degree you need to be very independent as the student is fully responsible for their work. You have to be committed once you have decided to embark on the activity. You also need to be prepared for the worst and look forward to the what you can achieve and learn from the studies."
