This programme has been instrumental in shaping both my career and future goals.

Why did you choose to study the Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Neuroimaging MSc?

I’ve always been fascinated with the brain—how it creates the mind and how experiences shape who we are. That curiosity was the foundation of my undergraduate studies in psychology and my coursework in the health professions, where I learned to think critically about the interplay between biology, behavior, and well-being. But this interest became deeply personal in 2021, when I experienced an ischemic pontine stroke. My stroke recovery forced me to understand neuroplasticity not as an abstract concept from textbooks but as a lived reality. I quickly realized that recovery is about far more than a physical process. Beyond relearning movement, I confronted the emotional weight of such a traumatic event and discovered how heavily recovery depends on social support, resilience, and even spiritual perspectives—yet I was struck by how little research addresses these factors together. What first felt like a detour in my life has become a source of purpose: to dedicate my career to understanding these interactions and advancing recovery for stroke survivors.

This motivation shaped my path as an undergraduate research assistant in the Dula Stroke Lab at Dell Medical School, where I was introduced to advances in neuroimaging that are revolutionizing stroke treatment. My background gave me a unique lens to appreciate not only the technical side of these tools but also their potential to impact patient outcomes. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin in 2023, I spent a year working in the clinical setting, which further confirmed my desire to pursue advanced study. I knew I needed a masters program that would not only strengthen my technical research skills but also help me clarify whether my future lies in medicine, a PhD, or a combined program.

What made you decide to study at the University of Sheffield?

The MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Neuroimaging at Sheffield stood out immediately. Its unique blend of rigorous training in neuroimaging techniques and its strong foundation in neuroscience align directly with my background in psychology and health professions, my academic interests, and my long-term professional goals.

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

I can’t talk about this program without mentioning the community within our cohort. As an international student, it was daunting to move to a new country without knowing anyone, but my peers quickly made Sheffield feel like home. I really appreciated that our modules included students from different programs, as it created a culture of collaboration. For example, when working on neuroimaging labs, those with computational backgrounds were able to help with coding, while I could support others with neurophysiological concepts. Working together in the postgraduate study spaces brought us even closer, and I’d encourage future students to take advantage of those shared spaces and to simply introduce themselves to others—it makes a huge difference.

I also found joining societies invaluable, particularly the Postgraduate Psychology Society. Taking on the role of Postgraduate Taught Liaison gave me a sense of involvement, but even more important were the informal opportunities to connect, like weekly coffee hours and first friday drinks. These events not only helped me build friendships, but also gave me the chance to connect with PhD students who offered mentorship and advice. Additionally, exploring the Peaks while bonding with my cohort was one of my favorite memories of the year!

On the academic side, I benefitted from campus resources such as the Writing Centre and university hosted workshops on R, which strengthened my technical and communication skills. I also made frequent use of lecturer office hours whenever I wanted to clarify concepts from class. The staff were approachable and supportive, and those one-on-one conversations really helped consolidate my learning.

What skills have you developed during your course?

I appreciated how the program struck a balance between traditional lectures and interactive lab practicals. The opportunity to immediately apply what we learned each week made the material engaging and memorable. One highlight for me was the Systems Neuroscience module, especially the anatomy practical, which brought the content to life.

The most valuable aspect of the program, however, was the dissertation project. Under the guidance of Dr Sheharyar Baig and Professor Su Li, I completed a dissertation titled ‘The Effects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Motor Performance: A High-Density Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study in Healthy Adults’. This project aligned closely with my research interests and gave me the chance to carry out a study from the ground up—designing the experiment, developing the protocol, recruiting participants, conducting analyses, and writing the final report. Weekly lab meetings provided thoughtful discussion and consistent support from my peers and supervisors, and the process prepared me directly for my current role in research. While research certainly has its challenges, it also offers moments of joy, and I finished the project proud of my work.

Beyond the dissertation, the program offered many enriching opportunities. I particularly valued the volunteer graduate research assistant program, which was both manageable alongside coursework and an excellent addition to my CV. Guest lectures were another highlight—for example, Dr Osman Shabir, who presented his research on Alzheimer’s disease and then offered hands-on training in immunohistochemistry staining for interested students. Experiences like these made the program feel dynamic and full of opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Overall, this program rewards initiative. I found that the more I invested in the opportunities available, the more I gained in return.

What are you planning to do next?

This programme has been instrumental in shaping both my career and future goals. It equipped me with practical and technical skills that directly prepared me for my current role in neurorecovery research at Massachusetts General Hospital. More importantly, it confirmed my long-term ambition to pursue an MD/PhD in the United States, where I hope to practice as a neurologist while continuing research on neuromodulatory devices that can enhance recovery outcomes for stroke survivors.

What would you say to a student thinking about studying this course at Sheffield?

This program is condensed and at times intense, so strong time management and staying on top of readings are essential. I would also encourage students to take advantage of office hours and not hesitate to reach out to lecturers with questions throughout the semester—the faculty are approachable and supportive.

For me, one of the biggest challenges was entering the program with no prior coding experience. The Data Analysis and Visualization module felt overwhelming at first, but I quickly learned to lean on available resources. Online tutorials, as well as office hours with our teaching assistant, Hazel, were invaluable. By the end of the semester, I not only understood coding but was also able to apply it effectively in MATLAB for my dissertation. My advice is: don’t be discouraged if something feels intimidating at first—the support is there, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can grow.