Our current EPSRC PhD students share what it's really like to be a postgraduate researcher, why they chose Sheffield, and their top tips for those interested in PhD research.
As an EPSRC student you'll join a community of PhD researchers developing analytical, investigatory, communication and presentation skills.
Alongside your independent research, you'll undertake training and development sessions, with outstanding facilities and resources.
Meet some of our students
Tanya Wilson
Sustainable Urban Horticulture PhD student, Biosciences
Tanya completed an undergraduate degree in Biology before joining a start-up company as a lab scientist where she was responsible for designing and running laboratory experiments and was involved in the development of their large-scale trials. Tanya's passion for future food security led her to join University of Sheffield as an EPSRC PhD student.
Alana Barlow
EPSRC PhD student, Chemistry
Alana studied a BSc in Chemistry with Forensic Science, before joining the University of Sheffield to study an MSc (Research) in Chemistry. This gave her a real passion for research and led to her gaining an EPSRC funded PhD within the Department of Chemistry.
Jingxiang Ma
EPSRC student, Mathematics
Mathematics student Jingxiang Ma is originally from China, where they studied their undergraduate and masters degree.
Jingxiang chose Sheffield because the Algebraic Geometry and Mathematical Physics research group in Sheffield is well known and they were particularly interested by the research of their PhD supervisor.
There are chances to go to conferences in different cities and mix with researchers from different backgrounds. There are also chances to help with teaching undergraduate students and in outreach sessions. Joining the Grantham Centre also opened up a lot of additional experiences for me, such as the opportunity to be a delegate of COP28 and go on trips to new areas to discuss sustainability.
Alana Barlow, Chemistry PhD
Discussing the opportunities she's gained as an EPSRC student
