Abigail enjoyed her master’s at Bath so much, she decided to stay. She has just begun her PhD within our Department of Psychology, which is generously funded by The Norland Foundation, investigating the impact of screen time on neurodivergent preschool children.
Why did you choose to study at Bath?
Bath has an excellent reputation for psychology, and I studied for my master's here. I've always wanted to go into research, but I’m not in a financial position to be able to fund a PhD myself. When I saw this scholarship opportunity – and in an area of research that was similar to my master’s dissertation – I couldn’t believe it.
In the future, I would love a job where I’m helping people and having an impact so when I saw that it was supported by The Norland Foundation, and they would be able to use my research, I thought it was a brilliant opportunity. I didn’t think I’d get it, but I was so excited when I did.
What drew you to research in child development?
I think it was the developmental course in my undergrad degree. We were looking at critical points of child development and how, in preschool, so much development happens that shapes who you become as an adult.
I became fascinated with the idea that if you helped a child to develop the skills they need during that time, it would have such a positive influence on the rest of their life.
Any thoughts on what you’d like to do after your PhD?
I have always loved the idea of teaching and lecturing, so I think I'd like to stay within academia, but I would also love to be able to apply my research and use it to advise and recommend to create positive change.
How did your friends and family react when you got the Research with Impact PhD scholarship?
My mum wanted to be a Norland nanny when she was growing up so when I told her that this was funded by the schools’ foundation, she was so excited. My boyfriend is really excited for me as well – he was there while I spent six months after graduating struggling to find a research opportunity. He said something would come up and I’m glad he was right in this situation [laughs].
What have you enjoyed about studying at Bath so far?
The lecturers seem really dedicated, they were always like, ‘If you need help just let us know.’ I love the psychology building – it's a really nice place to study. It’s great having everything on campus, too.
What are your favourite spots in Bath?
I love Victoria Park and the Royal Crescent, and when it’s a hot day, students go and study in the sunshine with picnic blankets. I can’t wait to do that when the weather’s nice! On campus, I like sitting by the lake and watching the ducks.
Have you been given any advice ahead of your PhD?
I was feeling a lot of impostor syndrome when I was told that I got the PhD, so I spoke to my friend who's also doing a PhD to ask for her advice. She said everybody feels like that. Every single person. Her advice was, ‘Fake it till you make it.’
Then I spoke to the professors that I'll be working with, and I said what my friend had told me. Both of them, who are esteemed professors, said, 'When does it feel like we make it?’ It made me realise that doubting yourself is a constant battle, you just have to keep going because you have made it, and you are making it and you're consistently showing yourself that you can do it.
And another piece of advice she gave me was to reach out to fellow PhD students and network. I think it can be quite isolating when you're working by yourself. So she said to get involved and speak to people, which benefits your research as well as your social life.
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