Gifty Tetteh

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering

Before starting my PhD, I worked as a Teaching Assistant in the biomedical engineering department at the University of Ghana. This was where I previously had pursued my undergraduate degree. As a student in Ghana, I had a good balance between my academic and social life, and became the first female to graduate top of my engineering class, with an exceptional GPA.

I chose to study at the University of Sheffield to pursue my research studies in a top ranking university in the United Kingdom. Studying here appealed to me because it offered a taste of modern cultural diversity against a backdrop of rich cultural heritage and tradition. I opted for the University of Sheffield because of its reputation as a major research institution, which earned it a place as a member of the Russell Group and the coveted University of the Year award (2011) at the Times Higher Education awards. I also liked the look of the city, which I thought was rather quaint, with a countryside look. Additionally, I believed my research interest in biomaterials and tissue engineering, connected with materials science and engineering, was in tandem with those of the faculty members.

I believe the most enjoyable thing about studying at the University of Sheffield is the extensive resources available to me. In terms of human resources, for instance, I benefit a lot from the knowledge and experience of my supervisors and many research colleagues. Their geniality makes collaboration a very easy and interesting exercise. In addition, the facilities at hand at the Kroto Research Institute are top notch and have really increased my worth to a high-class level.

Being a member of a research team in a world-class research institution is what I treasure most. I have learnt new research techniques, attended many training and developmental sessions, and have had the opportunity of meeting and working with high-profile researchers.

Studying at the University of Sheffield is very straightforward as a result of easy access to reading material, with the added touch of being practically reinforced with experiments. Information is very easy to obtain since the university subscribes to many journals and literature databases. The Information Commons library is open twenty-four hours a day, and material not found in the library may be requested by students.

The benefit of an education from the University of Sheffield for me is that research here provides an in-depth and practical-based approach to learning. Being fully resourced, with access to great researchers, industrial partnerships, sophisticated equipment and scholarly materials, it affords the opportunity of undertaking ground-breaking research.

In my opinion the best thing about life at University of Sheffield is the proximity to other cities like London and Manchester that it affords. Transportation and life on campus in general is quite cheap, with varying accommodation choices to suit different personalities. The campus is also very green and secure, and I enjoy walking around it very much!

After completing my course I wish to return to my country and impart the remarkable knowledge and expertise that I have gained, and contribute to the development of the human resources of my nation.

My advice to prospective students is that they should be confident in themselves when applying to study at the University of Sheffield. Socialize and make new friends upon arrival. The University of Sheffield is definitely the right choice for further education, if quality education in a serene and safe environment, close to the excellent countryside, is your preference.

Questions for me?

If you have any questions for me please e-mail and I will answer as soon as I can:

Email: ghana@sheffield.ac.uk