Current Scholarship Holders
Dea Nielsen - University Prize Scholarship 2012-13
Navajyoti Samanta - University Prize Scholarship 2012-13
Ángela Lavilla Cañedo - Harry Worthington Scholarship 2012-13
Tiffany Webster - Hossein Farmy Scholarship 2012-13
Kate Davison - Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarship 2012-13
Helen Mort - University Prize Scholarship 2011-12
Abigail Taylor - University Prize Scholarship 2011-12
Matthew Kerry - Hossein Farmy Scholarship 2011-12
Eleanor Hodgson - Dorothy Mabel Tingle Scholarship 2011-12
Janosch Prinz - Harry Worthington Scholarship 2011-12
Mark Lindquist - Harry Worthington Scholarship 2010-11
Dea Nielsen - University Prize Scholarship 2012-13
We award two or three prestigious University Prize Scholarships each year to the very best PhD applicants in any subject across the University.
My background and chosen research project
My research examines the development of language and literacy skills in children who are learning English as an additional language. In the UK, the number of children who speak a language other than English at home is growing, and these children face the challenge of adjusting to school life while learning a completely new language. I am interested in how these children develop, and how understanding their development can help optimize classroom teaching.
This topic is particularly special and important to me as I moved to the UK from Denmark when I was very young and learned to speak English at my nursery school. Although I have long had an interest in childhood development and especially how children learn to speak and write, it was during my Master’s degree at the University of York working in the Centre for Reading and Language I found my specific interest in bilingualism.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
There were many good reasons to choose Sheffield, as the university has a great reputation for both academic rigor as well as exciting student life. My main reason for coming to Sheffield however was that coming here offered me the opportunity to work on an exciting project in an area of research I feel is growing in the UK. Furthermore, my supervisors are excellent researchers and truly lovely people, and I feel privileged to work with them.
What winning the scholarship means to me
I feel incredibly fortunate to have won this scholarship. Being afforded the time and resources to focus my attention on a subject so important to me is an extraordinary privilege that few people are lucky enough to get. I cannot overstate how grateful I am for this opportunity.
My experience here so far
Since October I have been finding my feet in my research area and my new role as a PhD student. I have been enjoying my time immersing myself in the literature, finding other PhD students to share this experience with, and working with my supervisors. Overall, it has been an exciting six months and I am looking forward to the years ahead.
My plans for the future
While a career in academia appeals to me, my main wish is to work in a capacity that advances our understanding of children and helps to improve their lives. I hope to be open to new opportunities as they present themselves, so I’m not planning things out too much right now!
Any advice for prospective PhD students?
If you are lucky enough to find something you are fascinated by and passionate about, and especially something you are committed to increasing our understanding of, then go for it. It is hard and frustrating at times, so you have to love what you do. If you love it, it is definitely worth all the hard work.
Navajyoti Samanta - University Prize Scholarship 2012-13
My background and chosen research project
In the recent past there has been a concerted effort on part of international economic institutions to nudge developing countries into adopting a shareholder primacy corporate governance model, the reasons given are – it is more efficient, it will attract more foreign capital and hence it would lead to development. In spite of numerous theoretical claims there has almost been no empirical large-N study conducted on finding if such a relationship chain exists between adopting a particular corporate governance model and long term economic development through increase in investments and developments in the financial market especially in the emerging economies. My research proposes to find if there is a causal link between adoption of shareholder primacy corporate governance model and long term growth. What can be the objective parameters of a sui generis corporate governance model that takes into account the local socio-economic cultural background and interests of all stakeholders? etc.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
Sheffield has a highly reputed law school with consistently good research output. The law school encourages interdisciplinary approach especially in the field of empirical studies in law. I was interested in doing a large N-study and found that Sheffield was one of the very few law schools which encouraged such quantitative research in the field of law.
What winning the scholarship means to me
I feel that it is an incredible opportunity for me. Being an international student it would have been difficult for me to pursue research without a scholarship thus winning it means a lot.
My experience here so far
It has been a great first few months. The doctoral development programme is definitely a high point in my experience so far, it is informative and cross disciplinary which helps in a multifaceted understanding of a problem. It provides an excellent platform to bounce off ideas on persons who are completely from different disciplines. My supervisor has been incredibly helpful and I have built up a good rapport, hope it continues for the remainder of my research.
My plans for the future
My immediate goal would be to complete my PhD research in time. Then I hope to join academia and continue further policy research on impact of commercial law and policy on economic development. My long term goal would be to popularise quantitative legal research and encourage study of law from an interdisciplinary approach rather than in isolation.
Any advice for prospective PhD students?
Carefully analyse the application process to match your strengths. Invest some time and prepare a thorough research proposal. Then talk with your prospective supervisors and ask for their views on the draft proposal, do try to accommodate the suggestions. And never give up.
Ángela Lavilla Cañedo - Harry Worthington Scholarship 2012-13
We award two Harry Worthington Scholarships each year - these scholarships were founded under the will of Miss Doreen Worthington in memory of her father Harry, a local steel manufacturer, and are awarded to exceptional candidates in any subject.
My background and chosen research project
I graduated from the University of Oviedo (Spain) in 2010 with a BSc and I completed an MA in Gender Studies at the University of Zaragoza (Spain) in 2011.
My research explores the representations of menstruation in contemporary Latin American and Spanish literature and visual culture from a feminist and comparative perspective. I am very interested in the study of the cultural side of the process, such as where and how it is depicted, how it shapes different ideas of femininity, and the way in which it is linked to other recurrent motifs.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
After completing my MA I moved to Sheffield with my partner. I wasn’t sure whether to continue in academia or to experience other environments. I had really enjoyed writing my MA dissertation so, in that sense doing a PhD sounded exciting (and frightening as well, given the fact that I had only studied in my home country). But after reflection, and because of the good reputation of the University of Sheffield and the Hispanic Studies Department, I decided to apply.
What winning the scholarship means to me
Winning the scholarship means that I am able to develop the project I wanted to undertake, but it also means that somebody though that my project and I were worth it - and that is especially rewarding. When I received the email I couldn’t stop crying; I remember that as a very emotional week, receiving a lot of calls from my family in Spain.
My experience here so far
My experience has been very positive so far. I am enjoying the autonomy that a PhD means; it’s great to be able to focus and study your topic in depth, and to have supportive supervisors that help you along the way. In addition, there are a lot of different and interesting things going on, such as seminars from different departments, exhibitions, conferences and workshops.
My plans for the future
First of all, continue and finish my PhD, and hopefully within the given timescale. It is never too soon to start thinking about further plans but the current highly competitive situation and state of the job market (including academia) makes things more difficult to plan in advance. I will try to be open minded, creative and prepare myself as best as I can because you never know what opportunities could arise!
Any advice for prospective PhD students?
Plan things in advance (especially if you have studied abroad), go to the Open Days and talk to prospective supervisors as well as other PhD students; they will help you a lot with the process and give you good advice.
Tiffany Webster - Hossein Farmy Scholarship 2012-13
We award one or two Hossein Farmy Scholarships each year. This scholarship was founded by the late Hossein Farmy, a graduate of the University's former Department of Mining, and funds outstanding students to pursue research related to mining.
My background and chosen research project
My research focuses on the creation of a contextual exegesis with South Derbyshire coal miners, both current, ex and retired. My interest in capturing and highlighting the voice of coal miners stems from my personal background as I am the daughter of a coal miner. My family has long had strong connections to the coal mining industry and I similarly grew up within a village with a long coal mining heritage.
The first year of my research focuses on defining what is meant by a ‘coal mining community’ within contemporary society, with my second and third years of research building on these foundations and developing an exegesis with contributing coal miners. My intentions are to uncover whether the unique realities of the coal mining profession (the danger, the dark and the camaraderie) directly affect how coal miners read the Bible and the interpretations they come to develop. The underlying aim of my research is therefore an emphasis on the Bible being a culturally relevant book that is available for all regardless of faith, along with encouraging Bible studies as a discipline to step away from scholarly readings of texts in favour of more contemporary and culturally or contextually based readings. This is an area which I think could not only flourish but could also revolutionise Biblical studies.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
I chose to come to Sheffield for my PhD as I completed my Master’s Degree here and I really enjoyed my time within the department of Biblical studies and felt really supported by the staff there. My MA dissertation focused on some of the preliminary problems that a researcher within Biblical studies may face when they want to start using qualitative research methods (these are the methods I will use to collect the coal mining exegesis). After forging a good relationship with my supervisor during my MA and being successful in my preliminary research I felt that moving on to do a PhD at Sheffield was an opportunity I could not turn down.
What winning the scholarship means to me
I was utterly overwhelmed when I found out that I had been awarded this scholarship! The day I opened the email saying that I had been successful I burst into uncontrollable tears! Being awarded this scholarship means that I am able to focus on my research full time without having to juggle it with working for an income. Without the scholarship I would have had to try to fund my research myself, which I think would have been almost impossible. The scholarship therefore gives me the freedom to spend as much time as possible carrying out the research necessary for the completion of my thesis. It also gave me the confidence that what I was attempting to do was valuable and worthwhile as someone was willing to invest in my ideas and abilities.
My experience here so far
So far my experience here has been great! I have been positively encouraged to follow my own research interests and have been given the freedom to explore the unique research philosophy and style I wish my thesis to embody.
My plans for the future
So far my plans for the future reach no further than completing my thesis! I would however love to go into academia as a career and I would particularly like to get involved in the “Impact” initiative by encouraging researchers to embrace public engagement and knowledge exchange.
Any advice for prospective PhD students?
OK, so I won’t lie, it’s hard work! But it wouldn’t be worth it if it was easy. If you love the subject you’re studying then follow it through to the end. No matter how much you may struggle just remember that we are all in the same boat and the problems you feel you may be having are felt by all PhDs across the board. I would also encourage all new PhDs to take advantage of all the courses on offer through the DDP as there are great opportunities available within the university to increase your skills as a researcher and academic.
Kate Davison - Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarship 2012-13
The University of Sheffield has been given a substantial grant to enhance postgraduate research, thanks to the Wolfson Foundation. Sheffield is one of only nine universities across the UK selected to take part in the Foundation's pilot funding programme of postgraduate scholarships. Each year, six Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities are awarded to outstanding students in the areas of history, literature and languages.
My background and chosen research project
I completed my undergraduate History degree in Exeter before I did a masters in early-modern History at Cambridge. I started my PhD here at Sheffield in September 2012. My research focuses on the place of humour and laughter in society in the long eighteenth century. As a number of scholars have shown, the culture of this period was infused with laughter—in its politics, print culture and sociability. My PhD thesis concentrates on a network of humourists active in the decades after the Print Licensing Act lapsed in 1695. As well as the contemporary interests they made laughable in their publications, it uncovers their social world: the spaces, institutions and communities of which they were part.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
I chose to come to Sheffield to work with my supervisor, but the quality of the rest of the Department and its close contact with other departments across the Faculty certainly sweetened the deal. That the city itself is great place to be, so close to the Peak District and all that has to offer and still only two hours on the train from London, is also worth mentioning.
What winning the scholarship means to me
In practical terms, the scholarship means everything; without it I would not have been able to do a PhD at all. More abstractly, it is reassuring to know that someone else thinks your project is worthwhile and that you are the right person for the job—it’s a pat on the back for the odd rainy day along the way.
My experience here so far
Having been in Sheffield for nine months, I can say that coming here to do a PhD was a great decision. The staff are incredibly warm and generous with their time and advice. Before I started, I was concerned that a PhD would mean spending three years in a library, but it has been far more varied. In just a few months, I have attended seminars and conferences in Sheffield, as well as Oxford, London, Paris and Manchester; meeting academics from Britain and beyond has given me a strong sense of being part of a wider community. I have also had the opportunity to try my hand at peer reviewing and editing for the faculty journal, Track Changes, and I am looking forward to teaching next year.
My plans for the future
First things first, crack on with the PhD! But it is worth keeping one eye on what is next. I want to stay in academia, but it is a competitive field, so it is important to think ahead and make sure I do everything necessary to put myself in a strong position for job applications in years to come. A certain amount of luck will undoubtedly play its part, but I’ll do my best to hold up my end of the deal.
Any advice for prospective PhD students?
If you are unsure about whether to go for it, talk to people. Chat to your current and past tutors, prospective supervisors, PhD students and friends and family. They will all have different ideas, opinions and perspectives; even if you discount some it is useful to hear them, and someone will say something that clicks. It is early days for me, but I know that the PhD will be tough at times and it is important to feel that you have strong support networks in place. I think finding a supervisor you feel comfortable with is probably the most important thing.
Helen Mort - University Prize Scholarship 2011-12
We award two or three prestigious University Prize Scholarships each year to the very best PhD applicants in any subject across the University.
My background and chosen research project
My research is inter-disciplinary, looking at the dialogic relationship between contemporary poetry and neuroscience. My interest in the topic comes partly from my life outside of academia, where I'm a practicing poet. I completed a BA in Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge University, specialising in Social Psychology and did my undergraduate dissertation on social representations of poetry and poets and after graduating, I was keen to explore some of these ideas about poetry further.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
I was born in Sheffield and grew up in nearby Chesterfield, so this feels like 'home' to me: there's no better city in the UK! However, what really attracted me to the University was its excellent English department and emphasis on cross-disciplinary research.
What winning the scholarship means to me
Winning a scholarship means everything to me: I simply wouldn't be able to pursue my research otherwise. It's a tremendous privilege and freedom.
My experience here so far
Studying at Sheffield is a rewarding, stimulating experience. I have great supervisors and it's wonderful being part of an English department that values creative writing as well as literary studies.
My plans for the future
After completing my thesis (which remains a huge goal in itself!) I hope to work with other writers, perhaps teaching creative writing at University level, but my main plan is to continue writing poetry and write the best poems I can.
Any advice for prospective PhD students
There's no such thing as reading too widely.
Abigail Taylor - University Prize Scholarship 2011-12
We award two or three prestigious University Prize Scholarships each year to the very best PhD applicants in any subject across the University.
My background and chosen research project
I graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2009 with a BA Honours in French Studies. I remained in Sheffield in 2010 to complete an MA (Research) in French Studies. I followed the Sociological Pathway in the MA which focused on social exclusion, the informal economy and gender studies. I also took several voluntary modules on inequality in the Department of Geography. Following a year working in the public sector and after missing the world of French Studies and academia, I returned to Sheffield in autumn 2011 to commence a PhD on child poverty in France and England, supervised by Professor Jan Windebank from the French Department and Dr Adam Whitworth from the Geography Department.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
I chose to study at Sheffield for my BA, MA and PhD because the French Department is one of the few French Departments in the country where you can study France from a socio-political perspective. The opportunity to have cross-faculty supervision is unique.
What winning the scholarship means to me
The scholarship is an incredible opportunity. Without the scholarship, I would have been unable to undertake my PhD studies. The Research Training Support Grant component of the Scholarship means that I have been able to attend conferences, and pursue plans to spend considerable time in France to undertake my fieldwork without worrying to much about the costs involved!
My experience here so far
My experience of PhD studies so far has been very positive. I have enjoyed being able to investigate my topic in-depth. I have benefitted considerably from the Doctoral Development Programme through which I have been able to improve my methodological skills, taking modules in the Geography and Sociology Departments. My supervisors have been incredibly supportive.
My plans for the future
I am looking forward to undertaking my fieldwork next year. After completing my thesis I hope to remain in academia, combining my interests in French Studies and Sociological Studies.
Any advice for prospective PhD students
In addition to contacting perspective supervisors, speak to existing PhD students in the Department you are considering applying to. I have learnt lots from talking to students further on with their PhD studies than me.
Matthew Kerry - Hossein Farmy Scholarship 2011-12
We award one or two Hossein Farmy Scholarships each year. This scholarship was founded by the late Hossein Farmy, a graduate of the University's former Department of Mining, and funds outstanding students to pursue research related to mining.
My background and chosen research project
I completed my BA in History and Hispanic Studies here, in Sheffield, before living in Spain for two years where I taught English and studied for an MA in Contemporary History at the Universidad de Zaragoza. My thesis explores ideas around radicalisation, violence and identity in the mining valleys of Asturias (Spain) during the Second Republic and Civil War (1931-7).
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
I had an excellent experience as an undergraduate and this, combined with my supervisor’s expertise, the department, the funding opportunities and the city itself, made Sheffield feel like the right choice.
What winning the scholarship means to me
Without funding I would not have been able to have embarked on a PhD. In that respect, it has certainly changed my life.
My experience here so far
Sheffield has provided a very supportive and stimulating experience. The PhD programme allows for considerable autonomy while receiving guidance from supervisors, in addition to extra training, such as the Doctoral Development Programme. My research has taken me down interesting roads that I didn’t expect and I feel my thesis is developing well so far.
My plans for the future
First of all, I plan to complete my thesis! I have more ideas and it would be great to continue in an academic environment. As everyone’s aware, it’s a changing and difficult situation, but hopefully the experience I will have gained during these three years will provide me with the skills to succeed in the future.
Any advice for prospective PhD students
If the idea of a PhD appeals, then definitely apply – talk to prospective supervisors and develop a project. It’s better than thinking ‘what if’ later on.
Eleanor Hodgson - Dorothy Mabel Tingle Scholarship 2011-12
This scholarship was founded by the late Miss Dorothy Mabel Tingle, a graduate of the University and former teacher of French at High Storrs School, Sheffield, and is awarded to an outstanding PhD applicant in the French department.
My background and chosen research project
I completed my BA in French and Music at the University of Sheffield in 2010 before going on to study for an MA in French Studies, specialising in Medieval French, also at the University of Sheffield. My thesis focuses on an anonymous Old French text from the end of the twelfth century, Guillaume de Palerne, as I look at the way it interacts with and rewrites other Old French texts, and what this can tell us about Old French medieval composition.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
I loved studying at Sheffield as an undergraduate and MA student, and felt that the department offered the best environment to support my research at doctoral level.
What winning the scholarship means to me
Winning the scholarship has made a huge difference to my financial situation this year, allowing me to focus on my research and use spare time to become involved in extra projects and activities in the department of French and the Faculty of Arts which enhance my experiences at Sheffield.
My experience here so far
I have been at the University for six years now, and my experiences have been nothing but positive, and continue to improve as I engage with the Postgraduate community around me.
My plans for the future
I hope to continue to Postdoctoral study and then to pursue a career as an academic.
Any advice for prospective PhD students
Definitely make contact with prospective supervisors and discuss your ideas early on in the application process, it's always good to say your ideas out loud to someone who will understand them, and who will be able to guide you in the decisions you make as you apply.
Janosch Prinz - Harry Worthington Scholarship 2011-12
We award two Harry Worthington Scholarships each year - these scholarships were founded under the will of Miss Doreen Worthington in memory of her father Harry, a local steel manufacturer, and are awarded to exceptional candidates in any subject.
My background and chosen research project
I studied Political Science, Comparative Literature and Media Studies at Bonn University, Germany, spending one year at the University of Birmingham on exchange. There I took classes from a MA programme in Political Theory. My research project under the provisional title “Realist Political Theory as a Critical Activity” challenges the prevalent, liberal-normative approach to Political Theory by engaging current debates about “realism” and “ideal theory”.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
My department provided such a lovely warm welcome for me when I came to have a look at the city and the university. Besides the reputation of the department and the good thematic fit with my supervisor made me choose Sheffield. Since then the university has on many occasions shown me that it cares about its research students.
What winning the scholarship means to me
The scholarship allows me to concentrate fully on my studies. It also is a important form of recognition for my work which has given me confidence for the often dauting task of researching for a PhD.
My experience here so far
I am enjoying my studies at Sheffield. In most weeks there is a variety of interestings talks to attend at departmental, faculty or even at university level. I am really lucky to be part of a very nice cohort of PhD students which has added a lot to my experience here.
My plans for the future
I look forward to teaching seminar groups in Politicial Theory for the first time from October. Before that I need to pass my upgrade which is currently my focus. Hopefully I will manage to juggle teaching, thesis writing, conferences and much more…
Any advice for prospective PhD students.
I do not really feel competent to give advice yet, but if pressed for it, I would say that it is very important to be very much up to date with the literature of your specific topic. That can help you formulate your potential contribution.
Mark Lindquist - Harry Worthington Scholarship 2010-11
We award two Harry Worthington Scholarships each year - these scholarships were founded under the will of Miss Doreen Worthington in memory of her father Harry, a local steel manufacturer, and are awarded to exceptional candidates in any subject.
My background and chosen research project
I am a Canadian who has practiced landscape architecture and urban design in Canada and the US, and I have taught architecture, landscape architecture and urban design in Canada, the US, UK, and New Zealand. My research investigates the impact of digital media and digital visualization on the design and perception of urban environments. My PhD research involves investigating the psychophysiological responses to and incremental benefits of the audio augmentation of virtual space.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
There were many factors that contributed to my decision to come to Sheffield, including the quality of life and quality of the city. One significant factor was the level of excellence available for PhD supervision at the University of Sheffield; Professors Eckart Lange and Jian Kang, my PhD supervisors, are world leaders in their research areas of visualization and acoustics, respectively. The other significant factor was winning the Harry Worthington Scholarship.
What winning the scholarship means to me
Winning the scholarship was extremely important. I would not have been able to undertake PhD research without this funding. I am very grateful to the scholarship sponsor and the University for this support.
My experience here so far
My experience has been very positive thus far. The coursework has provided a rigorous foundation to build upon while allowing time for thought and reflection, which is vital to complete a high-quality research project. Meetings with my advisors have been a great experience providing valuable feedback and insight into the direction of my research.
My plans for the future
Focus on my PhD and see what direction that leads me. The exciting thing about the whole experience is not knowing what exactly the future holds.
Advice for prospective students
If you are on the fence about moving internationally or undertaking PhD research, I strongly encourage anyone to take the plunge. While there are definitely challenges, the immediate and long-term rewards are immeasurable.