White Rose DTP PGR Committee

University: Manchester Metropolitan University

Representative Role: ECY Pathway Representative

What are your research interests and why did you volunteer to be a representative? My motivation for volunteering as rep is partly informed by a passion for improving experiences and outcomes for my other PGRs. This passion is intertwined with my motivation for doing this PhD, my goal for the research is to contribute meaningful change and have a positive impact for students from marginalised backgrounds. However, I still have more to learn and the role as a rep for the ECY pathway enables me to collaborate, explore and develop with my fellow PGRs and foster success throughout our doctoral journeys.

University: Sheffield Hallam University

Representative Role: Institutional Representative, Sheffield Hallam University

What are your research interests and why did you volunteer to be a representative? My name is Faith, and I’m a PhD student at Sheffield Hallam University researching how intergenerational living can tackle loneliness and improve well-being. My work sits at the intersection of public health, social policy, and community engagement, and is grounded in a commitment to reducing social isolation among vulnerable populations.

I volunteered to be a rep for the White Rose DTP PGR Committee because I’m passionate about building supportive communities and ensuring that all postgraduate researchers—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—feel heard, connected, and empowered throughout their doctoral journey. Having navigated the challenges of being a self-funded international student, I understand the importance of advocacy, peer support, and equitable access to opportunities.

I believe the White Rose DTP community thrives when every voice is represented, and I’m keen to help create spaces where PGRs across disciplines and institutions can share experiences, influence policy, and access the resources they need to succeed. Being a rep allows me to champion those values and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing and academic success of my peers.

University: University of Leeds

Representative Role: Institutional Representative, University of Leeds

What are your research interests and why did you volunteer to be a representative? I’m a PhD Candidate within the School of Geography at the University of Leeds. My research is concerned with how to better understand, interpret and represent lived experience of place, through quantitative models.

I represent all University of Leeds students who are involved with the White Rose DTP. I’m actively involved in organising in-person and informal events for research communication. Please feel free to approach me with any concerns, or ideas, for a better student experience.

University: University of Hull

Representative Role: SBE Pathway Representative

What are your research interests and why did you volunteer to be a representative? I’m a PhD student in Human Geography at the University of Hull. I have a BA Geography and Rural Development degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana; an MSc Environment Development and Politics (Commonwealth Scholar) from the University of Birmingham; and an MSc Social Research (White Rose Scholar) from the University of Hull.
My PhD focuses on how locally available neglected traditional crops and their associated knowledge can support and enhance rural food security. My broader research focuses on sustainable and resilient food systems, climate change and small-scale farmers, environmental change and small-scale farmers, and health and well-being.
I volunteered to be a student representative for the SBE pathway for the University of Hull because I want to listen to students’ experiences, views and liaise between them and the White Rose to ensure the provision of appropriate services to help colleagues excel in their areas of research.

University: University of Hull

Representative Role: Institutional Representative, University of Hull

What are your research interests and why did you volunteer to be a representative? I love to help and give back to society. The WRDTP PGR Committee affords me the opportunity to do this by being a voice for my colleagues.

University: Manchester Metropolitan University

Representative Role: SCJ Pathway Representative

What are your research interests and why did you volunteer to be a representative?

As a dedicated PhD researcher in Fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University, my work delves into the evolving dynamics of consumer behaviour, virtual influencers, and brand evaluation within the contemporary digital landscape. Building on foundational studies in Management at the University of Bristol and specialised research in Fashion Management and Marketing at the University of Manchester, my current research explores how social media and virtual personas are reshaping brand-consumer relationships and driving innovation in fashion retail. My academic pursuits are enriched by international industry experience, which has provided valuable insights into global market dynamics.

I volunteered to serve as a representative for the White Rose DTP PGR Committee because I am passionate about fostering a supportive and enriching environment for postgraduate researchers. I aim to be an approachable and effective voice for my peers at MMU, advocating for their interests and contributing to the enhancement of the DTP’s provisions. I am keen to help develop a vibrant academic community, ensure diverse research perspectives are valued, and work collaboratively to address the evolving needs of PGR students, ultimately contributing to a more impactful and rewarding doctoral journey for all.

University: Manchester Metropolitan University

Representative Role: Institutional Representative, Manchester Metropolitan

What are your research interests and why did you volunteer to be a representative? I am an international student with research interests in understanding the lived experiences of racially minoritized children within the youth justice system, particularly those subject to out-of-court disposals. My work explores how these children navigate systemic challenges and how their voices can influence policy and practice.

I volunteered to represent PGRs on the White Rose DTP Committee because it is important to me that the voices of all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, are heard, and that the necessary support is in place to meet their diverse academic and personal needs. I see this role as an opportunity to promote stronger connections, foster open dialogue, and advocate for initiatives that enhance inclusivity and well-being for all students, regardless of their background.

University: University of York

Representative Role: CDD Pathway Representative

What are your research interests and why did you volunteer to be a representative? As a doctoral researcher exploring the interactions between social movements, elections, and broader issues at the intersection of development and democracy, I have long been inspired by a commitment to civic engagement and socio-political advocacy. Becoming a White Rose PGR committee member and representative for the Civil Society, Development and Democracy (CDD) pathway was a natural extension of this passion. I saw this as an opportunity to serve as a voice for the interests, concerns, and aspirations of PGRs within the CDD community. My experience as a student representative during my undergraduate studies at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria (2014-2018) and as a postgraduate member of the Pilot Student Education Panel at the London School of Economics (2020-2021) has prepared me for this position. These experiences have laid the foundation for my continued advocacy on issues such as academic and research support, career development needs, community and belonging, student wellbeing, and support for international students—all of which are also central to the objectives of the White Rose DTP. I look forward to collaborating with members of the PGR committee to shape positive and progressive experiences for PGRs within the CDD pathway and beyond. I also hope to contribute to a vibrant doctoral research community—one that fosters innovative and impactful research and promotes collective growth.

University: University of York

Representative Role: Institutional Representative, University of York

What are your research interests and why did you volunteer to be a representative? I am Chamley, a third-year PhD student in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York. Originally from Sri Lanka, my research focuses on the lived experiences of agricultural communities facing the impacts of climate change.

While climate change is a global issue, its effects vary across regions. In Sri Lanka and much of South Asia, extreme weather events have heightened the vulnerability of farming communities, resulting in widespread food insecurity that extends to the national level. Despite being at the frontline of these challenges, the voices of these communities are often absent from adaptation strategies and policy development.

My research seeks to bring these perspectives to light by exploring how agricultural communities experience and respond to climate-related disruptions, particularly in relation to food security, health, and well-being. By capturing their insights and adaptive strategies, I aim to contribute meaningful knowledge for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working on climate resilience and food sovereignty.

By joining as a PGR rep from the University of York, I believe I will have the opportunity to share and expand my research interests while learning from others. I am especially keen to collaborate across disciplines to advance solutions to global food security challenges, drawing on diverse perspectives and shared experiences.

University: University of Sheffield

Representative Role: Pathway Representative, WHC

What are your research interests and why did you volunteer to be a representative? 

I am Michael Adetu, a PhD researcher at the University of Sheffield. My research focuses on crowdworkers’ experiences of learning and upskilling within tech hub environments. I explore how individuals engaged in crowdsourcing often outside traditional employment structures and develop their skills, form peer networks, and navigate personal and economic aspirations through participation in informal innovation spaces. My work identifies four key themes that shape these experiences: economic condition, personal goal and ambition, context of training and support, and enabling culture and practice. This research contributes to broader conversations around the gig economy, informal learning, and digital labour in tech-driven societies.

I volunteered to be a representative on the White Rose DTP PGR Committee because I am passionate about building inclusive and empowering research environments. The doctoral journey can be incredibly enriching but also isolating, especially for those working across disciplines or navigating complex fieldwork. I believe in the value of peer support, shared learning, and representation, and I’m committed to helping shape spaces where postgraduate researchers feel seen, supported, and connected. I look forward to working collaboratively with other reps and the DTP team to enhance the experience of our vibrant PGR community.