White Rose DTP PGR Committee

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 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: Sheffield Hallam University

Representative Role: DCA Pathway Representative

What are your research interests and why did you volunteer to be a representative? I am a PhD researcher and Associate Lecturer at Sheffield Business School. My main research focuses on corporate coworking, particularly how community managers facilitate knowledge exchange between corporate and non-corporate coworkers in hybrid coworking spaces. My wider research interests also include artificial intelligence, inclusive leadership, employee relations, knowledge management, innovation, collaboration, urban studies, and organisational studies. Alongside my doctoral research, I have contributed to journal articles and a book chapter, which has further strengthened my interest in interdisciplinary and impactful research.

I volunteered to be a representative for the White Rose DTP PGR Committee because I am passionate about supporting the doctoral researcher community and ensuring that PGR voices are meaningfully heard. I value collaboration, inclusivity, and peer support, and I see this role as an opportunity to contribute to a positive and engaging research culture. I am keen to help strengthen communication between doctoral researchers and the wider WRDTP community, while supporting initiatives that enhance researcher development, representation, and belonging.

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: University of Sheffield

Representative Role: SPEL Pathway Representative

What are your research interests and why did you volunteer to be a representative? I wanted to represent other PGRs on my pathway to the White Rose DTP because the SPEL pathway sits at a critical intersection of environmental, societal, and spatial challenges that shape how we live and work. My research explores multi-stakeholder partnerships and sense of place in addressing place-based challenges, which aligns closely with the pathway’s focus on sustainable liveability.

Coming from a management disciplinary context, I have seen how place-based thinking is gaining momentum as organisations seek more sustainable ways to exist within society. This perspective is increasingly relevant across disciplines, and I believe SPEL researchers need strong advocacy to help ensure our contributions are recognised and supported.

I am committed to supporting our pathway’s PGRs in accessing the academic support, wellbeing resources, and career development opportunities they need to thrive. I want to create meaningful channels for dialogue between the PGR community and the DTP so that our collective interests shape the support structures available to us and every researcher feels heard and valued.

University: University of Leeds

Representative Role: WHC Pathway Representative

What are your research interests and why did you volunteer to be a representative? I’m Asma Elnajar, a PhD researcher at the Academic Unit of Health Economics, University of Leeds, with a particular interest in strengthening health systems in fragile and humanitarian settings, with an emphasis on evaluating health policies and programmes for non‑communicable diseases (NCDs) using health economic approaches. I have extensive experience working with national and international organisations, which has strengthened my communication, leadership and organisational skills.
As a representative for the White Rose DTP PGR community, I am committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for postgraduate researchers. I aim to draw on my professional and academic experience to support fellow PGRs, advocate for their needs, and ensure that voices from diverse backgrounds are heard and valued. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to support my peers’ well-being and development while further strengthening my skills in leadership, collaboration, and advocacy.