Dip into our doctoral college blog to find out how four PhD students took the plunge with ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ
Did you know, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ has its own research blog? It’s a place for students and staff to share their personal research stories and wisdom on how to apply for and thrive during a PhD.
Over the summer we’ve caught up with four ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ PhD students to find out about their research journey – how they found their specialism, how their research is shaping their career and how they want to change the world.
Read on to explore their tips for research success and find out where ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ’s doctoral college might take you…
Amira
Amira Ramírez Salgado is a contemporary dancer and researcher, currently completing her PhD in Dance at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ. She met the person who would eventually become her PhD supervisor by chance at a dance festival in Cholula, Mexico.
Amira’s top tip for research:
“Find ways to feel at home wherever you live. Make your space yours - put up your photos, plants, objects, as they become extensions of your home and provide comfort and familiarity in the unknown. For me, feeling at home was the first step to gaining emotional resilience while living in Leicester.”
Read more about Amira’s research journey…
Mahnoor
Mahnoor’s PhD is in sustainable architecture and had a ‘smooth and comfortable’ transition from her Master’s degree at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ. She loved working on her MSc thesis and had some great guidance from her supervisor about how to turn her specialism into a doctoral research proposal.
Mahnoor’s top tip for research:
“It’s essential to understand and love your research area. A PhD requires a great deal of hard work and determination. The key is consistency, and that becomes much easier if you are genuinely passionate about your topic and believe it will make a meaningful contribution to academia.”
Read more about Mahnoor’s research journey…
Taj
A few years ago, Taj’s life was engaged in corporate strategy and telecom innovation. But somewhere along that journey deeper questions started to emerge, like ‘how do we grow?’ and ‘how do we grow responsibly?’. These questions started a journey which led him to a PhD at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ.
Taj’s top tip for research:
“Making the connection between what I know and what the world needs was my only goal when I started this journey. You're already headed in the right direction if that speaks to you.”
Read more about Taj’s research journey…
Yu Hui
Yu’s PhD journey started when she reached out to ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ via email, attaching her CV and research proposal. After initial discussions, an interview and finally an admission letter, she finally became a ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ student.
Yu’s top tip for research:
“Try boldly and keep trying. Don’t be afraid of being rejected or worried that no one will respond to you - there will always be an admission letter that belongs to you.”
Read more about Yu’s research journey…
Posted on Monday 8 September 2025