In episode 7 of our second series, we're in conversation with doctoral researcher Kiran Garcha about her PhD research in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. Kiran explains her work focusing on Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), an inheritable trait affecting around 30% of the population. She delves into the links between SPS and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, and how her research, using neuroimaging and behavioural studies, aims to understand the cognitive and emotional reactivity associated with this trait. Kiran also discusses the potential for developing therapeutic interventions and the importance of raising awareness about SPS. Finally, she offers practical advice for those undertaking a PhD, emphasising the benefits of early writing and clearly defining your research question.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Kiran Garcha, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 6, Maggie Stephenson discusses her research on the lived experiences of parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities. Using a critical autoethnographic approach and interpretive phenomenological analysis, Maggie sheds light on the emotional and practical realities often overlooked in policy and practice. She talks about the power of storytelling in challenging stereotypes, building empathy, and pushing for more responsive systems of care. Maggie also reflects on personal growth during the PhD journey, and the importance of choosing research that truly sustains you.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Maggie Stephenson, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 5, Udita Bose discusses her research on the menstrual experiences of adolescent girls in Kolkata. She explains how her research tackles the pervasive stigma around menstruation, utilising innovative qualitative methods like drawing and collage, as well as a participatory action research approach. Udita also discusses the critical role of access to water and sanitation facilities in schools. Finally, she offers invaluable advice for those undertaking a PhD, emphasising the importance of taking breaks and maintaining an honest, open relationship with supervisors.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Udita Bose, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 4, Kat Lacey delves into her anthropological research on home education in the UK. Through interviews and observations, Kat explores the rich and often misunderstood culture of home-educating families. She talks about the challenges of accessing a private and protective community, and why it's crucial to represent the diversity and effectiveness of this educational path. Kat also shares her hopes of influencing policy and public perception, making the case for home education as not just an option, but a supported and respected one.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Kat Lacey, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 3, Lorraine Groves talks about her research into digital mental health support for university students. Drawing on her work as a wellbeing therapist, Lorraine uses interviews, focus groups, and co-design to create interventions that students will actually use, and stick with. She shares how her PhD blends practical experience with academic research, and why passion and self-care are vital throughout the process. Lorraine hopes her work will lead to real change in how student wellbeing is supported, both at university and beyond.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Lorraine Groves, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 2, Rita Ekhareafo shares her research on the environmental and health risks posed by abandoned mines, where over a million sites remain largely unassessed. Rita explains how her work is focusing on the impact of abandoned mine sites in Nigeria on local communities, particularly regarding water quality and public health. She details how she is investigating the levels of heavy metals and other contaminants in water sources and how these are affecting the health of people living nearby. She shares her hopes that her research will highlight the need for proper regulation and remediation of these sites to protect vulnerable populations. Rita also reflects on the importance of motivation, mentorship, and making time to rest while navigating the demands of a PhD.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

*Episode correction at 10:08 and 10:26 Rita meant to say "six mines in a year’’ not four.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Rita Ekhareafo, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 1, we're in conversation with doctoral researcher Tabitha Carless-Frost about her creative writing PhD. She shares her unique approach to historical reconstruction, focusing on the fascinating, largely untold life of Anna Maria Morandi, an 18th-century wax anatomist. Tabitha delves into the ethical considerations of re-enlivening historical figures who can't speak for themselves, and how her novel aims to shed light on neglected women in science. She advises those considering undertaking a PhD that they need to love what they're doing, and not to worry about not knowing everything at the beginning.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Tabitha Carless-Frost, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 8, we’re in conversation with Adisa Akintola about his PhD research examining how the colour black is used to describe people of African Caribbean descent and how they feel about that. He explains why he thinks the use of the word black to describe people is archaic and nonsensical and how ultimately he hopes to put a stop to it. He advises those considering undertaking a PhD to do something they are passionate about and to choose their supervisor carefully.

Find out more about Adisa on LinkedIn

Read a full transcript of Adisa's episode

Credits

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Adisa Akintola

Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts

Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Audiograms: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School

Music: yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.