I am in shock that students have chosen me! I remember the creativity in the questions that were coming and that was refreshing to see. I enjoyed my time with other scientists too who gave some really good answers and perspectives. I felt I was learning at the same time as students. 

Huge thanks to the I’m a Scientist team who worked very hard to make this event as fun, enjoyable and lively as possible. Thank you to the moderators for being helpful and friendly throughout. They were great communicators, and I was surprised how calm and understanding they were. They made it enjoyable to engage! I also want to thank the Psychology Department at the University of Bedfordshire, where I am based. They have always been very supportive of my psychology engagement work and gave me the opportunity to develop my ideas. 

When I started my PhD, I thought how I am going to get through this, especially with all the challenges ahead. However over time I started to learn how to juggle tasks and expectations. My experience as young carer really came through to help me to do this. You don’t know what you are going to expect next and I manage each situation at a time. This allowed me to switch off and focus on other bits that needed attention. As a result, this gave my brain a rest from the PhD and a chance to come back to it later with a fresh mind.

When I handed in my PhD by email to the research school, I was in the library at midnight alone, and it was the best feeling ever. There were some undergrad students who were walking by and having a laugh with friends. I thought I missed the days when I used to go to class with my friends. However I had realised time moves on, and you make different friends, and this is nature of life.

I pushed myself at times during the PhD like holding down jobs, running a mental health charity but my biggest personal achievement was running the London Marathon in 2019. We all need goals that are personal to us, the truth is I was informed by many at school that I was not clever enough to get good grades and this made me believe that education was not for me, but one thing I was good at was sport, so that’s why it was a huge achievement for me when I crossed that line. This moment taught me not to forget your strengths because we are all good at something no matter what people say. So I encourage you all to keep that thing you’re really good at. Maybe you will now understand why I wanted to take part in I’m a Scientist, it was never about winning.

My work today involves a range of stuff that I have talked about with you in the live chat and questions you have asked me. I work with people to help them reach their goals. I teach students and provide mentoring for those venturing in the field because I know how tough it can be. 

Finally, if anyone is interested in participating in I’m a Scientist, I would highly encourage them. It is a great, fun and rewarding experience! The journey will stay with you forever, and it will develop your engagement skills with the wider community.