Reeya Oogarah

Why did you choose to study at Kent?

I came here to do my BSc (Hons) degree in Forensic Science because the course came first in the UK in the NSS and I was also very impressed with the programme structure. Kent has a large campus with lots of facilities and lovely views of Canterbury. As I had been here for four years I knew the academic staff and decided to stay on to do a PhD.

What are you researching?

I’m working on solid state chemistry materials, namely chalcogenides, making new compounds which contain oxygen, selenium and sulphur, which is toxic. I’m synthesising these compounds and I will then investigate their properties (electronic, magnetic, photocatalytic). In simple words, my aim is to investigate where the atoms sit in the crystal structure, at what angle and at what distance. As per their property measurements, I will infer what their use might be in practical settings such as engineering.

What are you particularly enjoying about your studies here?

I’m enjoying the amount of knowledge I’m gaining, in particular from my supervisor, who is so passionate about her subject. I am benefiting from attending training courses to expand my grasp of my subject area. This term, I am attending training courses in neutron diffraction and in powder diffraction and Rietveld refinement.

How are you finding the supervision process?

We send emails every day to let each other know what we’re doing and we have a meeting each week on a specific day. She’s always there when I need her and I’m there when she needs me – it’s a collaborative process. She’s always quick to respond even though she has other students working on projects to look after as well. 

How are you funding your PhD?

I have a 50^th Anniversary Scholarship from Kent which partly pays for my tuition fees , covers all of my accommodation in Woolf College, the postgraduate accommodation and living expenses.

What support do you receive as a research student (from both your school and the University more widely)?

The Graduate School offers a lot of support and organises events and workshops, to improve our presentation skills and writing skills. They held a workshop on stress management because the work can be difficult and stressful at times, which a couple of my friends said they found helpful.

How does postgraduate study differ from undergraduate study?

Studying for a PhD is more like having a full-time job, you have to be in pretty much from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, whereas as an undergraduate you go to lectures and have coursework and that’s about it. As a PhD student you have to do your own research and supervise project students or teach, which I love because I enjoy sharing knowledge.

What are the facilities like in your school and on campus generally?

I think the facilities at Kent are adequate. Woolf College, which is only for postgraduate students is great. The Physical Sciences department could do with a restaurant of its own, but otherwise the facilities in the school and on campus are very good.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

I like going to see a film or playing games on my computer! A couple of friends from my undergraduate days are doing PhDs and we tend to socialise together.

What are you planning to do next?

I have two years of my PhD to go yet and a thesis to write! But I am hoping to get a postdoctoral research placement in solid state chemistry or materials chemistry. I am looking into that at the moment, I am considering Manchester, where there is a good chemistry department.

What career are you interested in?

Ideally I’d like a career in the international oil industry, in a research capacity based off-shore if possible.Teaching is always a possibility, my mother and brother are teachers so it’s in the family, and I’ve been tutoring people for quite a while, which I enjoy because I love sharing knowledge.

How do you think your studies at Kent will affect your employment prospects? What skills do you think you have gained that will help you to become more employable?

The University of Kent is in a good position in the UK, it’s a good university and has a good ranking, so I think studying here will stand me in good stead with future employers and forensic science degrees are fully accredited by the Forensic Science Society. I have learnt a lot of transferable skills throughout my time here and the Graduate School workshops help. You have to take part in continuous assessments every year and they point out if you need to improve your skills in a particular area.

What does doing a further degree give you that a first degree doesn’t?

It gives you a better chance of getting a job and having a second degree makes you stand out from the crowd in the job market. You are that bit older and, having done a PhD or a Master’s you are more mature and because of that, I think, better prepared for the world of work.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking a research degree at Kent?

If they are thinking of studying in the sciences I’d advise them to look at the facilities available to them and to think carefully about what they want to study to make sure it is right for them. When you study for a PhD you are specialising in your chosen field and you need to be passionate about it because you’re going to spend a lot of time working on it. All PhD students feel a bit lost to begin with, you walk into a lecture theatre and think ‘What am I doing here?’ but after a few weeks when you get into the work that passes and it just clicks.