I was able to use the SAMBa training in statistics, to support training workshops in Mexico and in fact took a break from my PhD to take on a statistics teaching assistant role.
Before joining SAMBa, I was at the University of Szeged in Hungary.
For my PhD, I used stochastic differential equations to describe population models and describe genealogies that propagate prolific traits in surviving populations. A lot of this was done with collaborators in Guanajuato, Mexico and so I spent quite some time there and learned Spanish.
I was also able to use the SAMBa training in statistics, to support training workshops in Mexico and in fact took a break from my PhD to take on a statistics teaching assistant role at the University of Bath.
I’m now a lecturer at the University of Exeter, and also involved in delivering their CDT in Environmental Intelligence
Before I arrived in Bath, I had not covered any high level statistics and I chose to do my PhD research in quite fundamental probability theory. However, being able to not only take statistics courses during my time in SAMBa but also use my knowledge to train others, gave me more opportunities when I graduated and ultimately move into a position where I am designing teaching courses in statistics and training the next generation of PhD students!
I can't imagine studying for my PhD anywhere other than SAMBa
(My supervisors) encouraged me to take my own research direction, guided by my interests, and to be involved in the wider community, presenting at and attending a wide range of national and international conferences
The ITTs were invaluable in providing experience in collaborating effectively with others on large projects, understanding and synthesising new information quickly, and liasing with academic leads and commercial partners
The experience and the skill set acquired during my years in SAMBa helped me develop my academic career in a growing inter and trans disciplinary world.
SAMBa provided a uniquely supportive yet challenging environment, in which one is encouraged to explore their interests and question their limits
I had the opportunity to get involved in some international training and capacity building activities with international partners and was able to travel to Brazil and Mongolia to share my knowledge of statistical methods and applications, which was really rewarding.
I really valued the experience of being part of a cohort of students in SAMBa, which guaranteed that we were not doing our PhDs in isolation, despite working intensively on independent projects
You get a lot of freedom to choose your research area...and there is a wide range of research areas within the department from which to choose
The ITTs can be really fun. The best part is that each time you participate you come out with a head full of new ideas and knowledge. Truly amazing
I found the one-on-one reading courses an incredible opportunity to both learn about a topic in detail, and to get to know a potential area and supervisor before starting my PhD
