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
Before joining SAMBa, I studied MSci Maths and Physics at the University of Bath.
My PhD was motivated by the design of optical fibres, which are typically long, tubular structures that possess a thin, periodic cross-section. My studies centred around so called “singular” structures; hypothetical objects that come from imagining if you could send the thickness of these thin cross-sections to zero, which serve as a sort of “lower-dimensional” approximation to the original fibres. My PhD culminated in a detailed study of the functions and equations one ends up using in these approximations, and methods for turning them into classical problems that can be tackled numerically or analytically.
The flexibility of SAMBa’s programme also provided opportunities to improve my skills that are not contained to academic careers. In parallel with my PhD, I was able to develop my programming, teaching, and organisational skills through involvement at its ITTs, tutoring for the maths department, and programming skills courses with the Doctoral College. It was because of these wider opportunities that I ended up applying for my current role as a Research Software Developer at University College London. 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 – all of which are important parts of my current job. The teaching opportunities have also prepared me well for the teaching component of my role.
The SAMBa programme provides you with a lot of freedom to choose your PhD topic, but also extends beyond just 4 years of academic research. You will have (and are actively encouraged) to pursue opportunities in the wider university community, work alongside industrial partners, and tailor your experience over the 4 years to the skills that you want to develop.
I can't imagine studying for my PhD anywhere other than SAMBa
SAMBa’s most remarkable feature is the variety of study options it offers
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
I enjoyed the big portfolio of opportunities I was given, which I believe is an essential property of SAMBa and something which truly makes the programme worth it
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 joined thinking I wanted to do one type of PhD but ended up doing a completely different one due to the flexibility that was provided in finding/forming a PhD during the masters year
Shortly after joining SAMBa I broke my neck in a bicycle accident. But thanks to the support from the amazing team, I was still able to make a success of my PhD. The SAMBa environment surrounds you with wonderful people and fantastic opportunities.
SAMBa offers high level training in statistical and applied mathematical disciplines, as well as direct engagement with industrial partners
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
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
