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 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.
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
(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
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
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.
I can't imagine studying for my PhD anywhere other than SAMBa
Being part of SAMBa is like being part of a little community: everyone is super supportive and there is always someone to talk to if you need it (usually with cake!).
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.
My experience in SAMBa shaped me as a versatile researcher with the ability to use maths to make an impact.
SAMBa provided a uniquely supportive yet challenging environment, in which one is encouraged to explore their interests and question their limits
