Doctoral College Yearbook

Hazhir Ebne-Abbasi

PhD in Hydrogen Safety - Class of 2024

"Heat and Mass Transfer in Hydrogen Fuelling Systems: CFD Studies of Refuelling Process in the Entire Equipment of a Hydrogen Refuelling Station and Dispersion Analysis"

(School of Architecture, Built Environment and Planning)

Supervisors:

Professor Vladimir Molkov
Professor Dmitriy Makarov

If I could speak to myself at the start of my PhD, the best piece of advice I would give myself would be to trust the process, embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, and remember that persistence is just as important as brilliance. Stay open to collaboration, celebrate small wins along the way, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed – success in a PhD is a journey, not a race.

Emma Campbell

PhD in Art and Design - Class of 2024

"Addressing photography as a feminist socially engaged arts practice in the movement for abortion rights"

Supervisors:

Dr Suzanna Chan
Dr Cherie Driver

Emma Campbell is a multi-disciplinary Research Associate on the Shared Island Reproductive Citizenship project and a Lecturer in the Photography department, both at Ulster University. Her PhD was on utilising socially engaged practice as a tool for abortion rights along with Alliance for Choice where she is co-convenor. Emma is also a member of the Turner Prize winning Array Collective, whose practice is embedded in queer & feminist art and activism. She makes work that is image-based (photography and collage), participatory, performance-enhanced and active in affecting change.

Emma’s practice explores issues raised by a feminist lens on social justice in contemporary Northern Ireland, significantly she began work on the lack of abortion access for women in the island of Ireland in 2011. The stigma and secrecy combined with the attitudes fostered by colonialism and deep religious conservatism are dealt with in a variety of ways, both in her art practice and within the wider women’s sector as an activist and public campaigner.

Emma is on the Board of Directors for Outburst Queer Arts and a Trustee for the Abortion Support Network. Emma gained her Documentary Photography BA (Hons) at U.W.C.N Newport in 2001, an MFA in Photography at Ulster University in 2012 and her PhD on Socially Engaged Practice in 2024. She worked as a professional photographer and picture editor in London for over a decade for orgs such as the BBC, The Times London and Network Photographers.

My proudest moment was when I was able to take my son on stage with my Array colleagues to receive the 2021 Turner Prize.
My favourite memory was my first ever Inroads Global gathering on abortion stigma in Bangkok, I made so many new international friends and accomplices.
I’ll never forget having to give evidence to Peers in the Houses of Parliament, but we were pushed back by Brexit and only had 8 minutes each!
I couldn’t have got through this without my parents, Anne and Robert who gave up their time for the childcare required to attend events; writing, making work, travelling to Westminster, Stormont and the odd protest or two as well as being there as a true place of safety and shelter when I needed it.
If I could speak to myself at the start of my PhD, the best piece of advice I would give myself would be, follow your gut and stick to your feminist principles and believe in the work of art for abortion advocacy.

Louise Quinn

PhD in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience

- Class of 2024

"Attentional focus, cognitive strategies, and perceptual responses during endurance activity"

Supervisors:

Dr Noel Brick
Dr Lynn Dunwoody
Professor Victoria Simms
Professor Cathy Craig

My interest in research first began during my undergraduate study in physical activity, exercise and health. I was specifically drawn to the area of sport and exercise psychology and how what we focus on during exercise can influence how we feel (e.g., how effortful or pleasant/unpleasant the activity feels). I found the research completed by Dr Noel Brick to be fascinating and was lucky enough to complete my PhD with him as my supervisor.

If I could speak to myself at the start of my PhD, the best piece of advice I would give myself would be to always have a plan B and remember to stay resilient. A global pandemic can really mess with your original plans but it can also divert you in a different direction that is so much better than you could ever imagine.

Massoud Khodadadzadeh

PhD in Intelligent Systems - Class of 2024

"Refined Capsule Network Architectures for Data Classification and Knowledge Discovery"

Supervisors:

Professor Damien Coyle
Dr Priyanka Chaurasia
Dr Xuemei Ding

One of the memories that will forever remain with us is the Covid pandemic. Imagine relocating to a new country and, due to isolation measures, spending months in a tiny flat, pursuing a PhD without the ability to see friends or have extended family nearby. It sounds daunting, right? Yet, I was incredibly fortunate to have my lovely wife, Aynaz, who was always there, offering unwavering support throughout it all.

PhD life? I wouldn't recommend it to anyone—just kidding! While it's certainly challenging, with hard work and perseverance, you can achieve it. I'm immensely grateful to all my supervisors who guided me and believed in my potential during even the toughest times.

Here's to all the unforgettable memories in lovely Derry (Magee)!

Best wishes,

Massoud

Naomi Green

PhD in Social Work and Social Policy - Class of 2024

"A Part, Not Apart. Belonging and Integration: Muslims in Northern Ireland"

Supervisors

Dr Rosemary Moreland
Ms Goretti Horgan

I completed my MPhil in Biological Sciences in 2007 and moved on to work in Medical Genetics in the NHS for several years. After becoming more involved with voluntary community work, I became frustrated by rise of Islamophobia and the lack of awareness and research in this area. On a whim, I submitted a research proposal, never expecting it to be accepted—but it was. My research examines the history and evolving demographics of the Muslim population of NI, which has grown and diversified significantly in recent years.
It challenges the simplistic view of Muslims as a monolith or solely a migrant community by highlighting the diverse identities and strong networks within the Muslim population, including second-generation individuals who blend their heritage, Islam, and British/Irish culture.
My thesis emphasises the need for an intersectional approach to address the challenges of Islamophobia, racism, discrimination, and underemployment often faced by Muslims in NI.
Five years, a fourth child, a dyslexia diagnosis, and a global pandemic later, I am so happy to be finally graduating with my PhD. Returning to study as a mature student and mother of four hasn't been easy, but it has certainly been rewarding. Catching up on foundational learning in a new field was tough and imposter syndrome was very real, but the unwavering support of my supervisors, Rosemary Moreland, Goretti Horgan, and former supervisors Lucy Michael and Bethany Waterhouse-Bradley, guided me along the way. Their encouragement & guidance helped me turn a daunting journey into a successful one.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to study at Ulster and the incredible support from my supervisors, the Doctoral College, my examiners, and all those who helped me along the way. For anyone about to embark on their PhD journey, or who is in the midst of it already, keep your end goal in sight and remind yourself why you embarked on this journey, there will be hurdles but don't give up! Make time for yourself amidst the busy schedule, burnout is real! Believe in your abilities, every setback is a step towards your ultimate success.