PGR Poster Competition

Yaw Afari is a third-year Ph.D. student at the University of the West of Scotland. His research centres on entrepreneurial training and entrepreneurial intentions of SMEs in Ghana and Kenya. Yaw believes entrepreneurial activities are vital to every economy, and his research explores SME activities. His recent paper won the Best Paper in Business Creation, Early-Stage Development, and Business Closure at the ISBE 2021 conference in Cardiff

Sarah is a Ghanaian social activist who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. centred on Women Entrepreneurs at the University of the West of Scotland. She has been an advocate for social change since she was a student at the Accra Girls’ Senior High School in 2008 and this is evident from her articles published in major Ghanaian news outlets, as well as her personal blog, Sally Writes.

Houria Benkahla did her undergraduate of “English language” in 2016 at Abed-el-Hamid Ibn Baddies University of Mostaganem in Algeria. Then directly she joined a master’s degree of Didactics and applied linguistics for 2 years. She did her master’s degree with first-class honour in 2018. She won a competition of a fully funded Ph.D. scholarship from higher education in Algeria in 2018. She joined the Ph.D. in 2019 at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). She is working in the Education field, her Ph.D. focuses on “teachers` perceptions and experiences towards inclusive education, case of students with physical and sensory disabilities in the public primary schools in Algeria.” under the mentorship of Dr. Eric Baumgartner and Dr. Claire Wilson

Meriem Bennedjadi is an Algerian Ph.D. student at the University of the West of Scotland. She received her master's degree in education from the University of Saida, Algeria, in 2018. She is currently working on her PhD thesis that is entitled “Stakeholders' Perceptions and Attitudes toward middle school Learners with Speech Disorders in Algeria: A case study of stuttering

Abir is a PhD student at the University of the West of Scotland.  Abir is a multilingual speaker who is interested in the area of multilingualism and language diversities in online commutation. Abir is researching the online linguistic practices among males and females Kabyle students on their English department Facebook group. In her research, Abir explores how these practices differ from males to females through Bourdieu’s notion of linguistic habitus and capital

Fatma Bouarour is a third year student at the University if west of Scotland  , Business and Creative Industries.  Fatma has language and communication backgrounds . Influencer marketing,  gender and fashion research.

Khrisnamurti is a second-year PhD student in Tourism and Events Management at the School of Business and Creative Industries, University of the West of Scotland. His main research interests are heritage tourism and interpretation, social media in tourism, and tourist typology. Khrisnamurti is currently working on his research on the communication process of interpreters that affects heritage visitors

Halima is a third-year PhD student at the school of education and social sciences, University of the West of Scotland. Her main research interests are about the social inclusion of culturally and linguistically diverse students in schools (case of Syrian refugee students and students from migrant backgrounds). Halima is currently investigating kind of barriers that students from refugee and migrant backgrounds may face throughout their integration process

Ravi is a PhD student in the School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences  at the University of the West of Scotland

Imene Moussaoui 27 years old, a Ph.D. candidate at UWS in ESS school and a French Teacher at secondary school. As a majored student, Imene has been awarded a scholarship after participating in a national doctoral contest in Algeria as she has always dreamt of becoming a lecturer of English language

Emma O’Halloran is a 1^st year Ph.D. student at UWS Lanarkshire studying Neoparamoeba perurans, its microbiome, and its effect on amoebic gill disease. This disease is a major problem in Scottish aquaculture and over the course of her research, Emma hopes to contribute to further understanding of the causative agent and the mechanisms of disease.

Sander is a Ph.D. student in the School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences at the University of the West of Scotland, in partnership with Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany

Amina Manal Zidi is a third-year Ph.D. student in the field of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland. Her main interest is undertaking research on Algerians, who have completed their doctoral degree in different UK universities and returned to Algeria, the research aims at understanding and making sense of their lived experiences upon home return

Sana Amjad is from Lahore, Pakistan holds a BSc (Hons) in Zoology from the University of the veterinary and Animal Sciences, and in 2018, attained an MSc in Biotechnology from UWS. Sana’s student experience was very good and after enrolled for a Ph.D. programme in 2020 where she is using molecular, biochemical, and systems biology approaches to characterisation of the endosymbiotic relationships of amoebas with public health significance to human health and the fish industry globally.  Sana is in the School of Health and Life Science and aligns with the Microbiology and Infection group and is a member of the British Society for Parasitology. Sana spends her spare time, watching documentaries, movies, and indoor games.

Sarah Immanuel Bassey is a PhD student at the University of the West of Scotland. She received a master’s degree from the same university in Advanced Biomedical Science. Currently, she is investigating antimicrobial resistance and contaminated land, focusing on brownfields and derelict lands

Lucy is a second-year Ph.D. student at the School of Education and Social Sciences.  Her supervisors are Dr. Stephanie Zihms, Dr. Abeer Hassan, and Dr. Gordon Heggie.  Before coming to UWS she worked in education and rural community development in the third sector. Her research interest focuses on the intersection between teaching, research, and public engagement in STEM.

Following his BSc in Physiology and Sports Science and MSc in Biomedical Engineering, Luke spent two years working as a Therapy Technician, providing support for people living with long-term neurological conditions. From here, he pursued his PhD focussing on this population and is now working on developing accessible technologies to facilitate remote research on people living with Multiple Sclerosis

Julia is a Ph.D. student within the School of Health and Life Sciences, under the supervision of Dr. Laura Forrest. The Ph.D., under the partnership with Glasgow City Football Club, involves investigating the impact of the menstrual cycle on performance in elite women's and girl’s football, alongside providing sports science provision to the club

Before becoming a Ph.D. student, Elisa achieved a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology and three Masters’ degrees in Biological Sciences, Management of Marine Resources, and Advanced Biomedical Sciences. Elisa worked as a high school science teacher for four years until she moved to Scotland from Italy four years ago, with the ambition to realise their dream of becoming a scientist

Eilidh has a background in biomedical science and worked in the leisure industry for a decade. However, with a family history of multiple sclerosis she decided to pursue her Ph.D. to help those with the disease. Eilidh’s thesis is focused on the use of mhealth applications to track symptoms with a special interest in physical activity, sleep, and cognition

Awais Mashkoor is a Doctoral candidate in political and social sciences at UWS. Awais’ research focuses on the evolution of public administration and public policy. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. on leadership of Scottish public sector reforms. Awais received his MSC policy analysis and Global governance from UWS. Prior to joining UWS, Awais completed a graduate degree in political science from Forman Christian College (A-Charted University) in Lahore, Pakistan.

Connor McDonald is based at the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice at the Lanarkshire Campus. Connor is the recipient of the Wendy Baxter Scholarship for his PhD thesis researching the potential benefits of family-led, individualised reminiscence delivered during care home visits with people living with advanced dementia.

Cillian is currently investigating the development of strength and power adaptations in youth soccer players throughout adolescence. Previous qualifications include a Bachelor’s of Science Honors Degree in Sport and Exercise Science from Liverpool John Moores University and a Master’s of Science Degree in Strength and Conditioning from the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. Cillian has experience as an Applied Sport Scientist and Strength and Conditioning Coach in performance sport

Fiona Milligan has been a PhD student at the University of the West of Scotland since October 2018. She also recently joined as a lecturer in January 2022 for the Adult Nursing Programme. Fiona has a Masters degree in Public Health and is a Public Partner for Health Improvement Scotland. For most of her career, Fiona worked clinically in cardiac rehabilitation and heart failure services. Most recently, she has worked as a triage nurse for Test and Protect for NHS Ayrshire and Arran. She has undertaken research previously predominantly quantitative studies; this is her first foray into qualitative research

Abdalla Mohamedsalih received a BSc Degree in Pharmacy and MSc degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences. His study field is microbial natural product chemistry & drug discovery. His current research focuses on the investigation and isolation of antimicrobial and anticancer agents from natural sources of marine and terrestrial habitats using a wide range of Computer-Aided drug design, analytical and spectroscopic approaches

Mr. Mollah’s Ph.D. research examines Scottish policy in relation to dementia care with a particular focus on workforce development approaches. This research seeks to inform policy-makers and practitioners in Bangladesh about the extent to which the lessons from Scotland can be applied to the Bangladesh health and social care system. This research is aligned with the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice at UWS under the supervision of Professor Debbie Tolson, Dr Anna Waugh, and Professor John Connolly. Mr. Mollah works as an Assistant Professor in Social Work at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh and his Ph.D. is funded by the Bangabandhu Overseas Scholarship Program

Daniel is studying SPACEWORMS as his Ph.D project at UWS Lanarkshire Campus. With a BSc in Sport Science and an MSc in Space Physiology and Health, Daniel has an interest in all things ‘Space’ but in particular loves learning about Human Spaceflight and how we adapt to the environment. Stop by if you want to discuss Space(worms) with him!

Elizabeth completed their first degree in Business Studies and Transport at Middlesex Polytechnic, Masters in Advanced Practice in Health Care at the University of Glasgow and is currently near completion of their Professional Doctorate in Nursing at UWS. Elizabeth’s clinical background is in adult nursing and as an advanced nurse practitioner, with most of her nursing experience based in NHS sexual health services in Scotland. Elizabeth’s research interests are sexual health nursing and HIV prevention

Annabel is a PhD student in the School of Health & Life Sciences at the University of the West of Scotland

Mairead is a First-Class BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science graduate, undertaking an MRes focused on Female Maturation, under the supervision of Dr Laura Forrest. Providing sports science to U18s National Performance at Glasgow City FC with previous experience providing sports science at Ayr RFC Girls Academy and Motherwell FC. Level 2 Lead Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Coach at Hamilton Gymnastics Club

Michael is a third-year Ph.D. student based in the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice, UWS Lanarkshire. His Ph.D. is funded by the Abbeyfield Research Foundation. Michael is researching the experience of living with dementia in supported housing, focussing on the provision of support and care, the maintenance of social networks, and the design of the physical environment.

Laura Wallace is a lecturer in Sports Coaching and Sport Development, primarily at the Ayr campus. Laura has been studying towards their Professional Doctorate with a focus on female footballers and their coaching intentions. Laura’s main interests are coaching, gender issues in sport, and sport for development.

Catherine is currently doing a Ph.D. looking at developing non-destructive biomarkers of reproduction for exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals in wild Common frogs. Catherine also has a BSc in Zoology, and an MSc in Zoo Conservation Biology

Muhammad Adil Abbasi is a PhD student in the School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences at UWS. Their research interest is in Energy storage, materials design, and characterisation. Muhammad is a traveller and keen student of history. 

Currently, in the final stage of his doctoral programme under the supervision of Prof. Heather Tarbert and Dr Christian Harrison. An AL at SBCI of UWS. Member of the research and enterprise committee (2019 – 2020). A reviewer, seminar organiser and has published papers in journals and at various conferences across the world. He possesses BSc, MBA, MSc, and AI Certification. He’s also a Chartered Accountant.

Sehrish Atif is an Associate Lecturer and a PhD research student at UWS. She has extensive experience in teaching modules related to accounting and finance. She completed her master’s degree from UWS and worked in an energy consultancy as a financial analyst for a number of years before starting her PhD.

Marc-Simon Bahr received his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology in 2020 and his Master's degree in Information and Communication Technology in 2021, both from Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (Hamburg, Germany). His research focuses on photoacoustic spectroscopy and semiconductor lasers (especially interband cascade lasers).

Alexander is a PhD student in the School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences at the University of the West of Scotland.

Ogochukwu Ejike, a PhD candidate under the supervision of Dr David Ndzi, is applying AI techniques to predict spatio-temporal rainfall in tropical climates using data from low-cost sensors in Malaysia to mitigate the impact of climate change. She holds an MSc in Data Analytics from the University of Glasgow. Her research project has applications in disaster prediction, supporting  UN-SDGs, water resource management and so forth.

Cecilia is passionate about sustainable development matters. A qualified Chemical Engineer from Uruguay, they graduated as an MSc in Waste and Resource Management from UWS, with a dissertation on the challenges of upscaling bio-hydrometallurgical processes for the recycling of electrical and electronic waste. Cecilia’s current research is focused on e-waste plastics treatment as part of a KTP/PhD project

John’s research interests include population genetics, evolutionary biology, and conservation genetics. He is currently a PhD candidate researching the ecological and evolutionary resilience of iconic amphibian species to environmental change. John’s research involves utilising novel genetic techniques such as eDNA species identification, RADseq and RNAseq alongside investigations into amphibian physiology to understand the evolution of salt tolerance in amphibians and their resilience to changing environments. John has previously worked on projects that include DNA metabarcoding to determine animal diet or phylogenetics.

Oliver Nankunda is passionate about Women’s financial independence and women’s economic empowerment through innovation and job creation. Oliver has a Masters in Development Cooperation - research project Women’s political and economic empowerment in Ewha Women’s University South Korea (June 2014), Teaching Entrepreneurship at the University of Rwanda (January 2015). Her ongoing research is Black women entrepreneurs in Scotland

Aboua Ange Kevin N’Da is a PhD student at the University of the West of Scotland. He holds an MSc in Information technology from the Anglia Ruskin University-UK and bachelor's in mathematics from UNISAT-IVORY COST. His research interests include Blockchain, software development, and software security. He can be contacted at abouaangekevin.n’da@uws.ac.uk. 

Obtained B.Eng. Electrical Engineering from University of Ilorin, Nigeria in 1996, Master degree in Business Admin (MBA) from LAUTECH, Nigeria in 2014, Master degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering from Lagos state University, Nigeria in 2016, and presently a PhD research student in the school of computing, engineering and physical sciences, University of the West of Scotland

Abdel-Moughit Semlali is reading for a DBA at UWS. He holds an MBA from UWS, and BSc honors from the Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Morocco. For 10 years, Abdel has been involved in managing and growing the family business of professional furniture and workspace design. His research interest expands to Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Strategic Management and Supply Chain.

Sam has a BSc(Hons) in Physics. Sam’s PhD is entitled “Investigation of hyperspectral imaging and combined carbon dioxide gas/temperature/humidity sensing for plant growth studies in the space environment”. This research is part of a unique, high-profile collaboration between UWS, King’s College London, NASA and ISSET.  Sam is a KTP associate with Semefab Ltd. Their Project will transfer thin film deposition, characterisation and theoretical modelling capabilities relevant to enhancement of Semefab's MEMS product development/productionisation.

Sijia Cai and Daxing Han are current Ph.D Students at the University of The West of Scotland. MSc in Advanced Thin Film Technologies from the University of The West of Scotland. They focus on optical thin film coatings and sensor/detector research.

Jonathan Pomfret is a current Phd Student within the Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging. He studies for his PhD alongside working for G&H Photonics, who sponsor the project. The aim is to investigate novel plasma assisted optical coating processes to further assist in developing G&H position as a World-Leading Photonics company

Greig Oliver Is a current KTP associate/PhD Student with the University’s Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging and based at Teer Coatings LTD (TCL) with the aim of helping TCL branch into the optical thin film coatings market through his expertise on this subject which he gained from the Advanced Thin Film Technologies Masters at UWS

Born in Lithuania, Marija came to Scotland to study BSc Chemistry at the University of Glasgow. Marija’s next venture was a MSc (MedSci) degree in Forensic Toxicology. Then, a short period of work in the Forensic company followed. Marija realised she wanted to go back into research and was accepted as a PhD student at UWS for the most exciting opportunity to study synthesis of nanoparticles and the role of microgravity in this process.

Houda Aggoun is a final year PhD student at the school of Education and Social Sciences. Their PhD research is entitled “Understanding the social stresses affecting the families of Algerian students and students of these families during the period of their PhD studies in the UK in the context of family separation using social stress theory”

Fatma Bouabida is a 3rd year PhD student within the ESS school at the University of the West of Scotland. Before coming to Scotland, she completed two courses: a Bachelor course in English language and literature (2013-2016), and a Master course in Didactics and Applied Linguistics (2016- 2018), at Mustapha Stambouli University, Mascara, Algeria.  Fatma successfully completed a pre-sessional programme at Canterbury Christ Church University, and a doctoral induction programme at the University of the West Of Scotland.  Currently, she is working on investigating the experiences of students with disabilities in Algerian higher education, and her research is funded by the Algerian government.   Fatma can be contacted at Fatma.Bouabida@uws.ac.uk

Julian is a part-time Ph.D. candidate with the UWS Paisley and HAW Hamburg. He holds an M.Sc. in Finance & Accounting and a B.A. in Business Administration. He focuses on economic and management-related research, which he is trying to leverage through harmonization with his professional career

Chantal received her BSc in Applied Biology from HAS University of Applied Science and went on to complete her MSc in Biology at Wageningen University and Research. She specialised in ecotoxicology. She is doing her PhD on the chronic effects of rare earth elements (REE) in a bentho-pelagic food web at the HAW Hamburg in cooperation with the UWS.

Hubert Fudjumdjum is currently a 2nd year PhD student distance- leaning working under the supervision of Professor Hursthause Andrew in the School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences at the University of the West of Scotland, Professor Leal Walter in the  Faculty of Life Sciences at the  Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany and Doctor Dickinson Natalie in the School of Health and Life Sciences at the University of the West of Scotland. Broadly conceived, his doctoral work is on The impacts of climate change on food  security  among  farmers  in the west region of Cameroon. He holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences and a Bachelor's degree in Nursing ( BSc) from Philip University in Cyprus. In addition, he has contributed as an author and co-author of scientific research papers. His research is self-founded. He can be contacted at:hubert.fudjumdjum@haw-hamburg.de

Barbara Gonçalves holds a BSc and a MSc in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Major in Children (University of Leuven, Belgium), and is a PhD student in Health Psychology (University of the West of Scotland). Before moving to her current role, she worked as a paediatric physiotherapist. Her research interests cover pulmonology, psychosocial aspects of the end-of-life, and rehabilitation.

Hector is a civil engineer reconverted to AI researcher. Hector has lived in Scotland for 10 years and worked as a highways consultant before embarking in a new adventure as a PhD student. So far Hector is really enjoying the ride!

Johanna Imiela is Research Associate at the HAW Hamburg with a sustainability background: until she started her PhD journey, she worked as a Sustainability Advisor in Germany’s Foreign Trade and Investment Promotion Scheme for almost 10 years, and before that as a CSR Consultant in the textile sector. She is particularly interested in the social dimension of sustainability.

Adeola Mary is an experienced Medical Doctor with over eleven years of experience working as a Medical Doctor in Nigeria and United Kingdom. She obtained her medical degree in 2010 and trained in the department of family medicine during her residency training. She is an Associate Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy and a PhD student at the School of Health and Life Sciences, UWS, UK.

Alan Matthews is a PhD researcher in the UWS Immersive Lab. His research interests are in the application of virtual reality to education. His doctoral research project explores the potential to apply virtual reality to teacher education. Alan’s background is in archaeological fieldwork and research. Alan has an undergraduate degree in psychology and a masters degree in software engineering.

Fatma is a PhD student at the school of Education and Social Sciences at UWS and is from Algeria.  Fatma’s passions are Psychology and Music. Her goal is to add pronounced research to academia. Fatma’s favourite quote is “Be the weirdo who dares to enjoy.” Elizabeth Gilbert

Marion Revel is studying the Toxicokinetics and Toxicodynamics of Lanthanides in aquatic organisms. Part of the PANORAMA ITN project, one of the main objectives of their PhD is to perform a first draft of a biotic ligand model by studying lanthanide uptake, transport, excretion and the biological effect on aquatic organisms as a function of the environmental parameters.

Marcel Rohr is 30 years old and was born in Hamburg, Germany. Their Bachelor's degree is in Technical Business Administration with a focus on Marketing from HAW Hamburg. Marcel also has a Master's degree in Business Administration at the FH Wedel. Having worked as a marketing manager for a pharmaceutical company, Marcel switched to management consulting. Currently, he is head of digital marketing consulting at Mindcurv GmbH. Part-time, Marcel is writing his dissertation at the UWS in cooperation with HAW Hamburg.

Gisele Simoes is an Associate Lecturer in the UWS BCI, currently developing a PhD research in AI Ethics. Her interest in investigating digital ethics started during her experience in tech industry and has been pursuit since her MSc dissertation in Startup Ethics. Apart from business ethics, her areas of interest include digital business and change management.

Zineb is a PhD student at the University of The West of Scotland. The researcher graduated from Mouloud Mammeri University, Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria, with a master's degree in General and Comparative literature, and from that experience, she developed a passion for literature, specifically, postcolonial, and contemporary Algerian literature.  Currently, (I am / the researcher) doing a PhD on female postcolonial Algerian literature and the research topic is Writing and speaking Algeria: an intertextual critique of three female writers: Assia Djebar, Ahlem Mosteghanemi and Kaouther Adimi. In 2021, the researcher’s topic was selected among the best 20 Algerian research made by the fifth cohort 2019, by the Algerian embassy.  

Philip Wölki (1967) works as a lecturer at HAW and other universities of applied sciences in Hamburg. He received his MBA from the University of Cologne. He also studied in Dublin, Rotterdam and the USA. After his studies, he worked in advertising agencies and managed a 70-person Internet agency. In 2000, he followed his vocational passion as a lecturer, specialising in marketing and HRM.  

Reem is a Cultural Producer and researcher based in Abu Dhabi. Founder of AGORA for Arts and Culture and co-founder of Basita.live virtual venue.  In 2021, she was awarded one of 50 most inspirational women in Egypt. She currently works as a senior specialist at the Culture Foundation Abu Dhabi.