Meg
PhD Bioengineering
The work I’m doing has the potential to help so many people and change the care people receive which really motivates me to continue my research.
After completing her integrated Master’s in Biomedical Engineering, Meg from the UK wanted to continue in the ‘best bioengineering department in the world’ to take on challenges and work towards making a difference in people’s lives. Meg shares why Imperial is the perfect place for her, and how she’s supported to succeed in her PhD and make a real-world impact.
Exploring a PhD at Imperial
From the beginning, I knew I wanted to go to university to study a form of engineering that had a direct link to helping people, so I was so excited when I learned that bioengineering existed.
Imperial was unique in the fact that I could specialise and focus on bioengineering from my first year.
In other universities, it’s common to have to do a couple of years of general engineering or mechanical engineering before you’re able to combine engineering with biology.
Once I had finished my MEng Biomedical Engineering course at Imperial, I wanted to continue my studies here because Imperial has the best bioengineering department in the world. It was important to me that I felt challenged wherever I ended up doing my PhD, and that I was in an environment where I was surrounded by cutting-edge research making a real difference in the world – Imperial fulfilled both these criteria.
The PhD application process
Applying for my PhD was quite simple. The application involved writing a personal statement and CV outlining my previous experience and why I was interested in doing a PhD at Imperial within the bioengineering department. After that, I had an interview with two academics where we discussed my application and motivations for doing a PhD. My original PhD application was for a project about the spine, which I didn’t get, but one of my interviewers offered me another project related to my passion for medical devices. I was accepted onto this other project and it ended up being a better fit for me than the project I originally applied for!
My advice for people looking to apply for a PhD is to make sure you apply for an area of research you’re truly interested in.
A PhD is a lot of work and three to four years is a very long time to spend doing things you don’t enjoy or find boring. If you’re truly interested in your topic and the research you’re doing, the work doesn’t feel like a chore.
Exploring a PhD at Imperial
From the beginning, I knew I wanted to go to university to study a form of engineering that had a direct link to helping people, so I was so excited when I learned that bioengineering existed.
Imperial was unique in the fact that I could specialise and focus on bioengineering from my first year.
In other universities, it’s common to have to do a couple of years of general engineering or mechanical engineering before you’re able to combine engineering with biology.
Once I had finished my MEng Biomedical Engineering course at Imperial, I wanted to continue my studies here because Imperial has the best bioengineering department in the world. It was important to me that I felt challenged wherever I ended up doing my PhD, and that I was in an environment where I was surrounded by cutting-edge research making a real difference in the world – Imperial fulfilled both these criteria.
The PhD application process
Applying for my PhD was quite simple. The application involved writing a personal statement and CV outlining my previous experience and why I was interested in doing a PhD at Imperial within the bioengineering department. After that, I had an interview with two academics where we discussed my application and motivations for doing a PhD. My original PhD application was for a project about the spine, which I didn’t get, but one of my interviewers offered me another project related to my passion for medical devices. I was accepted onto this other project and it ended up being a better fit for me than the project I originally applied for!
My advice for people looking to apply for a PhD is to make sure you apply for an area of research you’re truly interested in.
A PhD is a lot of work and three to four years is a very long time to spend doing things you don’t enjoy or find boring. If you’re truly interested in your topic and the research you’re doing, the work doesn’t feel like a chore.
My PhD experience so far
My PhD focuses on designing and testing a new type of seat cushion that prevents pressure ulcers for people who may be confined to a bed or wheelchair. I work closely with researchers at the University of Southampton, which is really helpful as I can learn from and work with people from other institutions with different areas of expertise.
Initially, the flexibility you have in a PhD was very daunting. During a taught degree, you have classes, exams and mark schemes that tell you exactly what is needed and expected, but during a PhD, your work is mostly self-led. At first, this can be a big learning curve, so try to give yourself some time to get used to it.
I really enjoy knowing that in my PhD, I’m doing something entirely new that hasn’t been done before. The work I’m doing has the potential to help so many people and change the care people receive in the NHS and beyond, and this thought really motivates me to continue my research.
Support from the Disability Advisory Service
While doing my MEng course, I had no idea I was autistic, but when I started my PhD, I found the big change and lack of structure really challenging to deal with. It was obvious I wasn’t coping and I knew something wasn’t right, so when my partner suggested I might be autistic, I decided to look into how to get a diagnosis.
I found out about Imperial’s Disability Advisory Service and saw they offered support with getting a formal autism diagnosis. I had a screening appointment with a disability advisor which showed indicators of autism so I was given the choice of getting referred for a full diagnostic assessment. I paid £90 for the assessment and the university subsidised the rest of the cost. This was very helpful because it can take years to get diagnosed through the NHS, and without Imperial’s support, I wouldn't have been able to afford to go private.
Once I got my diagnosis, adjustments were made to better support me – for example, they allowed me to use ear plugs while working in the lab, and I have my own desk rather than hot desking. Most importantly, I have a regular schedule for meetings with my supervisor, with feedback being written down rather than verbally given.
I’d recommend the Disability Advisory Service to others who think they may need some support.
I know it can sometimes be hard to come forwards and seek help, especially if you’re just about managing to struggle through challenges – but from my experiences of being seen quickly and being able to get a diagnosis, I think it’s important that you look for the support to be at your best and thrive.
The Imperial community
When I first started Imperial, it was a big change from my small secondary school, but once I settled in and found ‘my people’, I couldn’t imagine studying anywhere else. I believe having friends while studying is so important as it’s helpful to have people in the same situation as you so you can support each other throughout your time at Imperial.
During my undergraduate years, my main group of friends came from halls, and even now, over six years later, I’m still friends with most of them. I also joined the Musical Theatre Society in my second year which is where I met my closest friends. Then, when I started my PhD, I added my lab mates to my friendship group and became especially close to those who had also just started a PhD like me.
A performance by Imperial's Musical Theatre Society
A performance by Imperial's Musical Theatre Society
The Imperial community
When I first started Imperial, it was a big change from my small secondary school, but once I settled in and found ‘my people’, I couldn’t imagine studying anywhere else. I believe having friends while studying is so important as it’s helpful to have people in the same situation as you so you can support each other throughout your time at Imperial.
During my undergraduate years, my main group of friends came from halls, and even now, over six years later, I’m still friends with most of them. I also joined the Musical Theatre Society in my second year which is where I met my closest friends. Then, when I started my PhD, I added my lab mates to my friendship group and became especially close to those who had also just started a PhD like me.
A performance by Imperial's Musical Theatre Society
A performance by Imperial's Musical Theatre Society
Studying at Imperial has made me really resilient. It’s an academically rigorous institution and sometimes things are challenging, but I like being pushed outside of my comfort zone so I can keep making progress towards making a difference in people’s lives.
Studying at Imperial has made me really resilient. It’s an academically rigorous institution and sometimes things are challenging, but I like being pushed outside of my comfort zone so I can keep making progress towards making a difference in people’s lives.
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