# URSS: Student Stories

**Source**: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/urss/studentstories/
**Parent**: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/

Learn about the experiences of other students who have undertaken the URSS.

Mohammed HejaajiLewis InglisMatteo O'DonoghueJess SinclairJames WatsonCathy Xia

Mohammed Hejaaji

## Mohammed Hejaaji

**2024**

**Biomedical Sciences**

A Multifaceted Approach to Decipher the Roles of DCW cluster genes ylxX, ylxW & sbp in B. subtilis: Combining in vitro and in silica protein interaction assays.

"Participating in the URSS was an amazing experience! It offered me an unparalleled opportunity to dive into research, develop new skills, and expand my academic horizons. My project explored complex gene functions using a combination of in vitro and computational techniques. Although this was all new to me, it was challenging as it was rewarding, providing me with insights into scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and collaboration with PhD students - there is a first time for everything!

The URSS allowed me to design and conduct experiments, improve my bioinformatics skills, and further develop my data analysis techniques. Although time constraints prevented the completion of all experimental aims, the insights gained were invaluable and allowed me to leave my footprint in the history of science!

Beyond the lab, the URSS fostered professional growth and communication. I was able to present my findings through a research poster and honed my communication skills, both to an academic and non-academic audience. The program also connected me with like-minded peers, creating an inspiring environment of mutual learning and encouragement.

For students considering the URSS, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is a chance to leave your footprint in the history of your field and gain real-world research experience. The URSS is a gateway to incredible opportunities. Believe me - it’s a decision you won’t regret!"

Lewis Inglis

## Lewis Inglis

 **2024**

 **English & Comparative Literary Studies**

"Participating in the URSS has been a very rewarding experience. Interacting with material outside the scope of my course has reduced the distance between my studies and wider career objectives, whilst widening my network.

The global issues my research concerns itself with has not only enabled me to progress my interest in development strategies, but contribute to the literature producing its values.

The bursary has provided me with the means to meet and connect with other academics, and this increased mobility has opened up opportunities for personal and professional growth.

It has not only helped me demonstrate to employers that I am able to manage projects and handle responsibility, but created a space that is entirely my own, in which I have gained practical skills, experiences and tools to navigate adult life and improve my self-confidence."

Matteo O'Donoghue

## Matteo O'Donoghue

 **2024**

 **Physics**

"The opportunity to take part in URSS has been incredible and gave me a real taste of what research in a university setting involves. My project started in the MathSys CDT at Warwick, where I worked alongside the PhD students there to develop the skills I would need later. I also had the chance to attend a conference hosted at Warwick and formed the theoretical framework for my project.

I then had the chance to take what I had started in the UK to my co-supervisor at the University of Kyoto. Not only did this let me discuss my project with experts in the field, but also allowed me to experience the culture, sights and working life in Japan. On top of giving me advice on my project, my hosts were happy to recommend restaurants, weekend trips and local hikes - which made my time there even more special.

I have some incredible memories from my time in Japan and I’m incredibly grateful to my supervisors and URSS for all their support. I have been inspired to both keep traveling and keep researching after my summer project this year and I can highly recommend the experience to anyone thinking of applying!"

Jess Sinclair

## Jess Sinclair

 **2024**

**School of Culture Arts, Performance & Visual Cultures (Warwick Writing Programme)**

"I absolutely recommend the URSS to anyone pursuing a career in arts research. Through this project, I was able to share my analysis of underappreciated 1920s films on a regular basis through a film blog – this honed my academic writing skills and inspired me to educate a non-specialist audience about silent cinema. I also visited the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum at Exeter University to explore its archive of Hollywood fan magazines.

Getting to access movie memorabilia from a century ago was an incredible experience that I wouldn’t have been able to do without this scheme! If you’re passionate about the study and preservation of artistic heritage, you should definitely consider applying for the URSS."

James Watson

## James Watson

**2024**

**Department of History**

**Windrush: Identity Layered Over Generations**

"My project, entitled *‘Windrush: Identity Layered Over Generations’* allowed me to do an in-depth investigation on the cultural, social and political legacy left behind by the Windrush Generation in the latter half of the 20th Century.

In order to fulfil my project, I spent a week in Jamaica to interview the networks of my grandparents, both part of the Windrush generation themselves. This was a hugely eye-opening experience, allowing me to produce tactful and meaningful interviews which highlighted the lives of three dozen different Caribbean nationals and gave their stories the dignity and respect that they deserve.

The primary aim of my project was to raise greater awareness about the legacy of Caribbean migrants in shaping a ‘multi racial’ Britain as it exists today. I did this through producing a podcast, which shared the interviewees stories to a far wider platform and ensured this period of history, one that deserves to be heard, has a much broader reach.

Overall, going to the country and seeing all the sacrifice my grandparents made to build new lives in Britain showed me that this history is fundamental to my own story and doing it justice through my work on it is the least I can do to repay them."

Cathy Xia

## Cathy Xia

 **2023**

 **Economics**

**Youth Employment in Ghana**

"My research adventure in Ghana with the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) was a journey of self-discovery and intellectual exploration. The program provided a perfect balance between independence and unwavering support. My supervisor served as a guiding light, the URSS student network and public engagement team provided the safety net.

During my intense two-week stay in Ghana, I interacted with a diverse range of individuals and experts, including government agents, local high schools, e-commerce businesses, and charitable organizations.This hands-on immersion in local life and deep connection with professionals from ISSER, along with the access to exclusive academic resources, were the highlights of my journey, and I couldn't have done it without the network and support provided by URSS and my supervisor.

What I'd like to share with fellow students is this: don't be afraid to embark on academic research. My journey to Ghana may have started with bare feet, but I returned with a mind enriched with knowledge and a heart full of stories. It's an adventure I'll treasure forever. "

## **Public Engagement Projects and Public Engagement Elements**

[**Find out more about students' full public engagement projects**Link opens in a new window](https://warwick.ac.uk/wie/getinvolved/ug-students/urss/2023projects/)

[**Find out more about the public engagement elements of students' URSS research projects**Link opens in a new window](https://warwick.ac.uk/wie/getinvolved/ug-students/urss/engagementelements/)