The BruPod

In episode 7 of our second series, we're in conversation with doctoral researcher Kiran Garcha about her PhD research in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. Kiran explains her work focusing on Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), an inheritable trait affecting around 30% of the population. She delves into the links between SPS and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, and how her research, using neuroimaging and behavioural studies, aims to understand the cognitive and emotional reactivity associated with this trait. Kiran also discusses the potential for developing therapeutic interventions and the importance of raising awareness about SPS. Finally, she offers practical advice for those undertaking a PhD, emphasising the benefits of early writing and clearly defining your research question.To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.You can read a transcript of the conversation here.This is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Kiran Garcha, Brunel University of LondonProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research PodcastsMusic: Yourtunes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 6, Maggie Stephenson discusses her research on the lived experiences of parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities. Using a critical autoethnographic approach and interpretive phenomenological analysis, Maggie sheds light on the emotional and practical realities often overlooked in policy and practice. She talks about the power of storytelling in challenging stereotypes, building empathy, and pushing for more responsive systems of care. Maggie also reflects on personal growth during the PhD journey, and the importance of choosing research that truly sustains you. To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.You can read a transcript of the conversation here.This is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Maggie Stephenson, Brunel University of LondonProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research PodcastsMusic: Yourtunes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 5, Udita Bose discusses her research on the menstrual experiences of adolescent girls in Kolkata. She explains how her research tackles the pervasive stigma around menstruation, utilising innovative qualitative methods like drawing and collage, as well as a participatory action research approach. Udita also discusses the critical role of access to water and sanitation facilities in schools. Finally, she offers invaluable advice for those undertaking a PhD, emphasising the importance of taking breaks and maintaining an honest, open relationship with supervisors.To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.You can read a transcript of the conversation here.This is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Udita Bose, Brunel University of LondonProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research PodcastsMusic: Yourtunes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 4, Kat Lacey delves into her anthropological research on home education in the UK. Through interviews and observations, Kat explores the rich and often misunderstood culture of home-educating families. She talks about the challenges of accessing a private and protective community, and why it's crucial to represent the diversity and effectiveness of this educational path. Kat also shares her hopes of influencing policy and public perception, making the case for home education as not just an option, but a supported and respected one. To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.You can read a transcript of the conversation here.This is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Kat Lacey, Brunel University of LondonProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research PodcastsMusic: Yourtunes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 3, Lorraine Groves talks about her research into digital mental health support for university students. Drawing on her work as a wellbeing therapist, Lorraine uses interviews, focus groups, and co-design to create interventions that students will actually use, and stick with. She shares how her PhD blends practical experience with academic research, and why passion and self-care are vital throughout the process. Lorraine hopes her work will lead to real change in how student wellbeing is supported, both at university and beyond. To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.You can read a transcript of the conversation here.This is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Lorraine Groves, Brunel University of LondonProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research PodcastsMusic: Yourtunes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 2, Rita Ekhareafo shares her research on the environmental and health risks posed by abandoned mines, where over a million sites remain largely unassessed. Rita explains how her work is focusing on the impact of abandoned mine sites in Nigeria on local communities, particularly regarding water quality and public health. She details how she is investigating the levels of heavy metals and other contaminants in water sources and how these are affecting the health of people living nearby. She shares her hopes that her research will highlight the need for proper regulation and remediation of these sites to protect vulnerable populations. Rita also reflects on the importance of motivation, mentorship, and making time to rest while navigating the demands of a PhD. To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.*Episode correction at 10:08 and 10:26 Rita meant to say "six mines in a year’’ not four.You can read a transcript of the conversation here.This is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Rita Ekhareafo, Brunel University of LondonProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research PodcastsMusic: Yourtunes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 1, we're in conversation with doctoral researcher Tabitha Carless-Frost about her creative writing PhD. She shares her unique approach to historical reconstruction, focusing on the fascinating, largely untold life of Anna Maria Morandi, an 18th-century wax anatomist. Tabitha delves into the ethical considerations of re-enlivening historical figures who can't speak for themselves, and how her novel aims to shed light on neglected women in science. She advises those considering undertaking a PhD that they need to love what they're doing, and not to worry about not knowing everything at the beginning.To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.You can read a transcript of the conversation here.This is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Tabitha Carless-Frost, Brunel University of LondonProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research PodcastsMusic: Yourtunes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 8, we’re in conversation with Adisa Akintola about his PhD research examining how the colour black is used to describe people of African Caribbean descent and how they feel about that. He explains why he thinks the use of the word black to describe people is archaic and nonsensical and how ultimately he hopes to put a stop to it. He advises those considering undertaking a PhD to do something they are passionate about and to choose their supervisor carefully.  Find out more about Adisa on LinkedIn Read a full transcript of Adisa's episodeCredits Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Adisa Akintola Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Audiograms: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School  Music: yourtunes  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 7 we’re in conversation with Mulkie Al-Hashmi about her research on community entrepreneurship and place branding. She talks about her interest in why some of the unique and authentic entrepreneurship enterprises in rural areas of her home country Oman don't last and how she hopes to change that. She reflects on the challenges of doing a PhD and how she reminds herself that, if it were easy, everyone would do it. Find out more about Mulkie on LinkedIn Read a full transcript of Mulkie's episodeCredits Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Mulkie Al Hashimie Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Audiograms: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School  Music: yourtunes  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 6, we’re in conversation with Lawrence Reilly who is researching European Modernist Utopian Literature. He explains how he’s using his research to consider how we can all benefit more from advances in technology rather than just a few individuals. He encourages anyone undertaking a PhD to make the most of other opportunities at their own University whilst undertaking their research, but also at other institutions.  Find out more about Lawrence on ResearchGate Read a full transcript of Lawrence's episodeCredits Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Lawrence Reilly Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Audiograms: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School  Music: yourtunes  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 5 Bandana Adhikary talks about her PhD research looking at the “hidden curriculum” in private schools in Nepal. She explains how she’s getting to grips with what schoolchildren are learning from school as well the formal academic subjects. She explains how a PhD has helped her think more deeply about things and be more questioning of what others have to say. Find out more about Bandana on LinkedIn Read a full transcript of Bandana's episodeCredits Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Bandana Adhikary Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Audiograms: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School  Music: yourtunes  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 4 Zoe Tsu talks about her research which looks at how to brand a country, specifically her home country of Taiwan. She explains how she’s exploring innovative approaches for leveraging Taiwan's semiconductor expertise as a strategic asset for nation branding, particularly in light of ongoing challenges and tensions in the region. She concludes with some sound advice for those considering undertaking a PhD especially ion the need for self-discipline and to choose something you will enjoy doing for several years. Find out more about Zoe on LinkedIn Read a full transcript of Zoe's episodeCredits Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Zoe Hsu Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Audiograms: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School  Music: yourtunes  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 3 Ash on the sexuality and reproductive rights of disabled women  In Episode 3 Aswathi Soman discusses her PhD research looking at sexuality and disabled women. She talks openly about her concerns as a disabled woman herself to change the law to better protect the reproductive freedoms and rights of women like her. She offers those considering doing a PhDs some advice on how to pick a research topic that means you can work hard without getting too stressed by it.  Find out more about Ash on LinkedIn Read a full transcript of Ash's episodeCredits Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Ash Soman Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Audiograms: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School  Music: yourtunes  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 2 Miguel Meirim discusses his research looking at the intricate dynamics of crime and education. He explains how he is using advanced econometric techniques and why he is so passionate about applying economic principles to critically examine and address pressing societal issues, specifically those influencing policy formulation and community development. Miguel tells those thinking of doing a PhD that it doesn’t need to be a lonely journey and that there are always people who can share your journey even if they are not doing research in the same area as you.  Find out more about Miguel on LinkedIn Read a full transcript of Miguel's episodeCredits Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Miguel Meirim Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover and Lauren White, Research Podcasts Music: yourtunes  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 1 Robin Longobardi Zingarelli discusses his research focusing on trans and queer theory and video games as a medium. He talks about how intense it can feel to incorporate personal experiences into PhD research and why it’s important to have people to support you through that.  Find out more about Robin on LinkedIn Read a full transcript of Robin's episode Credits Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Robin Lombardi Zingarelli Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover and Lauren White, Research Podcasts Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School  Music: yourtunes  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.