Mercy akerele

Mercy Akerele

1.       Why did you choose to come to Leeds University to complete your PhD (did you study her previously)?

I came to study at the University of Leeds because it is one of the high ranking universities in the UK that offer my desired course of study.

2.       What are you enjoying about your research programme?

I love the support network and the conducive environment to carry out cutting-edge research.

3.       What have been the highlights of the PhD so far (conferences, travel, facilities, supportive staff, independent research etc.)?

My PhD is run in collaboration with academic and clinical partners, and the output of my research have been presented in conferences across the globe.

4.        What are you finding is the greatest challenge you are/have experienced on your PhD?

The greatest challenge is the feeling of not knowing what to do, and the uncertainties of PhD in general.

5.       What is your research project on and what does it involve?

My research project is on Medical Imaging, and it involves improving the diagnostic and quantitative accuracies of PET/MR and PET/CT imaging.

6.       How do you think doing a PhD has benefited/will benefit you in the future?

Doing a PhD has widened my understanding and improved my critical reasoning ability. It has also helped me to relate with people from different academic and cultural background.

7.       How would you rate the facilities available to you throughout your PhD? How have these enhanced your experience?

I enjoyed good internet and general web facilities, and this has made my research a lot easier.

About the University

1.       Why did you choose the University of Leeds?

I chose the University of Leeds because it is one of the high ranking Universities in the UK and it also offers my desired course of study.

2.       What have been the highlights of your time at the University of Leeds?

Research collaborations with scientists and clinicians; social collaborations with friends and colleagues across the University; shopping and travels;

3.       How have the facilities (libraries/labs etc.) helped you get the most out of your PhD programme?

These facilities made it easier  for me to get up-to-date insights in my field, and also to plan and implement my own research ideas.

4.       What key aspects of your experience of Leeds would you highlight to students thinking about coming doing a PhD here?

Leeds is a home away from home. It is a friendly and supportive international university.

5.       What are your ambitions for the future? Do you have specific career plans? Has the University (careers centre/lecturers etc.) helped you with these goals in any way?

I aim to progress for a post-doctoral research where I will better develop my research skills.

Read more about our other recent medical imaging students: