Richa Gandhi

My programme (Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine) focusses on an exciting field that I enjoy being a part of, and I have access to excellent expertise, facilities, and resources.

The approach of my research programme to student learning is what I enjoy. I’m offered course-based learning, hands-on lab practicals, workshops, seminars, industrial placements, and plenty of opportunities for networking. It’s a very dynamic programme! My research project involves using molecular imaging techniques to shed light on the molecular evolution of abdominal aortic aneurysms. This work has applications in facilitating early diagnosis and improving personalised medicine.

The highlights of my PhD have been the opportunities to travel for conferences, meetings, and an industrial placement. It’s great to be able to travel to new places whilst engaging in professional networking. The greatest challenge that I’ve experienced during my PhD is maintaining a healthy work/life balance. I’ve learnt that setting goals and managing time well are key to avoiding stress, so that I have time for extracurricular activities as well.

My PhD has undoubtedly boosted my self-confidence level. Giving talks to a wide range of audiences at seminars, meetings, and conferences was initially daunting, but I now feel much better prepared for public speaking and engaging in intellectual discussions having had those experiences.

All the facilities and resources have been excellent throughout my PhD. I’ve been able to hone my skills as a researcher through my training and work in the state-of-the-art Experimental and Preclinical Imaging Centre (ePIC) and the LIGHT laboratories.

The University of Leeds offers excellent resources and facilities, as well as an inviting student atmosphere. My PhD programme is aligned with my research interests and focusses on an exciting field that I enjoy being a part of.

I’ve been able to hone my skills as a researcher through my training and work in the state-of-the-art Experimental and Preclinical Imaging Centre (ePIC) and the LIGHT laboratories.