What It's Really Like Starting a PhD That Saves Lives

Real-world impact of my PhD

Working with people means you must be considerate of your own position as a researcher. Are you being safe? How is the study affecting you and others? Are there any biases you’re bringing with you? You must adjust how you approach the research based on local insights. For instance, as part of getting to know project partners in Japan, I often visited hot springs with them and sat on tatami mats while eating. Understanding these cultural norms helped me strengthen relationships, maximising my limited fieldwork time and supporting my research.

Disaster research has a broader impact as well. By exploring ideas that were previously unclear, and providing credible evidence, we can create pressure to develop policies and actions that address these issues. For example, my research has already shown how children have the capacity to engage with disaster preparedness and how evacuation can be made easier with the  use of social data. Beyond this, research can ultimately aid individual learning journeys increasing the chances of survival in emergencies.

Personal development through PhD study

PhD research is all about walking into uncertainty and trying your best to find the light. If something does not work, instead of giving up, ask ‘why?’

You will face failure and loneliness on this journey but these are opportunities for introspection and growth. As part of the PhD learning process at University College London,  you undergo an upgrade where you share a glimpse of all the amazing work you’ve been doing so far. It is a wonderful opportunity to share your literature review, methodological grounding and all the fantastic bits you collated from archives and benefactors. This experience serves to frame your PhD — what you’ve already done, what’s still due and where you’re going with your research.

A PhD is also an opportunity to learn new skills. I’ve also been learning Japanese during my PhD. My research has been based in Japan and taking the time to learn the language has made me better equipped to lead research there. I feel a deep sense of affection towards Japan and I feel I’ve been able to bring a small, but important, essence back to the UK.

My PhD next steps

The beauty of my research is that it is multifaceted. There are so many opportunities to engage with different disciplines, from engineering to mathematics, social sciences and education. I’ve gained new skills and knowledge as a natural part of this research process. I’ve got some exciting things coming up: I’m in the final stages of publishing a fourth paper, waiting on the outcome of an external funding application and looking forward to starting fieldwork in Scotland.

I love this PhD because it reminds me that in times of crisis, we can be fragile but show endless capacity to care.