Maggie discusses her research on the nuanced portrayal of China’s influence within U.S. foreign policy, exploring how power in international relations extends beyond military and economic strength to include cultural and ideological dimensions. She emphasises the importance of historical context and the role of discursive power in shaping global narratives.

The conversation also reflects on Maggie’s personal PhD journey, including the challenges of navigating imposter syndrome and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her research experience. She shares how her work connects closely with her own identity and lived experience, particularly her Filipino-Chinese heritage.

Maggie also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusivity within academia, both in shaping research perspectives and strengthening the wider academic community.

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Lauren discusses her research into feminist artist filmmaking, with a particular focus on collaboration. Her thesis, Differentiated Publics: A Study of Collaboration in Feminist Artist Filmmaking, examines the work of Petra Bauer, Andrea Luka Zimmerman, and Rehana Zaman, exploring how collaborative practices shape feminist film production and reception.

She reflects on the importance of context within her research, including the influence of funding structures and the shift from traditional cinema spaces to gallery-based settings. Lauren uses detailed case studies to understand how collaboration functions as both a creative and political practice within feminist filmmaking.

The conversation also touches on her reflections as an advanced-stage PhD researcher, including how her understanding of productivity has evolved over time and the value of maintaining self-reflexivity throughout the research process.

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Jess explores transformational experiences in ultra-marathons and marathon environments, focusing on how experience design influences the depth and longevity of personal transformation. She discusses the importance of creating more inclusive event design, considering factors such as physical accessibility, socio-economic inclusion, and participant safety. Jess also reflects on the concept of “serious leisure,” highlighting how hobbies such as running can become meaningful and transformative life experiences.

The conversation also explores her approach to PhD research, particularly her use of visual methods such as colour-coded notes, post-its, and digital tools like Miro to map out ideas and manage complexity. She reflects on the evolving nature of her conceptual framework and the importance of embracing change throughout the research process.

Jess offers advice for other PhD students, encouraging them to stay true to their own methods, avoid comparing progress with others, and accept that research naturally evolves over time. She also emphasises the importance of work–life balance and recognising the diverse and non-linear nature of doctoral study.

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Dimitri discusses his research on home-making practices among asylum seekers and refugees, exploring how individuals create a sense of belonging in the face of displacement, as well as the violence and trauma often embedded within these experiences. 

Kaigan shares her work on the occupational culture of prison officers, examining the emotional demands of the role and its impact on mental health.

Together, they reflect on the psychological and affective dimensions of constructed spaces, and how environments such as housing and prisons shape lived experience. The conversation highlights the importance of humanising these perspectives, as well as the role of media and architecture in influencing public understanding.

They also discuss the challenges of conducting emotionally demanding research, emphasising the need for strong support networks and a sense of community throughout the doctoral journey.

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Ellen discusses her research centred on the archive of her great-aunt, Nita Harvey, documenting Nita’s journey as an actor in 1930s Hollywood. Nita, a British beauty contest winner, was selected by Cecil B. DeMille and starred in the pre-code film Search for Beauty.

Ellen explores the richness of the archive, which includes thousands of negatives, a 35mm casting wheel, and a range of personal ephemera. Through this material, she examines Nita’s experiences as a British actress in Hollywood, with particular attention to issues of treatment, pay, and objectification within the studio system.

Her research also takes a practice-based approach, involving reenactments of Nita’s roles and recreations of fashion from the period. Ellen reflects on how this work opens up conversations about both historical and contemporary representations of women in film, and the lasting impact of Hollywood’s gendered power structures.

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Victoria discusses her research into porcelain and its relationship with whiteness and colonialism, reflecting on how materials can carry historical and cultural meanings. She traces the development of her practice, including her early experiments with sugar at Westminster, which were inspired by her own family’s colonial history.

Her work includes pieces such as Cargo and a pound sign installed on a statue, both of which interrogate value, power, and historical narratives. Victoria reflects on the importance of balancing practical making with theoretical engagement, drawing on decolonial scholarship to inform her work.

The conversation also explores her workshops on whiteness, which created space for open dialogue around race and material culture. Looking ahead, she shares her plans to develop decorative dinner plates that celebrate black voices and histories, intentionally moving beyond narratives centred on trauma. Victoria also discusses her ongoing interest in colour, decoration, and the visual language of ceramics.

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Laura discusses her project Skin Hunger, which explores the relationship between physical and metaphorical experiences of human touch. Her research focuses on “skin hunger,” a psychological condition associated with touch deprivation, which was further intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through her practice, Laura works with porcelain as a medium, using its hard yet delicate qualities to create objects that evoke the sensory and tactile properties of skin. She reflects on the emotional and physical significance of touch, and how its absence is increasingly felt in contemporary society.

The conversation also explores how her work challenges traditional gallery norms by engaging both sight and touch, aiming to address skin hunger through artistic and sensory experience.

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Carl shares his journey from a career in advertising into academia, and his current research exploring how advertising can be decolonised. His work brings together a literature review of Latin American and Indigenous theorists, alongside practical engagement through workshops in Mexico City.

He reflects on the importance of embedding decolonial approaches throughout the entire PhD process, as well as some of the challenges he has faced, including navigating research ethics and the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Carl also highlights the value of diversifying case studies within teaching, and the wider impact of his research in opening up conversations around decolonising advertising, particularly within a Mexican context. He concludes by sharing his plans to submit his PhD in September 2024.

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Stav discusses her research on the lesbian body in London theatre clubs between 1988 and 2019, exploring the cultural and political influences that have shaped these spaces, including the impact of Section 28 and the COVID-19 pandemic. She reflects on the deeply personal nature of her work and how her research connects to lived experience and creative practice.

The conversation explores the realities of doctoral study, including the importance of self-motivation, balancing research with personal life, and maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing. Stav also highlights the value of community and supportive supervision throughout the PhD journey.

Looking ahead, she discusses the evolving nature of research and creative outputs in a post-pandemic landscape, including her upcoming film screenings and performances.

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Kiu, a third-year PhD student, explores how medical doctors can be healthier to better serve patients. She accidentally fell into nutrition, finding passion in its interdisciplinary aspects, including policy and psychology. 

Kiu values teaching undergraduates, noting their growth and her own development. She highlights the importance of research culture, collaboration, and peer support, especially combating imposter syndrome. Kiu recommends professional organisations, social media, and openness to opportunities for PhD students. 

The Doctoral Researcher Development Program (DRDP) at Westminster offers tailored workshops for professional development.

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Anna discusses her research on the environmental governance of anaerobic digestion in the UK, highlighting the interconnected nature of environmental systems and policy. 

Kiu shares her work exploring doctors’ nutrition during shift work, with particular insight into the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Francesco examines the photography practices of 21st-century Italian migrants in Switzerland, offering a cultural perspective on migration and identity.

Together, they reflect on the personal and academic challenges of doctoral study, including balancing research with family life, adapting to remote working, and maintaining mental wellbeing. The conversation also explores the shift to online conferences, considering both the opportunities and limitations, as well as the importance of a supportive research community at Westminster.

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Renan shares his research on the ecology of cocoa crops in North-East Brazil, reflecting on how his personal background has shaped his academic focus. He also discusses the importance of adapting his approach, including guidance from his supervisor to take a more empirical direction in his work.

Piero explores the relationship between literature and esotericism, with a particular focus on the writings of Gabriele Rossetti. He reflects on his experience of undertaking a dual PhD across institutions and navigating different academic and cultural environments.

Together, they discuss the challenges of conducting research during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the broader personal and academic impacts of their doctoral journeys. Both emphasise the importance of supervisory support and the value of their research in shaping their future paths.

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Stav B, a first-year doctoral researcher, discusses her work on archiving lesbian women performers, reflecting on how the pandemic provided unexpected time to refine and finalise her research proposal. Mahmoud, a fourth-year PhD student, shares his research using artificial intelligence to support medical diagnosis, with a particular focus on cancer detection.

Together, they explore the challenges of conducting doctoral research during the COVID-19 pandemic, including adapting to remote working and navigating disruptions to their studies. They also highlight the importance of support networks, access to funding, and maintaining wellbeing throughout the PhD journey.

Mahmoud emphasises the value of publishing research and presenting at conferences as a way to validate and share findings, while both guests reflect on how their doctoral experiences have shaped their personal and professional development.

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Steven, a fourth-year doctoral student, discusses his research on BBC school broadcasting between 1957 and 1979, exploring the role of media in shaping education and supporting literacy. Khaoula, a first-year PhD student, shares her work which examines the experiences of illegalised migrants in contemporary migration narratives.

Together, they reflect on their doctoral journeys at different stages, including the methodological challenges they’ve encountered and how the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped their research approaches. They also highlight the value of teaching experience and how it contributes to their development as early-career academics.

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Gustavo discusses his research exploring the relationships between mining companies, partnerships, and conflict in Peru, with a particular focus on the social and environmental challenges facing communities.

He reflects on his academic journey, from a background in business, telecommunications, and mining engineering, to pursuing a PhD driven by a desire to address real-world issues in his home country. Gustavo also shares some of the challenges he has faced along the way, including changes in supervision, balancing part-time study, and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on his fieldwork.

Throughout the episode, he highlights the importance of resilience, building strong networks, and thinking creatively when navigating doctoral study. Looking ahead, Gustavo shares his aspirations to continue teaching and contributing to research in sustainability beyond his PhD.

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From sustainability and migration to media, neuroscience, and the arts, this series explores a wide range of research topics while offering honest conversations about resilience, creativity, and personal growth throughout doctoral study.

Discover what to expect from the series and hear how Doctoral Dialogue shines a light on the people, passions, and ideas driving research at Westminster.

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