Nadia Mouri Hoque MSc Data and Decision Analytics, Bangladesh

British Council Women in STEM scholar

I met some amazing professors who have been extremely helpful. I have taken as one of them to be my mentor and always go to her with my problems and discuss my future with her. She has shown me immense support and has encouraged me to aim higher and to keep trying. With their constant support and guidance, I have successfully been able to secure a PhD position.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Southampton?

International reputation: Russell Group, CROMSIS industrial summer project, British Council Women in STEM scholarship opportunity

What do you enjoy the most about living in Southampton or Winchester?

I like that it’s quiet and calm.

Have you undertaken any work placements, collaborations with industry, internships or volunteering? How has this enhanced your experience?

I am currently working as a Student Ambassador and assisting two of my professors in a project where we are aiming to teach Further Mathematics to young children for a more sustainable future. These experiences are helping me to get relevant experience in higher education institute. I aspire to do a PhD after this degree and the project is really giving me an great exposure for it.

Have you undertaken any extracurricular activities? How have they enhanced your experience?

I am currently part of the AI society and the cheerleading society. I also, swim in Jubilee sports centre on every Wednesdays. It helps me enjoy my university life and keeps my mental health in a good condition and in turn enhances my academic performance.

What do you think you have gained from your degree that you wouldn’t have developed without it?

There are many networking opportunities in campus held by the AI society and Maths department. It allowed me to talk to many professionals and get an idea of what skills are in demand. It also gave me reality check about where I stand with my skillset and how much more I have room for improvement.

What are you most proud of from your time at the University of Southampton so far?

I remember when I first came here, I had a panic attack in the swimming pool when I went for a tester session for the swim team. I had suddenly stopped swimming and I couldn’t hear what the instructor was telling me. It hampered my self-confidence quite a lot and I used to get very anxious about the social situation since it was a new environment. However, I gave myself time and when I was ready, I pushed myself to join swimming lessons. It took me a while to overcome the fear that I felt. Now, I go swimming every Wednesday without feeling anxious and it helps me keep fit and helps my mental health too.

What will you do with your degree after you have finished your studies?

I will pursue a PhD and the courses that I am doing now are very much relevant for my PhD. I am taking courses that’s teaching me how to do scientific research and coming up with research topics. It is also giving me in-depth understanding of concepts such as Machine learning and the underlying mathematical theories behind them. I am gaining an in-depth knowledge which is giving me a solid foundation to excel in the next part of my academic journey.

How has the funding enhanced your experience as a student at the University of Southampton?

The funding has given me the opportunity to experience higher education which I would never be able to do given my current circumstance back at home. I was in stage where I had no financial or moral support to continue further studies. This scholarship has funded everything, even my plane fare here. This has allowed me to pursue my further studies and has given me the opportunity to take advantage of all the opportunities offered to me. It has given me the chance to come to a positive environment where people are supportive of each other’s goals. It also has given me the chance to meet other excellent students and scholars and learn a lot from their daily habits.

What advice do you have for future applicants who may wish to apply for this scholarship or bursary?

I advise future applicants to give it a go and to try because I used to fear being rejected and never tried but the only time I did try and fought my fears, I got accepted and received a fully funded scholarship. I would’ve never known if I going to get it if I hadn’t tried.