North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership
“I can’t get this feeling out of my head, I am the imposter”
Jessica Walsmsley, SSSTM, University of Manchester (2025 cohort)
Louis Tomlinson’s music has never felt so relevant. Since the days of One Direction, I hadn’t paid much attention to the solo artist’s work, but hearing his recent song, “Imposter,” made me reflect on how I’ve been feeling as I come to the end of the first year of my PhD. My friends laughed when I drew the comparison, but imposter syndrome was something I had heard about without ever imagining I would experience it myself.
Read MoreWearing Two Hats: Co-organising and presenting at the Creative Methods and Dissemination showcase at Keele University 2026.
Photo from the ‘dancing with bacteria’ session.
Erin Molyneux, Geography & Environment, Keele University (2025 Cohort)
I was delighted to be welcomed into the Creative Methods Creative Dissemination (CMCD) 2026 inaugural showcase as both a presenter and part of the organising committee. When I saw the email circulated by the NWSSDTP regarding the CMCD showcase that was being held at Keele University I couldn’t think of a better place to disseminate my research. This was my first time presenting my research outside of small seminars and in front of a diverse audience of academics and non-academics. As I read through the email, they were also looking for volunteers to be on the organizing committee for the event so I quicky contacted the organisers and offered to be a part of the event. This event was supported by a Methods North West grant alongside support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The day was full of a variety of presentations from various disciplines including fine art, education, medicine and geography. There was a choice of workshops where a supportive space was maintained for individuals to explore creative methods in a hands-on way and a closing session named “dancing with bacteria” that got everyone outside for some somatic movement and dance. What a way to end a creative methods showcase!
Read MoreTraversing different paths: NWSSDTP Careers Event at Oddfellows Hall
Ellie Dolmor, Business and Management, Lancaster University (2025 Cohort) and Anna Drury, Economic and Social History, Lancaster University (2023 Cohort)
Ellie and I recently met for the first time (despite being at the same institution!) when we attended a Careers Event together organised by the NWSSDTP, Preparing for an Education-Focused Career in the Social Sciences, hosted by the wonderful Professor Lisa Anderson at Oddfellows Hall, University of Manchester. Here, we share our thoughts and reflections on the event, which included lots of laughs, a slap-up lunch, and both fabulous and suspect artwork!
Read MoreSolo travel abroad for the American Association of Geographers Conference 2026
Aisling O’Rourke, Geography & Environment, University of Manchester (2023 Cohort)
In March 2026 I boarded my flight to San Francisco, excited and nervous to attend the American Association of Geographer’s Conference. This was my first time travelling to the US and first time travelling abroad for a conference, so there were many unknown elements for me to ponder in advance of my travels. I very much acknowledge my privilege in being able to travel to the US in these difficult and uncertain times and reflected upon my positionality in being able to make this journey, as well as what voices and perspectives that might not be present at the conference.
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North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership 