Bradley Richardson Masters of Neuroscience (2020)

PhD in Neuroscience

Having studied here at an undergraduate level I had already seen the world class levels of research here at Southampton. The university is internationally renowned for research across many faculties with our staff being at the top of their game. So, I knew that choosing to continue with a PhD here would mean having excellent facilities and guidance from current research.

Being a researcher at Southampton within biological sciences is very exciting. Our colleagues are constantly publishing interesting work that helps to further our understanding of health and disease. Our building is open planned and modern which makes collaboration and socialising easier.

What is the most amazing thing you have learnt or discovered in your time at Southampton?
How much work goes into research just to get a single result. It shows how hard we have had to work to get medicine to where it is.

Please tell us about a moment when you learnt something at Southampton, which reinforced or changed your mind about your direction in life.
I was adamant that I did not want to continue on to do a PhD during my undergrad. This changed during my fourth year research project (dissertation) where I quickly found how much I enjoyed research and everything around it.
How do you rate the study facilities at the University?
The universities research facilities are brilliant. We have some astounding equipment within our labs in Building 85 and also within labs at the Southampton General hospital

What are you most proud of from your time at Southampton so far? (This could be social or academic)
I’m proud of the development that I’ve made from an undergraduate all the way to a PhD student. My ability to organise, critically analyse and view problems from different perspectives has increased dramatically.

What do you think you have gained from your studies that you wouldn’t have developed without them?
I’ve gained a lot of confidence from the 1st year of my PhD. I now feel far more competent at public speaking and engaging with larger audiences (with my research).

Who has inspired you the most in your time here and why?
Inspiration hasn’t come from any one person but rather the entire building. Seeing the new science and hard work put in day to day is very exciting.

Have you undertaken any extracurricular activities? How have they enhanced your experience?
During my undergraduate I played for the universities Men’s lacrosse team, playing in the Southern premiership and Western 1A leagues. I also had the chance to become vice-president and vice-captain of the team in my 2nd and 3rd years. I also helped to form a competitive powerlifting team at the university that went on to compete nationally. As well as this I was the biological science society social sec during my 4th and final year of undergrad. Lastly, I have been a student ambassador both for biological sciences and the university from my 1st year of study here.

What will you do with your degree/research after you have finished your studies?
I’m very interested in a career within science writing/medical communications after my PhD. I think this is a fantastic way to help communicate science to colleagues and the wider public.