“I want young people, especially girls, to feel like they belong in science, like it’s something they can own.”
Farwa Abbas is a final year PhD student in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
It was always her dream to study at Imperial and as the first in her family to pursue higher education abroad and earn a PhD, Farwa has made the most of all the opportunities on offer during her time here as a postgraduate research student.
The postgraduate journey
Farwa’s research involves working on modelling biomedical signals to diagnose and treat movement disorders, with a focus on Dystonia.
“My experience has exceeded my expectations in so many ways. My time at Imperial has been enriching, both academically and personally. This journey has been about more than just a degree; it’s been about transformation. I have had the privilege of contributing to the university community while also growing as a researcher, mentor, and individual.”
Farwa has found the range of courses available through the Early Career Researcher Institute incredibly beneficial for her personal and professional development.
“I have attended courses on advanced presentation topics and writing techniques. These programs have played a crucial role in shaping my journey as a PhD student.”
One that stands out for Farwa is the Thesis Writing Retreat, which provides a supportive environment for research students in their final year preparing for writing their thesis.
Keen to give back to the postgraduate research community, Farwa has given feedback through the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey and has also shared her experiences as part of a StudentShapers project on being a minority ethnic student at Imperial.
Inspiring the next generation
Encouraging young people to get excited by science is something Farwa is really passionate about. She was been part of the Oxmedica summer camp in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she taught young women about computer science and STEM.
She has also taken part in Imperial’s STEM in action, where she explained her research and demonstrated experiments to help school children understand what it means to work in science.
“I believe science should feel alive, something kids can see themselves in. Too often, it’s taught as abstract or intimidating. I want young people, especially girls, to feel like they belong in science, like it’s something they can own.”
A creative outlet
Outside of her studies, Farwa is passionate about art and enjoys drawing and painting. Taking time out from studying to relax is important, and the art classes at the Blyth Centre have been a great creative outlet.
“Drawing and painting have always been a source of relaxation and creative expression for me. I like the fact that I can go to the art classes and the equipment is all there and I can just take an hour or two out and sit and paint.”
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Early Career Researcher Institute
Postgraduate Research Experience Survey