Candidate Profile

Tell students about yourself

Hi! I’m a 3rd-year PhD student in English Literature from Cardiff and I’ve been a postgraduate at Durham since 2022. I’ve been an active member of my college since I arrived here, serving as Secretary, Academic Officer, VP, and now President of our Middle Common Room, and also supervising our café. I also chair a fortnightly seminar series for the Medieval and Early Modern Students’ Association, having convened their annual conference in 2023.

If elected, what sort of Officer can students expect you be?

As an MCR President, I already represent postgraduate students at a collegiate level, so I bring experience in advocacy and student-led decision-making. If elected PGR Officer, I’ll champion affordable, accessible housing, especially for international students arriving in Durham. I’m committed to amplifying postgraduate voices in university decisions and creating events specifically for PGRs. I aim to work closely with colleges, MCRs, and integrated common rooms to strengthen community, ensure inclusion, and make sure postgraduate perspectives shape policies, activities, and opportunities across Durham.

Why is this role important to you?

This role matters to me because I care deeply about inclusion, fairness, and making Durham a place where all PGRs feel valued and supported. Postgraduate research is at the heart of Durham’s world class research environment, both shaping knowledge and enhancing the University’s reputation for excellent research. In the Research Excellence Framework, around 90% of Durham’s research was rated world leading or internationally excellent, a success built on the efforts of PGRs and ECRs working alongside academic staff. Yet many PGRs struggle with isolation, limited housing options, unclear funding pathways, and barriers to participation in university life. As an unfunded PhD student myself, I want to push for better access to funding, affordable housing, and communities that keep PGRs connected and thriving class research environment leading or internationally excellent.

What is your pitch to students?

Postgraduate life can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be! I’m passionate about connecting PGRs, amplifying your voice, and supporting postgraduate communities across Durham. I’ll work closely with colleges and their officers and representatives to ensure your ideas are heard. Vote Amy: Make It Amy-zing for PGRs!