Student profiles
Lewis Drysdale
I am mostly based at the Scottish Association for Marine Science in Oban but I do spend a considerable amount of time in Cambridge as well, as my project is partnered with British Antarctic Survey. My research project is "Arctic fjords: simple modelling and the role of freshwater".
What is the best thing about being a PhD student at the University of the Highlands and Islands?
Training support! The university's research, training and conference fund has supported me on a field school to Svalbard in the High Arctic and I will be relying on it to further support me as I attend national and international conferences to present my research.
What has been your proudest moment?
Graduating from my undergraduate degree at SAMS and being the first recipient of the Tim Boyd memorial prize for Arctic Oceanography knowing I was about to start a PhD in arctic sciences.
Paul Gaffney
I am in fourth year writing up after lab and fieldwork. I am based at the Environmental Research Institute, UHI North Highland in Thurso. My research looks at the impact of large scale conifer felling for blanket bog restoration on water quality.
What is the best thing about being a PhD student at the University of the Highlands and Islands?
The location is a major advantage studying environmental science. I like being in a small, friendly institute with the chance to take part in events across the university.
What has been your proudest moment?
I was able to go on a field trip to Western Siberia looking at the peatlands there. One day a Russian TV crew turned up doing interviews for the news - that was pretty cool!
Linda Ross
I started in October 2015 so I’m currently getting my head around reading and archival material. I’m based at the Centre for History.
My PhD is: “The second Industrial Revolution?” An exploration and analysis of the physical impact of Dounreay Nuclear Power Research Establishment on the Far North of Scotland.
What is the best thing about being a PhD student at the University of the Highlands and Islands?
Studying here feels ‘different’, in a very good way. It’s fantastic that potential students have the opportunity to head or stay north rather than leaving as I did.
What has been your proudest moment?
I’ve captured images of hydro schemes, recording industry in rural areas in my own way. I’m proud these images have gained recognition, with two currently on display at the Royal Scottish Academy.
Siobhan Cooke
I am in the final year of study and am based at the Archaeology Institute, UHI Orkney College. My research aims to characterise the nature of human-animal relations in Viking and Norse Scotland, seeking to determine how the human-animal relationship is used in the construction of human identity.
What is the best thing about being a PhD student at the University of the Highlands and Islands?
I think it is fantastic to be able to study at this level in my hometown, something that I wouldn’t have thought possible when I was south at university studying for my undergraduate degree. Orkney is the perfect location to study archaeology – from Neolithic to the archaeology of the World Wars – there is something for every interest.
What has been your proudest moment?
I think every achievement is something to be proud of – but crossing a marathon finish line is definitely up there, a totally euphoric experience!
Andrew French
I am in my final year of study at the Environmental Research Institute at UHI North Highland in Thurso. My research looks at linking habitat characteristics with red deer condition in the Scottish Highlands.
What is the best thing about being a PhD student at the University of the Highlands and Islands?
The easy access to specialised laboratory equipment that in other institutions would probably have long waiting lists.
What has been your proudest moment?
Winning the university’s research conference student poster competition with my poster about liver parasites!