Why did you decide to pursue Doctoral research at Westminster?
Pursuing Doctoral research has been my goal since I began my undergraduate degree in Nigeria. Growing up, my parents always encouraged me with the saying, 'Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might'. That advice shaped my approach to both my studies and my career aspirations. From an early age, I was determined to excel academically and envisioned becoming a professor one day.
To achieve that goal, I knew I would need a PhD. I chose the University of Westminster because I found a funded PhD project that aligned perfectly with my interests in cardiovascular physiology and my long-term career ambitions.
I was also drawn to Westminster's reputation as a welcoming and supportive environment for international students. As someone moving to a new country, finding a university with a sense of community was incredibly important. I believe this PhD is equipping me to become an independent researcher, a better educator and science communicator, and ultimately providing the foundation I need to pursue a career in academia.
How did you choose your PhD supervisors?
As this was a funded PhD project advertised by the university, I had little influence over who my supervisors would be. I applied for the project, was shortlisted, and was invited for an interview.
Before applying, however, I contacted my lead supervisor to learn more about the research. Through our conversations and by reading the research group's previous publications, I realised that he was someone I could work well with. His expertise, experience, research network and commitment to training scientists gave me confidence that I would receive the guidance needed to develop into an independent researcher. That made me genuinely excited to join the team.
What support have you received from them?
I have received tremendous support throughout my PhD, ranging from financial assistance during my visa application to access to specialist training and research opportunities. For example, my supervisors arranged for me to shadow a professor of echocardiography at Liverpool John Moores University, where I gained valuable experience in cardiac imaging techniques.
They have also supported me in attending conferences, provided constructive feedback that has strengthened my research, and offered valuable career advice regarding opportunities after my PhD. Their encouragement has played a significant role in both my academic and professional development.
What was the application process like?
It was well structured and clearly outlined on the university website. The first stage involved submitting:
- a personal statement
- a research proposal
- academic transcripts
- my CV
- my passport
- proof of English proficiency
- references.
Although I already had a solid background in physiology and laboratory techniques, I wanted to demonstrate my understanding of the research area. I therefore read several publications from my prospective supervisors to gain a deeper grasp of the project. I also considered ways I could contribute my own ideas to strengthen the proposed research.
After being shortlisted, I was invited to an online interview. This allowed me to demonstrate my technical knowledge, communicate my enthusiasm for the project, and highlight the skills and experiences that made me a strong candidate.
How are you funding your postgraduate study?
My PhD is generously funded by the School of Life Sciences Department at the University of Westminster.
Having a funded studentship has significantly reduced the financial pressures associated with undertaking Doctoral research and has allowed me to focus more fully on my research, professional development and wellbeing.
Tell us a bit about the PhD.
My research investigates how the heart adapts to prolonged endurance exercise. Some ultra-endurance cyclists report that during extremely long races, their heart rate appears to be 'capped,' meaning they cannot raise it beyond 60% to 70% of their maximum heart rate, no matter how hard they push.
Several explanations have been suggested, ranging from simple fatigue to reduced sensitivity of beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart.
My research aims to determine whether this phenomenon genuinely occurs, to understand the physiological mechanisms underlying it, and to explore whether it represents a protective adaptation of the heart or an early sign of chronotropic incompetence in these athletes. Ultimately, I hope this work will improve our understanding of cardiovascular resilience in endurance athletes.
How are you managing working while studying?
Living in London can be expensive, so I have taken on several part-time roles alongside my PhD to help support myself financially. Wherever possible, I choose roles within the university, which makes it much easier to balance work and research.
Over the past two-and-a-half years, I have worked as a:
- filmmaker
- laboratory demonstrator
- photographer
- research associate
- student caller
- videographer.
These experiences have strengthened my skills in:
- communication
- organisation
- time management.
Although I enjoy these opportunities, my PhD always remains my highest priority, and I carefully plan my schedule to ensure my research milestones are met on time.
Have you been involved in any employability initiatives at the university?
My university has a structured employability programme called the Westminster Employability Award, designed to help students develop professionally through four levels:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum.
As a PhD student, I began my journey at the Gold level.
In my first year, I was recognised as one of the top-performing students in the personal development category and received a monetary award. In my second year, I completed the Platinum award. I became a Westminster Employability Award leader, supporting fellow students by promoting the scheme, helping with onboarding and sharing advice on how to make the most of the programme.
Along the way, I also received three additional awards, including the:
- Leadership Experience Award, which allowed me to shadow a CEO and gain first-hand insight into executive leadership
- Outstanding Contribution Award
- Recognition Award for Leadership.
Beyond the awards, the programme gave me opportunities to engage with professionals from a range of industries, expand my professional network and learn from their experiences.
Through these interactions, along with the activities within the award, I developed transferable skills in:
- communication
- leadership
- teamwork
- time management.
How does research life differ from that of a Masters student?
During my Masters degree, much of my research was closely guided by my supervisor.
In contrast, a PhD requires much greater independence. While support is always available, I have much more responsibility for planning experiments, managing projects, solving problems and making research decisions.
I also see a PhD as a marathon rather than a sprint. Unlike my taught Masters programme, where the research project was completed within a relatively short period, Doctoral research requires resilience, patience and sustained commitment over several years.
What has been the highlight of your education and career journey so far?
One of the highlights has been the opportunity to share science with wider audiences. Last year, I was runner-up in the London FameLab Final science communication competition, and this year I participated in the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition.
I was also honoured to be selected as part of the chorus for LIFELINE, a musical production in London celebrating the discovery of penicillin and the legacy of Alexander Fleming. In addition, I presented my PhD research at the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS) Congress 2025 in Germany, where I had the privilege of meeting researchers whose work has inspired me throughout my academic journey.
What are your plans after completing your PhD?
My long-term ambition is to combine physiology education with cardiovascular research, so I hope to pursue either a postdoctoral research position or a university lectureship.
At the same time, I remain open to undertaking further specialist training to become a clinical cardiac physiologist or cardiac scientist.
I am particularly interested in translational research, where scientific discoveries can directly improve patient care.
What advice would you give to others interested in studying for a PhD?
- Choose your supervisor carefully. A supportive, available and enthusiastic supervisor can make an enormous difference to your PhD experience. If you have limited choice because you're applying for a funded project, invest time in building a strong working relationship with them, as it will benefit both your research and your wellbeing.
- Make the most of the opportunities at your university. Apply for grants, attend networking events, take advantage of training courses, use specialist software and resources, and don't overlook discounts and support schemes. These opportunities can have a lasting impact on your personal and professional development.
- Remember that a PhD is a marathon, not a sprint. Experiments may fail, protocols may need to be redesigned, equipment may break, and setbacks are inevitable. Don't be discouraged by these moments, as they are part of becoming an expert in your field. Resilience is one of the most valuable skills you will develop during your Doctoral journey.
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