Student Profiles
Catherine Sheard
Catherine is studying for a DPhil in Zoology at St Cross College. She is from Tennessee and previously studied at Yale University.
Why did you decide to come to Oxford?
I’m based at the Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, one of the best, if not the best, ornithological research groups in the world, as well as a global leader in research on social and sexual selection. I was particularly excited about the research that I could accomplish here, the methods that I could study and the people I could learn those techniques from, as before applying I had designed a really neat project specific to the data and skills of my prospective lab.
What is your best memory so far of graduate study at Oxford?
My best memory, academically, was my very first day in the ornithological collections at the Museum of Natural History at Tring, realising I had access to specimens of nearly every bird known to man, including skins collected by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace. Non-academically, some of my best memories of my time at Oxford have included learning to punt and play cricket, attending formal dinners and balls at colleges, and being able to explore some of what the UK has to offer.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree?
After I finish my DPhil, I hope to stay in academia, moving onto post-docs and eventually a more permanent research position. By studying at Oxford, I not only gain pertinent skills and research experience, but I am exposed to world-class scientists through seminars, conferences, and informal discussions in my department’s hallways or at the lunch table.
How does studying here compare with studying at your previous institution?
While undergraduate studies in the American and British systems are completely different, a DPhil at Oxford is very much like a PhD program at Yale or any other American institution, though in the UK you generally start immediately with your dissertation research rather than taking classes or doing lab rotations as you would in the States.
Tell us a bit about your college
I am in St Cross College, which is a small, modern, postgraduate-only college with a particularly international flair. The community is big enough for you to find your social niche, but not so big that you get lost, and I’ve appreciated the opportunity to get to know fellow postgraduates from all over the world and across all disciplines.
What’s the main piece of advice you would give to other students considering graduate study at Oxford?
Apply for every funding source you’re eligible for, even if it’s extremely competitive. You never know what opportunities will work out, and every fellowship application you fill out or interview that you do is valuable practice for the next one down the line.
Kareem Ayoub
Kareem enrolled on the MSc in Neuroscience in 2012, is a member of Green Templeton College and plans to continue onto the DPhil in Biomedical Sciences: NIH-Oxford. He is from Wisconsin and previously studied Bioengineering at Rice University, Texas.
Why did you decide to come to Oxford to study your chosen subject?
I’m doing combined medical and doctorate degrees with the US National Institutes of Health and Washington University in St. Louis. Oxford and the UK in general don’t usually do mandatory classes for DPhils so I decided to do a Master’s first to learn about different research techniques. I came to Oxford two years ago to carry out some collaborative research and loved the place.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree?
I’d like to finish medical school after completing my DPhil, and then carry out a career in academic medicine. Oxford prepared me in the most rigorous way for a research career. International collaborations are one of the most important things in research and I’ve created a global network by coming to Oxford. Later on, I’d like to take on a public policy role with regards to scientific research and the relationship between the UK and USA. I also think you can’t really understand UK/USA relations unless you’ve lived in both places.
Tell us a bit about your college
The community is the best thing about my college. There are people who have started families, completed several years of work, started their own companies or travelled the world. The students are all passionate about their chosen subject.
Rowing for Green Templeton College has been my most intense athletic experience, even though I’ve played soccer all my life, and I’m now the incoming President of the Boat Club. The food is phenomenal despite being inexpensive. I am the Charities & Development Officer for the GCR (Graduate Common Room) and have found college are very receptive to our concerns.
Have you done any extra-curricular activities alongside studying at Oxford?
I began a non-profit organisation, worldSTEMworks.org, which is a science outreach programme, currently mainly based in the USA, China and the UK.
Alongside rowing and being involved with the GCR, I have some side science projects still going on and frequently travel to and from the US to see my girlfriend, family and friends.
What advice would you give to anyone considering graduate study at Oxford?
Don’t limit yourself. I didn’t know how much I could do before coming here – academically, professionally and in my extra-curricular life. I promised myself to be open to new things and develop long-lasting friendships, but I was still surprised by what I could dip my toes in to.
Lauren Nishimura
Lauren is studying the MSt in International Human Rights Law at New College. Lauren is from Portland, Oregon and she previously studied at Vasser College, and then Law School at Georgetown.
Could you tell us a bit about your programme of study?
The MSt in International Human Rights Law is a unique programme where you do distance learning away from campus. In the summer there are 5 weeks of classes and seminars, and you write your dissertation when you return home. It’s incredible that I can work and get a Master’s at a university like Oxford.
What job are you doing alongside your degree at Oxford?
I’m working for an NGO called Earth Rights International, which I found through my course here at Oxford and I teach in South East Asia - a mix of environmental law, sustainable development and human rights. I also do some traditional legal work such as presenting cases to ASEAN and working with lawyers in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia on Earth abuses and dam abuses.
How would you describe Oxford to a prospective student?
I’m living in an academic setting with libraries, people and opportunities, but I’m interacting with UN Special Rapporteurs and heads of different fields. Oxford has a great reputation, but it’s also been very inviting, for example I’ve gone out for dinner with my tutors.
I expected it would be a formal environment, but is actually really flexible, welcoming and warm. The mix of students is very diverse and eclectic which makes the learning experience even richer.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree?
I want to keep pursuing my interest in the environment and human rights. The biggest global catastrophe facing us at the moment is climate change. I’m working in the field to bring the lens onto making sure that vulnerable communities are aware of their rights and the potential impact of climate change. The people in power tend to come from privileged backgrounds so can pay to avoid the consequences of climate change. My current region is one of the hardest hit. I’d potentially like to do some further study along the way.
I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m currently doing without Oxford. It was a stepping stone from traditional litigation to environmental and human rights law, which is an emerging fusion of two areas. The current frameworks to look at the environment and human rights as separate issues aren’t working, so I want to look at them from a different angle.
Marise Benoit
Marise is form Maine and she is currently studying for a DPhil in the History of Medicine at Christ Church. She previously studied at Yale University.
How long have you been in Oxford?
My history in Oxford is quite complicated! I first came here as a Junior Year Abroad student in 2004 and spent 6 months at Worcester College during my degree at Yale where I was a History major. I then came back to Oxford after working for two years to do an MSc in the History of Science, Medicine and Technology at Lincoln College. The taught MSc here was great - it only takes 1 year so it’s fast and you do broad coursework in the first two terms, then you specialise and write your dissertation over the summer.
I started my DPhil in the History of Medicine at Christ Church in 2010 which is titled ‘Comparing attitudes to infertility in early modern England and colonial New England’. My department is the Wellcome Unit for History of Medicine.
After you received your offer, how did you prepare to come to Oxford?
I did preparatory reading and general preparation for living abroad like stocking up on the things I would miss. I also did long-term planning which is really important, like thinking about how often you can go home. Also I really wanted to travel around Europe! You have to figure out a balance of what you have time and money to do.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree?
I’d like to continue working in higher education in a broad sense. I love being part of an academic community and might go into an administrative role or a role focusing on student welfare. The university environment is somewhere I thrive, and I’ve had some experience working at the Alumni Office and work well with the administrators here.
What are the facilities and staff like within your department?
Fantastic! At my unit there is a really strong community and some great departmental seminars. I have two fantastic supervisors and feel absolutely supported by them. I can ask them anything from career questions to questions about my current work so I really lucked out with two great role models. In my unit there’s a sense of community which you are welcomed into. In my department, there’s also a mentoring programme so you have someone to help you out at first, and then you take new students under your wing when you’re settled in.
Have you done any extra-curricular activities alongside studying at Oxford?
I’ve been involved with the student-alumni society OXAS which is a networking group designed to strengthen ties between alumni and students. I’ve also become a Graduate Ambassador which is a programme just started by the Development Office that involves being a representative of the university to alumni. I’m also the Female Welfare Rep for the GCR and am quite involved with the GCR in general.
Laurel S. Gabler
Laurel is currently studying for a DPhil in Public Health following on from an MSc in Global Health Science at Green Templeton College. She has also previously attended Stanford University.
Why did you decide to come to Oxford?
I came to Oxford specifically for my course of study although I also happened to be fortunate enough to get a scholarship to study here. I was interested in pursuing a public health degree that focused predominantly on public health and development issues pertinent to low and middle income countries. I decided to stay at Oxford after my MSc because I really enjoyed my course of study, my department and my peers and couldn’t imagine leaving all of that after just a year.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree?
Although I want to be a clinician, I also hope to understand how health care operates in communities, particularly underserved communities. So, while it may seem naively ambitious, I hope to run my own medical school and work as a practitioner/educator somewhere in rural Asia – helping to reverse the brain drain that draws health professionals away from the developing world, and helping local communities develop the infrastructure necessary to deal with their health problems.
At the time I started my studies at Oxford, Oxford’s global health approach was somewhat unique and fit with my career ambitions perfectly. If I was going to learn about international health, I wanted to be surrounded by people who had experience with various healthcare systems and could speak to them personally - I found this at Oxford. Inside the classroom, my MSc course work has given me the necessary toolkit, and my PhD work has given me the necessary independence and motivation to hopefully make my career ambitions a reality.
What are the facilities and staff like within your department?
There is a wide array of expertise within my department. The office space for DPhil students is great and the classrooms and computer facilities for the MSc courses are nice as well. The librarians are also super helpful, and most of the necessary public health texts can be found nearby.
What advice would you give to anyone considering graduate study at Oxford?
The Oxford experience is unique, so take advantage of everything Oxford has to offer - attend every talk you are interested in, go to formal hall, attend a ball, get involved in your college, play a sport etc. even if it feels a bit uncomfortable at first. At Oxford you will make friends from all over the world and have you worldview challenged on a regular basis, so come with an open mind.
Miles Taylor
Miles is studying an MPhil in International Relations at New College. He is originally from Indiana where he attended Indiana University.
Why did you decide to come to Oxford?
I knew Oxford offered the world-class programs, interdisciplinary approach, and academic freedom to make those studies worthwhile..
What is your best memory so far of graduate study at Oxford?
There have been far too many, but nearly all of them have the same source: new friendships. The bonds that I’ve formed since my first day are worth more than I can express. They alone have justified the experience of being an Oxford student.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree and how will a degree from Oxford help you achieve this?
In the immediate term, I want to jump into the private sector to focus on how international trade and entrepreneurship can unlock human potential. In the long term, my Oxford international-relations studies will help me work more effectively to dismantle trade barriers and poorly designed regulatory schemes which inhibit economic growth both at home and in the most undeveloped regions of the world. Political liberty is a pre-requisite, and I have given myself the right education at Oxford to help make that a reality.
Can you describe a typical day in the life at the University?
I flipped back into my calendar, and here was a random Wednesday in October: I headed to breakfast at New College (in a dining hall that never can escape the frequent comparisons to Hogwarts), worked on a paper in the Bodleian Library about American foreign policy in the interwar years, joined a lunch meet-and-greet set up by career services with a top consulting firm, rushed to a lecture at the Manor Road building by former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and ended the day by opening up our college’s graduate student bar, where I served as the bartender (and de-facto DJ, making sure my British friends get a healthy dose of American rock!).
Tell us a bit about your college
UNew College has a distinctly ironic name, as it was founded in 1379. It’s one of Oxford’s oldest and most beautiful colleges, boasting a historic chapel, sprawling gardens, a tower with one of the best views of the city, and the classic archways and stone structures that are the clichés of any imagined Oxford scene. The College is social and vibrant, a mix of graduate and undergraduate students studying in dozens of fields.
What advice would you give to other students considering graduate study at Oxford?
Know yourself and know what you want. Oxford rewards those with independent minds and self-starting attitudes. Some of the best work you’ll do will be self-directed - if you choose to take advantage of the resources that will be waiting for you.
Mark Clayton Hand
Mark has been studying an MBA at the Saïd Business School. He had previously studied at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Why did you decide to come to Oxford?
As I looked for graduate programmes in 2009, I wanted a programme that was international in both content and student body. I also wanted to have one foot in the academic world and one foot in the world of practice - in my case, entrepreneurship and business.
How would you describe Oxford to a prospective student?
I often use the word indulgent to describe a year at Oxford. The entire place is an intellectual playground, with new ideas and perspectives all around you.
What is your best memory so far of graduate study at Oxford?
I spent much of my year helping to build the SBS (Saïd Business School) Seed Fund, a new student-run fund investing in start-ups led by Oxford students and alumni. In late June we signed two investments - getting emails back from those two entrepreneurs meant that the work we’d done all year had paid off.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree?
I’m currently researching Latino markets and communities in the United States, hoping to work with and potentially invest in the young companies that are building products and services for those individuals.
Why did you choose your subject of study?
I worked in international development and community organizing for four years after I finished my undergraduate degree. When I finished, I looked for a degree that would open up new doors and options for me. Business School fit that description, and the diverse career paths of students graduating from Oxford’s Saïd Business School suggested to me that Oxford was even more committed than most to a broad-based business education.
Have you done any extra-curricular activities alongside studying at Oxford?
I picked up squash this year and, toward the end of the year, started playing the guitar again. But my primary extra-curricular activity has been helping put together the university-wide SBS Seed Fund, a project that has let me get to know a broad swath of the Oxford ecosystem.
Joshua Kahn
Joshua is studying for a DPhil in Biomedical Engineering at Wolfson College. He is from Southern California and previously studied at UCLA and Northwestern University, Illinois.
Why did you decide to come to Oxford?
Two reasons – my project and the supervisors. My interests border three different disciplines; medicine, engineering and biology, and my passion is looking at new ways to do medical research where you combine elements of the three. Oxford gave me the opportunity to pursue this research. At Oxford, all the different engineers (mechanical, electrical and biomedical) are in one department so there’s no red tape if I want to work with someone on a project.
What were your expectations of Oxford?
Oxford is better in every way to what I expected. It’s more international than I thought which is invaluable for having amazing casual conversations and developing networks. For example, I’m thinking about writing a philosophy paper with a friend who does sociology. Other places might offer this opportunity, but it’s facilitated here. Oxford brings a collection of good people together in a place with the resources to allow us to pursue our interests.
Tell us a bit about your college
Wolfson College has an amazing, exciting and thoughtful atmosphere which it will be hard to leave. Wolfson only has one common room so there is no separation between the students and the fellows; I’ve run with postdocs and rowed with professors. They’re really cool and inspiring people – after an early morning rowing outing, they might go home to make breakfast for their two kids. The community at Wolfson has given me the opportunity to see all people from different places achieving academically and athletically. I’m from Southern California, so I thought San Francisco was international, but it has nothing on here!
Have you done any extra-curricular activities alongside studying at Oxford?
I’m the Social Secretary at my college. It’s a varied role, for example I oversee all the different clubs, committees and sports groups in the college. I encourage people to get together to get new things going. I want to encourage people to have a good time together, e.g. we recently did a camping trip to Inverness. Right now I’m organising Fresher’s Week, and I’m passionate about ensuring incoming fresher’s are involved in the Wolfson community.
The Oxford Careers Service runs a programme called The Student Consultancy which I took part in. I’ve also got involved in debate here because I wanted to develop my communication skills. At debating, I heard all these different and new opinions, and learn how to moderate between different ideas. I’d like to find the time to be involved in the debate team. I also attend lots of talks here.
Evan Easton-Calabria
Evan, a student in the Department of International Development and a member of Wolfson College, has just finished the MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies at the Refugee Studies Centre. She is from Seattle and previously attended the University of Washington.
What were your expectations of Oxford?
I didn’t think I would get in so was shocked when I received my offer. It’s been awesome - the people are relaxed, my professors are approachable and in general it’s more laid back than I expected. There’s also more of an off-campus arts scene than I expected with open mic nights.
What was the biggest culture shock coming from the USA?
British people are less direct than Americans – they say no without saying no. But I’ve lived in lots of different places and didn’t notice a culture shock that much.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree?
I’ve just finished my Master’s degree so now I’d like to do a DPhil. I’d like to combine working on the ground in somewhere like Uganda with working in research and policy making. At Oxford, I’ve met people doing what I want to do. It’s really inspiring so has improved my focus.
Tell us a bit about your college
Wolfson is a new postgraduate-only college that is a 10 minute cycle away from the city centre. I don’t feel uncomfortable talking to anyone in college even if we haven’t met before and it’s also really international.
Have you done any extra-curricular activities alongside studying at Oxford?
I’ve done rowing and dancing after my friend at college started a new dance class which I’d like to take over next year. I’ve edited a couple of reviews and performed poetry. I’ve also been working at the Forced Migration Summer School. It’s a three-week programme for NGOs and individuals working on the ground to take time out to consider the academic debates around the issues they’re working on.
What’s the main piece of advice you would give to other students considering graduate study at Oxford?
Come! It wasn’t what I was expecting, but was more than I could hope for in an academic sense. I’ve been more challenged than I thought I could be.
Allison Holland Howard
Allison enrolled in 2012 for an MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and is a member of Green Templeton College. She is originally from New Jersey and previously attended Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Why did you decide to come to Oxford to study your chosen subject?
During the end of my junior year in college, I was encouraged to apply for the Rhodes scholarship by one of my professors. As I was applying to other graduate programs for social work and public service, I combed the Oxford graduate website for something similar. When I first read the EBSI course description, it resonated with me as something I’d always wanted but never knew existed. Even though I ultimately did not qualify for the Rhodes, this same professor displayed tireless optimism, mentioning in an almost offhand manner that I should still apply to Oxford. Up until that point, I honestly hadn’t considered it, but I didn’t have anything to lose by trying.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree?
Now that I’m about to finish my MSc., I feel more equipped than ever to dive into the field that stole my heart years ago: human rights, and more specifically, mental health as a human right. I’m moving back to the States to pursue a counselling position with victims of sex trafficking (the subject of my thesis).
What are the facilities and staff like within your department?
In my department, you can’t help but come across researchers with social worker’s souls, always wanting to help others. My department is small but friendly, even offering us free printing in the downstairs computer lab – something I found to be extremely helpful when I realized just how many articles were on the reading list.
Have you done any extra-curricular activities alongside studying at Oxford?
Yes. I first obtained a part-time job working as an administrative assistant on GTC’s campus, and then participated in the GTC Ball Committee. While it could be stressful at times, I’ve never had more fun. I also taught yoga at GTC through the Graduate Common Room, another great way I was able to interact with fellow students. In a city like Oxford, where things can be so spread out, keeping yourself connected using one or two activities is vital.
Sean Grant
Sean is currently studying for a DPhil in Social Intervention having first joined Oxford in 2010 for an MSc in Evidence-based Social Intervention. He is a member of Green Templeton College. Sean is from Manhattan Beach, California and previously attended Loyola Marymount University.
Why did you decide to come to Oxford?
Obviously excellence in research and teaching played a part. I also wanted to study outside the USA and experience something different. I first came to England when I did an international rugby tour and loved it, so my parents encouraged me to think about studying here. Oxford also offers a unique DPhil programme in my area of study. It also emphasises the student’s ability to work independently, so I’ve been able to pursue my interests.
How would you describe Oxford to a prospective student from the USA?
For anyone coming from a big city, Oxford is ‘vibrant calm’. The beautiful architecture and countryside nearby make it feel quaint, but there are also many interesting ambitious people doing world-changing activities. It feels inspiring, not frantic.
What is your best memory so far of graduate study?
I play in a cover band with some other DPhil students, performing rock covers of popular songs from different genres and eras. After playing at the Green Templeton College (GTC) Ball for three years, we played the main stage for that ball and headlined Wolfson College Ball this year. Balls are the social side of Oxford that I didn’t expect – they’re usually at the end of term when everyone has finished exams and are really fun!
Tell us about the American community here in Oxford
There are lots of Americans here, but the postgraduate community feels more international. My friends are from all over the place – Canada, Holland, Germany, Austria, South Africa and New Zealand. But I still bump into Americans often.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree?
I want to work in applied research for a think-tank or university and am interested in substance use and research methods. I’d like to return to LA to work on these social issues where I grew up. Oxford has helped me by giving me fresh international perspective so I think outside the box.
Can you describe a typical day in the life at the University?
Get up and go for a run (Oxford has beautiful parks for joggers – Port Meadows, Christ Church Meadows, University Parks...). I’m in the office by 9 or 10 doing research all day; reading, writing, meeting with my supervisor, bouncing ideas off other DPhil students. I have lunch at the University Office or Taylors (famous Oxford café). There’s a tea room in my department where I take breaks and chat to other students and staff members in my department. I go home at 6pm and cook or go to a restaurant with friends. I might go to the pub with my friends or watch some 30 Rock/Big Bang Theory before bed.
Amin Afrouzi
Amin is a member of Christ Church and is studying for the Master of Studies in Ancient Philosophy. He has previously studied in the US at UC Berkeley and San Diego Mesa College.
Why did you decide to come to Oxford?
In the first instance, it was one of my professors at Berkeley who suggested that I look into the graduate programme at Oxford. When I researched the programme and the faculty, I was very impressed by the wealth of resources that is available to graduate students. I was also intrigued by the college system which I thought gave a unique flavour to studying at Oxford in comparison to the other universities I was considering.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree?
I hope to return to the US and work in academia. I think my course at Oxford made me a much more independent thinker and researcher. At the same time, the guidance of my advisers introduced me to the cutting-edge areas of research in my field and taught me how to focus my research on questions that are academically more interesting.
What are the main differences between Oxford and your previous institution?
The college system and the tutorial format of the coursework.
What are the facilities and staff like within your department?
The staff are exceptionally approachable, responsive, and accommodating.
Have you done any extra-curricular activities alongside studying?
Of course! Who could resist joining the myriad activities that the student organizations host at the university?! I was mostly attracted to the various dance, sports, and music societies. But I also participated in more educational activities such as model UN.
What’s the main piece of advice you would give to other students considering graduate study at Oxford?
Don't hesitate to ask questions; the university administrators are very nice and helpful, especially in person!
Main photograph by Hope Stockton, MSt History of Art and Visual Culture (Kellogg College)